Private Universities Finally Embrace Gov’t Funding Model
Private universities have praised the government’s new higher education finance scheme, which limits scholarship opportunities to those enrolling in public universities.
The Kenya Association of Private Universities claimed they were involved in the negotiations around the creation of the new model in a notice published in the local media on Thursday. They also noted that all students will be admitted to both private and public universities in accordance with their individual preferences.
The courses offered by both private and public universities would be included on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal for all students to choose from, according to the private universities.
This comes as a result of the government’s decision to separate funding under the new model from student placement by KUCCPS.
Scholarship and Loans Eligibility
Unlike their peers in public universities, students attending private institutions will no longer be eligible for government scholarships, just loans.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) will be where the loans are obtained.
“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,” stated Stephen Ngari, chair of the association.
After being opened by Ezekiel Machogu, the Education Cabinet Secretary, the KUCCPS portal became operational on Wednesday.
Candidates for the 2022 KCSE who received the required admission grade of C+ will enroll in degree programs, while those who received a C or lower will be placed in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training) schools.
Fool-proof Tool
Students in public universities will have the choice to apply for government scholarships after being chosen, and this will be done using a “fool-proof tool” that will evaluate them before giving out grants.
According to the funding model, kids will be divided into three need categories: vulnerable, less vulnerable, and able.
Students from less impoverished homes will be eligible for loans of up to 40% and scholarships of up to 53%.
The funding for capable students will be provided concurrently, up to a maximum of 38% of program costs and 55% in the form of loans.
Government funding for TVET enrollment will total 32% in the form of scholarships and 48% in the form of loans.
August is when the application process is scheduled to end, and September is when students are supposed to report to their respective colleges.
Private Universities Finally Embrace Gov’t Funding Model
