As 2022 KCSE students pursue government funding through the newly introduced university funding model, parents and other stakeholders are still unsure whether to embrace the programme inaugurated on Monday, July 31 fully.
The Ministry of Education, led by CS Ezekiel Machogu, on Thursday, August 11, offered clarity on the new model and explained its differences from the old funding programme in an effort to calm the dissenting voices.
Here is a list of the 14 most asked questions about the model and the corresponding responses.
1. What is the purpose of the new Higher Education Government Student Scholarship?
The scholarship aims to support students across tertiary institutions with their education based on fees charged in school and their financial background.
2. Who qualifies for the scholarship?
The scholarship is only offered to Kenyan students who sat for their KCSE examinations in 2022. The students must also be placed at the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
3. Can a student apply for a loan (HELB) and scholarship in the same year?
A vulnerable student will qualify for an 82 per cent scholarship and an 18 per cent loan for the cost of the programme.
An extremely needy learner will get a 70 per cent scholarship and a 30 per cent loan for the cost of the course.
A needy learner will get a 53 per cent scholarship, a 40 per cent loan and a 7 per cent household of the cost of the programme.
A less needy learner will get a 38 per cent scholarship, a 55 per cent loan and a 7 per cent family of the cost of the course.
4. Can students below 18 years apply for the scholarship?
Minors placed in any institution by KUCCPS can apply for a scholarship. Once the individuals reach 18, they will be required to update their profiles to continue benefiting from the government scholarship and loan.
5. Is it a must for a student to apply for the Higher Education Government Student Scholarship?
No, it is not mandatory.
6. What steps must one follow when applying for a Government Student Scholarship?
To apply for a scholarship, visit www.hef.co.ke. The documentation required includes academic records, personal details, student's residential and educational background.
"Ensure you have the necessary documents available, including the “Consent to Collect Personal Data” form," read the statement in part.
7. Are the scholarships based on financial need, merit or both?
Apart from financial needs, the scholarship is also based on academic merit.
8. Is the application for the Government Student Scholarship a one-off for a learner throughout the degree?
Beneficiaries have to apply through the funding website every year academic year.
9. What happens if one receives less than the scholarship award applied for?
An individual may appeal or request a review of the scholarship if they are not satisfied with the amount awarded. Those who miss out on the scholarship can also appeal.
10. Can a foreigner apply and receive the Government Student Scholarship?
The scholarship is only restricted to Kenyans.
11. How can a student use the Government Student Scholarship fund?
The fund takes care of the tuition fees and is directly disbursed directly to the university or college.
12. Can the Government Student Scholarship affect other forms of financial assistance to the learner?
If a student is fully funded by another agency, individual or institution, they cannot qualify for the scholarship since it will lead to overfunding. Students will be required fully disclose the agencies sponsoring them and the amounts applicable.
Non-disclosure may lead to withdrawal or cancellation of the scholarship.
13. Are there any requirements or responsibilities for Student Government Scholarship recipients?
Students are required to complete their studies within the stipulated time. The scholarship will not cater for any extended study duration cost.
14. Will a student need a guarantor to be eligible for the Government Scholarship?
No guarantors are needed.
