KUCCPS Releases Updated List Of Private Universities Eligible For HELB Loans

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has officially revised and expanded its list of private universities eligible for funding from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), marking a significant development for students seeking higher education opportunities in the country.

This update comes shortly after KUCCPS open the 2026 placement portal, which went live on Tuesday evening, signaling the start of this year’s university and college application cycle.

In its latest communication, KUCCPS confirmed that a total of 31 private universities have now been approved to offer programmes supported by HELB loans.

This means that students who secure placement in any of these institutions will have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance through HELB, easing the burden of tuition and related costs. The move is expected to expand access to higher education by giving students more flexibility in choosing institutions beyond the public university system.

However, KUCCPS clarified that while students joining these private universities will be eligible for HELB loans, they will not benefit from direct government sponsorship. Government-funded scholarships will remain strictly reserved for students admitted to public universities.

Currently, 43 public universities, along with the Open University of Kenya, continue to enjoy full access to both HELB loans and government scholarships under the existing higher education funding framework.

The placement exercise, which runs from April 7 to May 6, provides students with a one-month window to submit their applications and revise their course selections where necessary.

During this period, KUCCPS has emphasized that HELB support will still be available for those opting to join private universities, but state-funded scholarships will remain exclusive to public institutions operating under the Ministry of Education.

full list of private universities that have now been approved to receive HELB Loan:

1. Africa International University (Nairobi)
2. Africa Nazarene University (Kajiado)
3. Amref International University (Nairobi)
4. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Nairobi)
5. Daystar University (Machakos)
6. Great Lakes University of Kisumu (Kisumu)
7. Gretsa University (Kiambu)
8. International Leadership University (Nairobi)
9. Islamic University of Kenya (Nairobi)
10. Kabarak University (Nakuru)
11. KCA University (Nairobi)
12. Kenya Assemblies of God East University (Kiambu)
13. Kenya Highlands Evangelical University (Kericho)
14. Kenya Methodist University (Meru)
15. Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology (Nairobi)
16. Lukenya University (Machakos)
17. Management University of Africa (Nairobi)
18. Marist International University College (Nairobi)
19. Mount Kenya University (Kiambu)
20. Outspan Global University (Nyeri)
21. Pan Africa Christian University (Nairobi)
22. Pioneer International University (Nairobi)
23. Presbyterian University of East Africa (Kiambu)
24. Riara University (Nairobi)
25. Scott Christian University (Machakos)
26. St Paul’s University (Kiambu)
27. Tangaza University (Nairobi)
28. The East African University (Kajiado)
29. University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (Nandi)
30. Uzima University (Kisumu)
31. Zetech University (Nairobi)

In addition to universities, KUCCPS also highlighted opportunities within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. A total of 275 public colleges offering TVET programmes have been approved to receive both government scholarships and HELB loans.

This dual support is aimed at strengthening technical education and encouraging more students to pursue skill-based training as an alternative to traditional degree programmes.

Read Also: KUCCPS Opens 2026 Portal, Releases New Guidelines, Eligibility, Reporting Dates And Deadline