The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened applications for the 2024-2025 postgraduate scholarships for Kenyan students pursuing master’s and PhD programs. This initiative aims to support higher education and research by providing financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in local public or private universities recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
The scholarships, available for two years for master’s programs and three years for PhD programs, offer loans ranging from KES 200,000 to KES 450,000. Applicants must submit a letter of admission to a full or part-time program at a recognized university and must have attained a minimum of a Second-Class Upper Division to qualify.
“Preference will be given to applicants undertaking Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics (STEAM) courses,” explained the board. This focus on STEAM fields underscores the importance of these disciplines in driving innovation and development in Kenya. Additionally, former HELB beneficiaries must have cleared their previous loans or be in the process of repaying them to qualify for the new loan.
The application process requires students to register and complete the 2024/2025 Postgraduate Scholarship Application before the August 31, 2024 deadline. Application forms can be accessed through the HELB website at www.hef.co.ke. Once the required details are filled in, applicants should submit the completed application, download and print the Postgraduate Scholarship Application (PGSA), and have it signed and stamped by the relevant authorities. Necessary documents, as indicated in the checklist, must be attached.
The completed PGSA and all attachments should be scanned into a single PDF document and sent to [email protected]. Applicants must also submit the completed form online. A non-refundable application fee of KES 3,000 is payable via M-PESA when clicking on the payment tab on the portal.
“Do not pay any individual to process your Postgraduate Scholarship Application,” the board cautioned. This warning aims to protect applicants from potential fraud and ensure that the process remains transparent and fair.
The notice also highlighted that geographical distribution and gender are considered during the scholarship award process, encouraging applicants from marginalized regions to apply. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that all deserving students, regardless of their background, have access to higher education opportunities.
HELB’s postgraduate scholarships have been a critical resource for many students in Kenya, enabling them to further their education and contribute to the country’s development. The board’s commitment to supporting higher education is evident in its rigorous application process and focus on key academic disciplines.
“Supporting postgraduate education is crucial for the development of our nation,” said a HELB representative. “We are committed to providing the necessary financial resources to help our students succeed and contribute positively to society.”
