Public Universities Admits Latest Government Funding Model
Public Universities Admits Latest Government Funding Model. CS education Ezekiel Machogu took part in the launch of the Kenya University and Colleges Placement Service online application on May 17, 2023.
The government’s new higher education financing plan, which restricts scholarship chances to students attending public colleges, has received plaudits from private universities.
In a notice that was released in the local media on Thursday, the Kenya Association of Private Universities asserted that they were involved in the discussions around the development of the new model. They also mentioned that every student would be admitted to both public and private universities based on their personal preferences.
According to the private institutions, all students would be able to select from the courses provided by both private and public universities on the Kenya institutions and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal.
The government’s decision to remove funding under the new model from student placement by KUCCPS is the cause of this.
Students who attend private institutions will no longer be eligible for government scholarships like their classmates who attend public universities, only loans.
The loans will be secured via the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
“Private universities will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that all Kenyan students have equitable access to quality education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability opportunities for the benefit of their parents, communities, and for the posterity of Kenya,” said a sector representative.
The KUCCPS portal went live on Wednesday after being inaugurated by Ezekiel Machogu, the Education Cabinet Secretary.
Candidates for the 2022 KCSE will enroll in degree programs if they received the required admission grade of C+, while those who received a C or lower would be assigned to TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training) institutions.
After being selected, students in public colleges will have the option to apply for government scholarships. This will be done using a “fool-proof tool” that will assess the applicants before awarding awards.
Children will be categorized into three need groups based on ability, vulnerability, and less vulnerability.
Students from less impoverished backgrounds will receive scholarships and loans reaching up to 53% and 40%, respectively.
Students who are financially capable will each receive up to 38% of the program’s cost at once, with loans covering the remaining 55%.
For individuals enrolled in TVET programs, the government will provide 32% in grants and loans and 48% in scholarships.
August marks the deadline for applications, and September is when students are expected to report to their particular universities.