The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced scholarship applications for master’s and PhD students for the 2026/27 academic year.

In a statement on July 30, HELB confirmed that applications are now open for its 2026/27 Postgraduate Partial Scholarships targeting eligible Kenyan students enrolled at local public and private universities recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

“The Higher Education Loans Board applications for the 2026-2027 Postgraduate partial scholarships are now open. Eligible applicants are Kenyan students enrolled for master’s and PhD programs in local Public or Private Universities recognized by the Commission for University Education [CUE],” the statement read in part.

From the issued notice, master’s students selected for the scholarship will receive KSh 200,000, with the award tenable for two years, while PhD students will receive KSh 450,000, tenable for three years.

Who is Eligible for the HELB Postgraduate Scholarships?

HELB further highlighted that applicants must have attained a minimum qualification of Second-Class Upper Division and hold a valid admission letter from a university.

The scholarship is open to students pursuing STEM and Agriculture-related Master’s or PhD programs.

Notably, applicants who previously benefited from a HELB loan must be actively repaying the loan or have fully cleared the outstanding balance before they can qualify for the scholarship.

“If a past HELB loan beneficiary, the applicant MUST BE REPAYING his/her loan or has CLEARED the Loan,” the loans board emphasized.

How to Apply

Here’s the step-by-step process to apply for the Postgraduate Scholarship Application on hef.co.ke.

  • Visit hef.co.ke and open the Postgraduate Scholarship Application (PGSA) portal.
  • Create an account or log in using your national ID number and a phone number or email registered in your name.
  • Prepare the required documents in clear PDF format, including your ID, admission letter, degree certificate/transcripts, passport photo, and bank details.
  • Fill in the PGSA form carefully and make sure the details match your documents.
  • Pay the required non-refundable application fee of KSh 3,000 through the payment option shown on the portal.
  • Submit the completed application online. If the portal asks for signed or stamped documents, upload them as instructed.
  • Log back into the portal regularly to track your application status.

Application Fee and Fraud Warning

Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of KSh 3,000 through eCitizen as part of the scholarship application process.

HELB has warned applicants against fraudsters claiming to represent the board and charging fees to apply on their behalf, fast-track applications, or guarantee scholarship awards.

The board stated that all scholarship applications are processed through an automated system managed by HELB.

“Beware of fraudsters purporting to represent HELB and charging applicants to either apply on their behalf, fast-track the application or guarantee the award of the scholarship. All processing is automated and is done by HELB,” the board stated.

Persons with special needs are also encouraged to apply for the postgraduate scholarships.

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HELB Invites Applications for 2026/27 Partial Postgraduate Scholarships; How to Apply
Geofrey Monari, HELB C.E.O in a previous event. PHOTO/HELB