The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is offering a Postgraduate Scholarship to support Kenyan students pursuing Master’s and PhD programmes in accredited public and private universities across Kenya. This financial aid initiative is designed to strengthen advanced education, particularly in priority sectors, by easing the financial burden for qualified postgraduate students and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Key Scholarship Information
Scholarship: HELB Postgraduate Scholarship Award (PGSA)
Award Amount: Kshs. 200,000 (Master’s) | Kshs. 450,000 (PhD)
Number of Awards: Multiple (based on funding availability)
Academic Level: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD)
Field of Study: All fields (priority given to STEM and Big Four Agenda-related courses)
Deadline: Not specified (apply via Student Portal)
Eligibility: Kenyan students admitted to accredited postgraduate programmes in Kenya
About the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a state corporation in Kenya mandated to provide financial support to students pursuing higher education. Over the years, HELB has played a critical role in expanding access to tertiary education by offering loans, bursaries, and scholarships to thousands of students annually.
With a strong focus on equity and inclusivity, HELB prioritizes students from disadvantaged backgrounds and underserved regions. Its scholarship and loan programmes are aligned with Kenya’s long-term development strategies, ensuring that beneficiaries gain the knowledge and skills needed to drive economic growth and innovation.
Through the Postgraduate Scholarship, HELB continues to invest in advanced education by supporting research, innovation, and specialized skills development. Many past beneficiaries have progressed into leadership roles in academia, government, and industry, reinforcing the program’s impact on national progress.
Scholarship Description
The HELB Postgraduate Scholarship is a partial funding opportunity aimed at Kenyan graduates seeking to advance their education through Master’s or Doctoral studies. This scholarship is available for both full-time and part-time students enrolled in institutions recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
The award provides financial assistance for a defined study period, with Master’s students supported for up to two years and PhD candidates funded for up to three years. The funding is intended to help cover tuition and related academic expenses, making postgraduate education more accessible to deserving candidates.
Special emphasis is placed on students pursuing courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Innovation, and Fisheries (STEM IF), as well as programmes aligned with Kenya’s “Big Four Agenda.” This ensures that the scholarship contributes directly to key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, food security, and affordable housing.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens.
- Must have a valid letter of admission into a full-time or part-time postgraduate programme.
- Must be enrolling in the first year of study.
- Must hold a minimum undergraduate qualification of Second-Class Honors (Upper Division).
- Applicants who are current or previous HELB loan beneficiaries must be actively repaying or have fully cleared their loan.
Selection Criteria
The HELB Postgraduate Scholarship selection process is competitive and considers multiple factors to ensure fairness and impact. Key evaluation areas include:
- Academic performance and prior qualifications
- Relevance of the chosen course to national development priorities
- Financial need and ability to benefit from the scholarship
- Geographical representation across Kenya
- Gender balance and inclusivity
Applicants from marginalized regions are strongly encouraged to apply, as HELB seeks to promote equal access to education opportunities across the country.
Application Requirements
To successfully apply for the HELB Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- Completed Postgraduate Scholarship Application Form (PGSA)
- Admission letter from a recognized university
- Certified academic certificates and transcripts
- Duly signed and stamped PGSA form
- Any additional documents listed in the official application checklist
All documents must be scanned and compiled into a single PDF file before submission.
Award Benefits
This postgraduate scholarship in Kenya offers valuable financial support and professional growth opportunities, including:
- Partial tuition funding (Kshs. 200,000 for Master’s and Kshs. 450,000 for PhD)
- Reduced financial pressure, allowing students to focus on academic excellence
- Support for research and innovation in high-impact sectors
- Enhanced career prospects through advanced qualifications
Beyond financial assistance, recipients become part of a broader network of scholars contributing to Kenya’s socio-economic transformation. Many beneficiaries have gone on to influence policy, drive innovation, and lead research initiatives in critical industries.
How to Apply
Applications for the HELB Postgraduate Scholarship are completed online through the HELB Student Portal. The process involves several steps:
- Register and log in to the HELB Student Portal
- Access and complete the Postgraduate Scholarship Application (PGSA)
- Submit the application online, then download and print the form
- Have the form signed and stamped by the relevant authorities
- Attach all required documents as per the checklist
- Scan the completed application and supporting documents into one PDF file
- Email the PDF to [email protected]
Applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Kshs. 3,000 via M-PESA through the portal before final submission.
Important Notes
- Geographical distribution and gender equity are considered during selection.
- Applicants from marginalized areas are highly encouraged to apply.
- Applicants should not pay any individual to process their application.
- Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete to avoid disqualification.
The HELB Postgraduate Scholarship presents a valuable opportunity for Kenyan students seeking financial aid for Master’s and PhD programmes. By supporting advanced education in key sectors, this initiative plays a crucial role in building a skilled workforce and driving sustainable national development.
