KUCCPS Releases List of Universities and Colleges Eligible for HELB Scholarships 2026

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has released an official list of higher learning institutions that will benefit from government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding for the 2026 academic intake.

According to the placement agency, 42 public universities, alongside the Open University of Kenya, have been approved to receive both government scholarships and HELB loans. This places public universities at the centre of government-backed student financing under the current higher education funding framework.

KUCCPS noted that these institutions remain the main channel through which the government supports university education, ensuring eligible students access to affordable learning opportunities.

KUCCPS Releases List of Universities and Colleges Eligible for HELB and Government Scholarships 2026

Private Universities Limited to HELB Loans Only

In contrast, 30 private universities were approved to offer HELB loans only, meaning students enrolling in these institutions will not qualify for direct government scholarships. Learners in private universities will therefore rely solely on loan support to finance their studies.

TVET Colleges Receive Major Boost

The placement body also confirmed that 272 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges under the Ministry of Education qualified for both HELB loans and government scholarships.

KUCCPS stated that the decision is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen technical education and encourage more students to pursue practical, skills-based training that supports job creation and industrial growth.

Meanwhile, 153 public colleges operating under other government ministries, together with Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC), were approved for HELB loans only.

University-Level TVETs Excluded from Funding

In a separate update, KUCCPS revealed that 35 university-level TVET institutions were recognised in the system but did not qualify for either HELB loans or government scholarships, meaning students admitted to these institutions will need alternative funding options.

Approved Public Universities for HELB and Government Scholarships

The following public universities have been cleared to offer both HELB loans and government scholarships:

University of Nairobi
Kenyatta University
Moi University
Egerton University
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Maseno University
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
Chuka University
Pwani University
Kibabii University
Kisii University
Karatina University
Machakos University
Maasai Mara University
Rongo University
University of Eldoret
Meru University of Science and Technology
South Eastern Kenya University
Taita Taveta University
Technical University of Kenya
Technical University of Mombasa
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
Co-operative University of Kenya
Laikipia University
Garissa University
Turkana University College
Tharaka University
Kabarnet University College
Kaimosi Friends University
Kirinyaga University
Alupe University
Bomet University College
Nyandarua University College
Koitaleel Samoei University College
Kenya University – Mama Ngina University College
Multimedia University of Kenya
Murang’a University of Technology
Tom Mboya University
University of Embu
Open University of Kenya

KUCCPS said the classification is intended to help students and parents make informed decisions during course selection and placement.

Government Raises HELB Funding for 2025/2026

The announcement comes shortly after the government increased HELB’s annual allocation from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The additional Ksh5 billion is expected to support more learners under the student-centred funding model. Part of the funds will cater for tuition and student upkeep, while a significant portion will be channelled towards scholarships.

Under the new allocation, Ksh13 billion has been set aside for tuition support, while Ksh16.9 billion will be transferred to the Universities Fund to finance government scholarships.