How To Get HELB Scholarships For Postgraduates Studies

MKU PhD graduates pose for a photo with the Dr. Karim Khan, ICC Prosecutor, Chancellor Prof. John Struthers and Prof. JAGANYI, MKU Vice-Chancellor.

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has outlined the process Kenyan students can follow to apply for postgraduate scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies in local universities.

According to information published on the official website the scholarships are available to Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate programmes in both public and private universities recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

HELB states that successful applicants pursuing Master’s degrees can receive up to Ksh 200,000, while PhD students may receive up to Ksh 450,000.

The funding is partial and is tenable for two years for Master’s programmes and three years for PhD programmes.

Qualifications For Scholarship

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have an admission letter for either a full-time or part-time postgraduate programme.

Applicants must also possess a minimum undergraduate qualification of Second Class Honours Upper Division and be reporting for their first year of study.

HELB further notes that priority is given to students undertaking Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Innovation and Fisheries (STEM-IF) related programmes, as well as courses linked to Kenya’s development agenda.

Applicants who previously benefited from HELB loans are also required to demonstrate that they are repaying their loans or have already cleared them before they can qualify for the scholarship.

Also Read: Can Students Abroad Access HELB Services Online?

HELB Application Process

The application process is conducted through the HELB student portal.

Applicants are required to register on the portal, complete the Postgraduate Scholarship Application form, submit it online, and then print the completed form for signing and stamping by the relevant authorities.

Applicants attach all the required documents, scan the forms and supporting documents into a single PDF file, and send it to HELB through the official scholarship email provided by the board.

Also Read: What Students Should Know About HELB Scholarships and Bursaries

Application Fee

HELB also requires applicants to pay a non-refundable application fee of Ksh 3,000 through the payment options provided on the portal.

The loans board has cautioned students against paying individuals to process scholarship applications on their behalf.

HELB says geographical balance and gender considerations are also taken into account during the scholarship award process, with applicants from marginalized regions encouraged to apply.

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