HELB Opens Applications for 2026/27 Postgraduate Scholarships Worth Up to Ksh450,000
2 min read
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has opened applications for its 2026/2027 postgraduate scholarships, giving eligible Kenyan students an opportunity to receive financial support for Master’s and PhD studies.
The scholarships are available to Kenyan students admitted to public and private universities recognised by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The application deadline is August 31, 2026.
Scholarship Amounts
Students who qualify will receive funding as follows:
- Master’s students: Ksh200,000, payable over two years.
- PhD students: Ksh450,000, payable over three years.
The scholarships are intended to reduce the cost of postgraduate education and help more students pursue advanced studies.
Courses Eligible for the Scholarship
HELB said the scholarships are mainly for students studying courses in:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics (STEM)
- Agriculture-related programmes
These fields have been identified as important in supporting Kenya’s economic growth, innovation, food security and industrial development.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be Kenyan citizens.
- Have been admitted to a recognised public or private university in Kenya.
- Hold at least a Second Class Upper Division degree from their undergraduate studies.
- Have a valid admission letter for a Master’s or PhD programme.
Applicants who previously received HELB loans must also be repaying their loans or have cleared any outstanding balance before applying.
Application Fee
HELB said applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Ksh3,000 through the eCitizen platform.
The board also encouraged persons living with disabilities who meet the requirements to apply.
HELB Warns Applicants Against Fraudsters
HELB has cautioned applicants against people claiming they can influence or speed up the scholarship application process.
The board said the selection process is fully automated and urged students to follow the official application procedure.
Applications Close on August 31
Eligible students have until August 31, 2026, to submit their applications.
The scholarships come as the government continues investing in higher education funding to help more Kenyans access university education and gain specialised skills needed in the job market.
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