KUCCPS Releases New List of Private Universities Eligible for HELB Loans
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service has released a revised list of private universities eligible for funding from the Higher Education Loans Board, following the official opening of the 2026 placement portal.
The announcement, made on Tuesday evening, confirms that 31 private universities have been cleared for HELB loan consideration—offering a crucial financial lifeline to thousands of students seeking higher education opportunities outside the public university system.
HELB Access Expanded, But No Government Sponsorship
In a statement accompanying the update, KUCCPS clarified that while students admitted to these private institutions can apply for HELB loans, they will not qualify for government scholarships. These state-funded scholarships remain exclusively reserved for students placed in public universities.
“Students applying to private universities will be eligible for HELB loans but not government scholarships, which are only available in public institutions,” KUCCPS stated.
Currently, 43 public universities, alongside the Open University of Kenya, continue to benefit from both HELB loans and government scholarships under the Ministry of Education framework.
Placement Window and Available Slots
The placement exercise, which runs from April 7 to May 6, is expected to guide hundreds of thousands of applicants into various higher education institutions across the country.
According to KUCCPS data, universities have been allocated a total of 322,396 degree programme slots, all approved by the Commission for University Education.
This comes after the release of the 2025 KCSE results, where 980,444 candidates qualified for placement. Out of these, 268,700 students attained a mean grade of C+ and above, making them eligible for degree programmes across both public and private universities.
TVET Institutions Also Benefit
KUCCPS further confirmed that 275 public colleges offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes will benefit from both HELB loans and government scholarships—highlighting the government’s growing focus on technical education.
However, students admitted to other public colleges, including the Kenya Medical Training College, will only be eligible for HELB loans and not government scholarships. These institutions collectively number 157.
Full List of Private Universities Eligible for HELB
The institutions cleared for HELB funding include:
- Africa International University (Nairobi)
- Africa Nazarene University (Kajiado)
- Amref International University (Nairobi)
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Nairobi)
- Daystar University (Machakos)
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu (Kisumu)
- Gretsa University (Kiambu)
- International Leadership University (Nairobi)
- Islamic University of Kenya (Nairobi)
- Kabarak University (Nakuru)
- KCA University (Nairobi)
- Kenya Assemblies of God East University (Kiambu)
- Kenya Highlands Evangelical University (Kericho)
- Kenya Methodist University (Meru)
- Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology (Nairobi)
- Lukenya University (Machakos)
- Management University of Africa (Nairobi)
- Marist International University College (Nairobi)
- Mount Kenya University (Kiambu)
- Outspan Global University (Nyeri)
- Pan Africa Christian University (Nairobi)
- Pioneer International University (Nairobi)
- Presbyterian University of East Africa (Kiambu)
- Riara University (Nairobi)
- Scott Christian University (Machakos)
- St Paul’s University (Kiambu)
- Tangaza University (Nairobi)
- The East African University (Kajiado)
- University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (Nandi)
- Uzima University (Kisumu)
- Zetech University (Nairobi)
Nationwide Support for Applicants
To streamline the application process, KUCCPS has also announced plans to deploy officers to universities and TVET institutions across all counties. The initiative aims to assist students in making informed course selections and completing their applications within the deadline.
The latest development underscores the government’s evolving higher education funding model under William Ruto, which continues to prioritise public institutions while extending limited financial support to private university students through loan schemes.
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KUCCPS Releases New List of Private Universities Eligible for HELB Loans