Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Financial Aid

helb loan application form for continuing students  - The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) Financial Aid Office is committed to supporting the university achieve its Vision and Mission of providing quality all round education to a diversified population of students through its academic programs.
The primary goal of the USIU-Africa Financial Aid Office is to provide students with full access to all available sources of both Internal and External financial assistance in order to meet their educational costs while pursuing their studies at USIU-Africa.
Objectives of USIU-Africa’s Financial Aid programs
•    Enhance and encourage scholarship among the students.
•    Enable eligible applicants from socio-economically under-privileged communities attain quality education from one of the most reputable institutions in the region.
•    Recognize and promote sport talent among the students and youth in general.
•    Enhance diversity in student enrollments thus encouraging multi-cultural appreciation and interaction among students from different nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds.
•    Help in the career development of students through Campus Work Opportunities popularly referred to as Work Study program, Graduate Assistantship and Teaching/Research Assistantship.
Financial Aid Policy and Regulations
•    Financial Aid is not refundable to students under any circumstances.
•    Award of grants/ scholarships depends on availability of funds.
•    Students who apply for need based Financial Aid programs will be required to provide all the necessary documentary evidence alongside their applications.
•    Fulfillment of all the Financial Aid application requirements is not a guarantee for the award of Aid.
•    Scholarships will be advertised in the major Kenya daily newspapers. Interested applicants can also contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
•    All shortlisted Financial Aid applicants will be notified about the status of their applications within seven days from the date of the interview (for continuing students) or upon admission (if new students).
•    Students may apply for more than one Financial Aid program depending on circumstances and eligibility.
•    Unless specified, all USIU-Africa students who meet the required criteria are eligible for financial aid.
•    Students of Kenyan nationality with financial need must apply for HELB funds if they qualify for the same.
•    Incomplete applications will not be processed.
•    Recipients of financial aid must maintain specified academic requirements to remain eligible. Students who their Cumulative GPA drops below expected standards loose the financial aid program they are on until they improve their GPA to continue benefiting.
•    Awards are available from the moment of approval and cannot be back-dated.
Definition of Terms
N/B. These terms are defined as per USIU policy.
Under-Privileged/Underrepresented/Marginalized Communities –These are students from difficult socio-economic backgrounds from the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya and the informal settlements in the university neighborhood as defined below:
 Arid Areas - Turkana, Marsabit, Moyale, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Samburu, Baringo, Garissa, Ijara, Tana River
Semi-Arid Areas - West Pokot, Laikipia, Narok, Kajiado, Mwingi, Kitui, Makueni, Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Malindi, Lamu
Diversity - This includes individual differences along the dimensions of socio-economic status and physical abilities.
Informal Settlements in the Neighborhood of USIU Africa - These areas include; Mathare, Korogocho, Marurui, Roysambu.
Multicultural - relating to, or constituting several cultural or ethnic groups within a society.
Cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) - this is the weighted mean value of all grade points a student has earned since enrollment at USIU-Africa
Tuition Fees - this is the total cost for the units (course(s) taken per semester in the University. This cost does not include library, medical and student activity fees or any other charges.
Merit based - These awards are based on a student's academic, artistic, athletic or other abilities in co-curriculum activities.
Need Based - these awards are based on the student and family's financial record and require applicants to fill out a financial aid application form and attach relevant documents to verify the financial aid position of the family. These documents are stated in the financial aid application form.
Grants – The award of this aid is based on demonstrated financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid.
Scholarships/Waivers – The award of these funds is based on a variety of factors such as academic achievement, talent, leadership, geographical location, field of study and/or financial need. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Loans – Funds that are borrowed from HELB and other financial institutions to help pay for educational expenses. Loans must be repaid back to HELB and those financial institutions, usually with interest.
Campus Work Opportunity – These are funds earned by working for the stipulated number of hours within the University. These earnings are posted directly into the student’s tuition account.
FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
GOVERNMENT STUDENT AID: Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Students of Kenyan nationality at USIU-Africa can apply for loans from HELB as long as they meet the required criteria. Interested applicants must commence the application process by registering online to enable them access HELB loan forms. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Kenya Revenue Authority is required later on in the process.
For more information, please visit the HELB website.
UNDERGRADUATE FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
USIU-Africa offers scholarships to bright and needy students who would like to join the University for their Undergraduate Studies. All scholarships except the Sports Scholarship, are advertised on the USIU-Africa website and in any of the two major Kenyan daily newspapers (The Daily Nation and The Standard) in the spring (April) of every semester.  The selection/interview process takes place in July of the summer semester and the recipients are awarded the scholarship in September of the fall semester of every year.
Full USIU-Africa Scholarship
This covers the full costs of tuition, books, computer laboratory and room and board fees in the university hostels for two applicants (female and male).
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Applications must have sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations not more than one year prior to the award.
•    Have attained a mean grade of B+ (Plus) or better, with at least a B plain in English and Mathematics in KCSE.
•    Successful candidates must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 and above to remain eligible.
Partial USIU-Africa Scholarship
The Partial USIU-Africa Scholarship covers 100% tuition cost for one female and one male candidate.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Applicants must have sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations (KCSE) not more than one year prior to the award.
•    Have attained a mean grade of B (plain) or better with at least a B- in English and Mathematics in KCSE.
•    Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 and above to remain eligible.
DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The university aims to reach out to specific vulnerable members of the society through the Diversity Scholarship. Through this the university aims at among other things:
•    Promote education and development among the vulnerable members of the society.
•    Assist bright but needy students from vulnerable populations gain university education. 
These scholarships are divided into:
Scholarships for Under-represented Communities
There are two (2) tuition only scholarships for the under-represented and under-privileged bright students from Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) regions of Kenya, and one (1) similar scholarship for applicants from informal settlements in the neighborhood of USIU-Africa.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Applicants must have attained a KCSE score of B- (minus) or better.
•    Correctly complete all relevant financial aid and admission application and selection procedures.
•    Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 and above to remain eligible.
Scholarship for the Physically Challenged
These are two (2) full tuition Scholarships for qualified applicants who must use orthopedic appliances for movement. The Scholarships are based on academic merit and cover full tuition costs
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Applicants must have attained a KCSE score of C+ (Plus) or better.
•    Correctly complete all relevant Financial Aid and Admission application and selection procedures.
•    Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible.
Sports Scholarships
There are two categories of Sports Scholarship 40% and 25% tuition discount. The main objective of these scholarships is to assist needy students with sporting talent pay part of their tuition costs. 
Note: Any beneficiary injured while playing for the school team and confirmed by the doctor that he/she cannot continue playing will continue benefiting from the scholarship so long as he/she meets other eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Applicants must meet all other Financial Aid application procedures and requirements. 
•    Demonstrate financial need.
•    Must also maintain a GPA of 2.0, and be registered for a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 12 units to remain eligible.
•    Be a member of a university sports team.
•    Be recommended by the relevant team patron and the Sports Activities Coordinator.
•    Participate in all team sport engagements.
Sports Scholarship for Freshmen
This is a 40% tuition-only scholarship for students in sports disciplines that are relevant to the needs of the university’s sports programs. These are advertised in high schools, relevant sports events and sports organizations during the summer (May) semester, processed at the end of the summer semester and awarded in the fall (September) semester. Preference is given to students with national-level certificates.
The scholarship is awarded to successful applicants upon admission and is renewable subject to the student fulfilling all the necessary requirements.
Sports Scholarships for Continuing Students
This is a 25% tuition-only sports scholarship for continuing students who are not on the Sports Scholarship for freshmen. 
Institutional Scholarships Application Requirements
Applications for any institutional scholarship program must be accompanied by the following:
•    An application letter
•    Copies of the relevant certificates certified by the Principal or Head Teacher
•    School Leaving Certificate
•    A recommendation letter from the Principal or Head Teacher of High School Attended
•    An essay detailing your background information and degree you wish to pursue
•    Reasons why you deserve the scholarship 
Criminal Justice Scholarship
Criminal Justice is the government controlled systematic practice of applying laws for the purpose of social control in society; prevention and lessening of crime; and the use of courts and legal procedure which necessitates penalties and sanctions for law violations.
USIU-Africa is committed to supporting the government realize its academic goals by providing  5 partial academic scholarships that cover 50% of tuition-cost to Kenyan civil servants seeking to pursue a USIU-Africa Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies program.
NB: Applicants for these scholarships must, in addition to admission and financial aid requirements, provide a letter from their immediate Supervisors or Departmental Heads.
Download Scholarship Application Form here.
INSTITUTIONAL GRANTS
USIU-Africa offers merit and need based grants to continuing students to assist them in paying tuition fees. Students must have completed a semester at USIU-Africa to apply.
Vice Chancellor’s Grant
This is a 25% tuition-only scholarship for continuing undergraduate students.
International Grant
This is a merit-based 25% tuition-only grant for continuing full-time international (non-Kenyan) undergraduate students.
Eligibility Criteria for the Vice Chancellor’s and International Grants
•    Students must demonstrate financial need.
•    Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 to remain eligible.
•    Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student
•    Fulfill all financial aid application procedures.
Special Need Grant
This is a need-based grant available to all students who experience sudden financial hardships and are unable to meet their tuition obligations. This is a one-time grant and amounts granted will vary according to need, number of applicants and availability of funds.
Under this program, financial hardships may include the sudden death of the guardian, sudden withdrawal of sponsor from paying tuition fees or any other significant but relevant situation as determined by the Financial Aid Committee.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Students must complete the relevant financial aid application procedures.
•    Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student with good academic standing (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0).
•    Provide a written statement and attach proof explaining the circumstances for financial need.
•    Applicants Must Provide a plan on how they expect to meet their future tuition obligations.
Student Affairs Council (SAC) Grant
This is a combined merit and need based 25% tuition-only grant introduced by SAC for continuing undergraduate students. The grant is limited to a maximum of KES 100 000 per academic year.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Students must complete the relevant financial aid application procedures.
•    Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
•    Provide a written statement and attach proof explaining the circumstances for financial need.
Institutional Grants Application Requirements
•    A typed letter indicating the name of the aid program applied for and why you need financial aid.   
•    Filled Financial Aid Application form.   
•    Certified copies of at least two (2) of the following documents are required to verify last family income.
o    The bank statements  for the last three months  (REQUIRED)
o    The most current pay slip
o    Retirement , retrenchment or dismissal letter
o    Death Certificates (Sponsor)

Download Financial Aid Application form here
 Family Tuition Waiver
This is a 10% tuition waiver in recognition of parents/guardians or sponsors continuous support for USIU-Africa.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    To be eligible for this grant, two nuclear family members must have previously been or be concurrently enrolled at USIU-Africa. Proof of blood relationship is required. 
•    Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student and have a cumulative G.P.A of 2.0 (at undergraduate level) and a cumulative G.P.A of 3.0 (at graduate level).
•    Applicant enrolled in the executive graduate and doctoral programs.

Download Family Tuition Waiver Application Form here
Graduate Alumni Tuition Waiver
This is a 10% tuition fee waiver for alumni who wish to pursue their graduate studies at USIU-Africa and who meet the eligibility criteria given below. The Tuition Waiver will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis based on budgetary allocations.
Eligibility Criteria
•    Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from USIU-Africa
•    Applicants must be fully paid-up members of the USIU – Africa Alumni Association prior to applying for the grant.
•    Applicants must complete application procedures.
•    Applicants for the executive graduate and doctoral programs are not eligible.
•    Beneficiaries must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and above for continued eligibility.
The Financial Aid Committee will review the application and communicate the results to the applicants one week after the graduate orientation. The discount is not transferable for any other purpose apart from tuition. Beneficiaries of this grant will not be eligible for Family Tuition Waiver or the Legatee Tuition Waiver.

Download the Graduate Alumni Tuition Waiver Application Form Here
Legatee Tuition Waiver
This is a 10% tuition waiver for children of fully paid-up members of the Alumni Association. This waiver may be availed to eligible applicants upon admission and is subject to availability of the allocated funds.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Complete appropriate Financial Aid application form.
•    Be children of fully paid up members of the USIU-Africa Alumni Association.
•    Provide the necessary evidence indicating relationship to a paid-up Alumni Association member.
•    Must maintain continuous enrollment as full-time student to remain eligible.
•    Must NOT be enrolled in the executive graduate or doctoral programs.
•    Must maintain a cumulative G.P.A of 2.0 (Undergraduate) and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (Graduate) to remain eligible.
Download the Legatee Tuition Waiver Application form here
WORK STUDY PROGRAMS
This provides part-time employment opportunities for full-time students at USIU-Africa who demonstrate financial need.
Campus Work Opportunity (CWO)
The Campus Work Opportunity (CWO) program provides part-time employment opportunities for full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Complete the relevant financial aid application forms and processes.
•    Continuous enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student
•    Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
•    Be willing to work for 10-15 hours per week for a maximum of 195 hours per semester in the assigned department in the university at the stipulated hourly rate.
Graduate Assistantship
The Graduate Assistant [GA] program is for full-time graduate students who have demonstrated financial need and good academic achievement. Graduate Assistants assist faculty with research work, conducting seminars, and teaching selected classes for up to 20 hours per week for 13 weeks each semester. 
Positions for Graduate Assistantship are dependent on faculty needs and are awarded on competitive basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Complete appropriate Financial Aid application procedures.
•    Continues enrollment as a full-time graduate student.
•    Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better and maintain it to remain eligible.
Doctoral Teaching & Research Assistantship
The Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistant programs are available exclusively to doctoral students.  Teaching and Research Assistants will assist faculty with research work, conducting seminars and teaching selected classes for up to 20 hours per week for 13 weeks each semester.
Teaching and Research Assistant’s positions are dependent on faculty needs and will be awarded on competitive basis on a first come, first served basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Complete appropriate Financial Aid application procedures.
•    Must be in session during the semester he/she is on either of the programs
•    Have an incoming cumulative GPA of 3.3 from their graduate program and maintain it for continued eligibility.
•    Register for a minimum of 6 units per semester for continuity eligibility.
Work Study Programs Application Requirements
•    A typed letter indicating the name of the aid program applied for and why you need financial aid.
•    Filled Financial Aid Application form.   
•    Certified copies of at least two (2) of the following documents are required to verify last family income.
o    The bank statements  for the last three months  (REQUIRED)
o    The most current pay slip
o    Retirement , retrenchment or dismissal letter
o    Death Certificates (Sponsor)
Download Financial Aid Application Form here
Resident Assistantship (RA)
The program is restricted to undergraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria. There are four slots for Resident Assistantships i.e. two female and two male students. Whenever positions become vacant, they are advertised on internal communications mediums.
Applicants are selected through an interview process conducted by both the Financial Aid and the Housing Offices. Resident Assistants support the Housing Officer in administrative duties in return for room and board in the university hostel.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Demonstrate ability to cater for their tuition costs.
•    Continuous enrollment as a full-time student with a minimum cumulative G.P.A of 3.0 or better and maintain the same to remain eligible.
•    Have attained sophomore level
•    Demonstrate leadership, organizational and decision-making skills, as well as an ability to work within a team.
•    Have a clean disciplinary record
•    Be willing to work for a renewable period of one year.
•    Have positive evaluations from the Head of Housing for continued eligibility

Resident Assistantship Application Requirements
•    Application Letter
•    A copy of resume
•    Relevant certificates to the Position
EXTERNALLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
The university continues to seek partners to help fund the Financial Aid programs.  Below are some of the partners currently funding Scholarships at USIU-Africa. Please note that the availability of these grants and scholarships depend largely on funding from sponsors.
Rattansi Education Trust Fund Grant
Funds are awarded in the fall semester of every year. The Rattansi Education Trust Foundation makes decisions on the amounts to be awarded to successful applicants. The awards may range from KES 5,000 to KES 100, 000 annually. The USIU-Africa Financial Aid Office notifies successful students as soon as the funds are received from the Trust Foundation.
Mel Kuol Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by and named after an alumnus of USIU-Africa and is for it needy, bright and highly disciplined undergraduate students. It covers 80% tuition costs for qualified, enrolled citizens of the Republic of Southern Sudan. Applicants for this scholarship must attach a copy of their Republic of Southern Sudan passport.
Mel Kuol Foundation Grant
This scholarship covers 30% tuition costs for needy, bright and highly disciplined undergraduate USIU-Africa students who are non-citizens of the Republic of Southern Sudan.
Eligibility Criteria:
•    Complete the financial aid application procedures.
•    Maintain continuous enrollment as a full-time student,;
•     Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above.
•    Attach proof of financial need.
GRADUATE MERIT AWARDS
These are 25% tuition-only merit awards for eligible applicants already admitted into the graduate programs offered at USIU-Africa.
There are six (6) scholarships per semester for the top 6 applicants for the MBA and M.Sc. IST programs, with the highest GPA in their undergraduate studies. Students who receive these awards must maintain a Cumulative GPA of 3.2 and above, and register for a minimum of 6 units every semester to remain eligible.
There are also nine (9) scholarships every year for the top 9 applicants for the M.A. Counseling Psychology, M.A. International Relations, M.A. Clinical Psychology and M.A. Communication Studies, with the highest GPA in their undergraduate studies. Students who receive these awards must maintain a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above, and register for a minimum of 6 units every semester to remain eligible.







FINANCIAL AID PROCESS
Apply for financial aid by filing the financial aid application form and attaching the relevant documents required.
The Financial aid office will send information to applicants advising them to confirm their interview data/time with the office.
Financial aid awards are posted on the student’s accounts depending on the decisions made at the interview stage.
Students are informed at the interview when they should collect feedback of their applications.
NOTE: Graduate students DO NOT go through the interview process. Once required application documents are submitted, and the eligibility criteria is satisfied, an award letter is processed immediately.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS
Students on financial aid and scholarships are expected to meet the following guidelines to continue benefiting from financial aid;
•    Maintain the required Cumulative GPA. All Financial aid Programs have different GPA requirement. Students should refer to the Financial aid Information on the Website, Students Handbook or their award letters for details about their specific GPA requirements to remain eligible.
•    Students on Work-Study, Vice Chancellors Grant, International Grant, Family tuition and Alumni Tuition must register for 9-12 units (3-4 courses) for continued eligibility.
•    Students who are dismissed on disciplinary grounds are accepted back on financial aid if the Disciplinary Committee advises the Financial Aid office to do so.
•    Students on Campus Work Opportunity (work-study) are expected to dress decently at all times when on work-study.
LIFE AFTER FINANCIAL AID
Giving back - Students who have benefited from the financial aid programs at USIU-Africa are expected give back once they are settled in employment or businesses. The financial aid office has opened an account with the USIU-Africa Finance department in the name of USIU Financial Aid Beneficiaries Grant that they can deposit their contributions. Beneficiaries may also contribute to the account via M-pesa as detailed below;
Pay bill No.: 516900
Account name: finaid
 Cheque: USIU-Africa
 Those who chose to pay through cheque should write the following at the back of the Cheque:
USIU-Africa Financial Aid Beneficiaries Account
Mentorship - Beneficiaries of financial aid can also come back and mentor students on financial aid through talks that can be organized by the Financial Aid Office.
Community Service - Beneficiaries of Financial Aid can also come together and do community service. For example; alumni and current beneficiaries of the Full USIU-Africa Scholarship come together, once a year, to give back to a charity through supply of food stuff, cleaning activities, feeding, and in the case of a children’s home, playing with children and also cooking for them.

For more information, please email us on finaid@usiu.ac.ke or call us on 0730 116 210/412 OR +254-20- 3606210/412, OR visit the Financial Aid Office (First Floor, Student Affairs Wing, Administration Building)


With the information we provide about   helb loan application form for continuing students

, We hope you can be helped and hopefully set a precedent with you . Or also you can
see our other references are also others which are not less good about  SUMMARY OF TENDERS AWARDED BY PUBLIC PROCURING ENTITIES VALUED AT KSHS. FIVE MILLION AND ABOVE

, So and we thank you for visiting.


open student loan :  https://cx.usiu.ac.ke/ICS/icsfs/Financial_Aid_Information__booklet?target...