The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has opened applications for its 2026/2027 postgraduate scholarship programme, offering eligible Kenyan students pursuing Master's and PhD degrees funding of up to Ksh450,000.
The programme targets students enrolled in public and private universities recognised by the Commission for University Education (CUE), with applications remaining open until August 31, 2026.
The scholarships form part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen postgraduate education in priority sectors, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and agriculture, while easing the financial burden facing students pursuing advanced degrees.
According to HELB, successful Master's students will receive Ksh200,000 spread over two years, while PhD candidates will receive Ksh450,000 over three years.
Who Qualifies for the HELB Postgraduate Scholarships?
HELB has restricted the scholarships to Kenyan students admitted to recognised Master's and PhD programmes in accredited universities.
To qualify, applicants must have attained at least a Second Class Upper Division in their undergraduate studies and possess a valid admission letter from a university recognised by the Commission for University Education.
The board also requires previous HELB beneficiaries to demonstrate that they are actively servicing their education loans or have fully cleared any outstanding balances before their applications can be considered.
Applicants will also be required to pay a non-refundable Ksh3,000 application fee through the eCitizen platform.
HELB has encouraged persons living with disabilities to apply, reiterating its commitment to promoting equitable access to higher education.
Focus on STEM and Agriculture Courses
The scholarship programme prioritises students pursuing courses in STEM and agriculture, sectors the government considers critical to Kenya's industrialisation, innovation and food security agenda.
By directing funding towards these disciplines, HELB hopes to increase the number of highly skilled researchers, lecturers and professionals capable of supporting economic growth and technological advancement.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen local research capacity while reducing financial barriers that often prevent qualified students from pursuing postgraduate education.
HELB Warns Applicants Against Fraudsters
HELB has cautioned applicants against individuals claiming they can influence scholarship awards or speed up the application process.
The board stressed that the selection process is fully automated, urging applicants to rely only on official HELB communication channels and avoid making payments to third parties.
The announcement comes weeks after HELB opened applications for continuing undergraduate loans under the 2026/2027 financial year, which allocated a record Ksh56.3 billion towards higher education financing.
The scholarship programme also comes amid wider reforms in Kenya's higher education sector, with President William Ruto recently announcing plans to introduce a universal funding model for university and college students if the proposed legislation is approved.
For thousands of graduates hoping to pursue advanced studies, the scholarships could significantly reduce tuition costs while helping Kenya build a stronger pool of researchers, innovators and professionals needed to drive long-term economic development.
