The HELB and Universities Fund appeal mechanism is an online process that allows students to request a reassessment of their initial Means Testing Instrument score. The MTI score is used to determine the level of financial need and the amount of scholarship or loan a student receives.
The appeal process is designed to consider new information, updated family circumstances, or previously unreported challenges that may affect a student’s financial need.
Who the HELB and UF Appeals Process Is For
The appeals mechanism is open to:
- Students who applied for HELB or UF funding and believe their award does not reflect their financial circumstances
- Students whose family situation changed after submitting their initial application
- Students who have new evidence of hardship or additional dependents
- Students whose MTI inputs were incomplete or inaccurate during the initial assessment
The process is intended for continuing students and new applicants under the current funding model.
How to Apply for a HELB or UF Scholarship or Loan Appeal
Step 1: Visit the HELB or UF Website
Open the HELB or Universities Fund website and navigate to the Students Portal.
Step 2: Register or Log In
Students logging in for the first time must register an account. Returning users can log in using their existing credentials.
Step 3: Go to the Funds Appeal Tab
Select the appeal option to begin the review request.
Step 4: Select the Reason for Appeal
You must choose one appeal reason that best reflects your situation. The system only allows one reason per appeal.
Step 5: Attach Required Evidence
Upload documents that support the appeal, such as medical reports, death certificates, income statements, or other proof depending on the selected reason.
Step 6: Submit the Appeal Online
Once all documents are attached, submit the appeal for assessment.
How the Appeals Are Assessed
Appeals are evaluated against the original Means Testing Instrument score from the initial application. Only new, verifiable information may result in a score adjustment. If the appeal contains details already provided earlier, no change will be made.
This approach ensures fairness, transparency, and accurate reflection of the student’s current financial need.
Appeal Reasons and What They Influence
Below is the full list of recognised appeal reasons and the MTI variables affected. All reasons are considered individually, based on the evidence provided.
Affirmative Consideration
These reasons trigger affirmative weighting during reassessment:
- Raised by a single parent now deceased
- Both parents deceased
- Unavailable parents or abandonment
- Mother suffering from mental illness
- Father suffering from mental illness
- Family under a Government of Kenya cash transfer program
- Disability affecting the student
- Family receiving support from the Department of Social Protection
- Chronic medical condition affecting a parent, sibling, or the student
Family Structure Adjustments
These reasons affect the family structure component of the MTI:
- Mother is deceased
- Father is deceased
Sponsorship History
These reasons affect the sponsorship variable:
- Sponsored in primary school
- Sponsored in secondary school
Household Income Adjustments
These reasons affect income calculations:
- Loss of parental income (father)
- Loss of parental income (mother)
Other MTI Variables
- Unable to manage household contribution: assessed under household contribution computation
- Another sibling in higher education applying for funding: affects the siblings in higher education variable
