How to apply on the HELB App as a second and Subsequent applicant
Applicants should visit Google play store and download the HELB Mobile Application.
Register your details (First name, Phone, Email Address, National ID and KRA PIN number) on the HELB App to generate a PIN which you will use to log in and accept the license agreement. Ensure that you use the Safaricom number that you use for Mpesa transactions and it should be registered in your name
Read the mandatory Financial literacy notes and undertake a brief Question & Answer to appreciate the purpose of credit. Scroll down to view results then click “proceed”.
Click on loans then select undergraduate loans to get the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan Application Form [LAF].
Follow each step to fill in the required details and submit. A pop-up message will appear to show that you have successfully applied. The loan serial number will also be displayed
NB: You will be required to pay Kshs. 1 from your MPESA account during the application process to verify your telephone number. Please note, the application is paperless hence no printing.
Students that are not Safaricom subscribers will be directed to the Portal and apply using the application form, after which they will be required to print and submit the form to the HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1 Floor at Anniversary Towers
Please ensure that you read, understand, and follow the instructions provided at the beginning of the online loan application process including reading and undertaking the HELB Financial Literacy Program
Eligible students
Recent beneficiaries of the Undergraduate Loan
Students placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service [KUCCPS] in the local public and private universities
Self-Sponsored, Parallel and Module II Students studying for a Bachelor’s degree only [Certificate, Diploma, Pre-University and Postgraduate students ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PRODUCT]
Loan award
The maximum Undergraduate loan awarded is Kshs. 60,000. For the students placed by Kenya University and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the loan amount is split to cater for both Tuition fee and Upkeep. A standard amount of Kshs. 4,000 for Government sponsored students only is deducted from the loan awarded and disbursed to the university per semester, for tuition [Total Ksh 8, 000] and the rest is sent to the applicant’s bank account as upkeep.
For the Self sponsored students, all the money is sent directly to the university once a year as tuition fees.
An Administrative Fee of Ksh. 500 per year is charged on the loan awarded and it is therefore deducted from the disbursed loan. A limited number of needy government sponsored students receive a bursary of between Ksh. 4, 000 and Ksh. 8,000 per year. The Bursary is paid to the university as tuition.
HELB Issues 21 Day Notice to Students Regarding The New Funding Model
HELB, the Higher Education Loans Board, has issued a 21-day timeframe for university students to contest the new funding model that has been causing discontent among numerous students.
The appeal period began on April 1, 2025, and will extend for three weeks, allowing students the opportunity to express their concerns and feedback regarding the model.
This new funding model, termed the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model, categorizes students into five financial bands based on their need.
The first band, Band 1, is designated for the most disadvantaged students, whereas Band 5 is aimed at those with the least financial need.
The government implemented this model with the intention of ensuring that financial support is provided to students who require it the most. Nonetheless, many students have contended that the system is inequitable.
They argue that it overlooks various aspects of their financial circumstances, leading to protests and widespread dissatisfaction.
To tackle these issues, HELB and the Universities Fund (UF) conducted a public consultation process from April 1 to April 4, 2025.
During this timeframe, students and other stakeholders were encouraged to convey their views regarding the funding system.
The consultation enabled students to offer comments, suggestions, and complaints online and at multiple locations, including public universities nationwide.
This public engagement process was designed to gather input from as many individuals as possible to enhance the funding model and the scholarship and loan appeals process.
HELB has indicated that the input from the public consultation has prompted enhancements in the appeals system. This encompasses modifications to ensure the process is fairer and more effective for students.
With this 21-day appeal timeframe, students who believe their concerns were not adequately addressed during the consultation can now formally present their complaints or suggestions to HELB.
The expectation is that by permitting students to express their views, the funding system can be revised to more effectively meet the needs of all students.
This public consultation and the appeal period were initiated following a court order. The Court of Appeal had previously paused a ruling from the High Court that deemed the funding model unconstitutional.
The court permitted the government to persist with the funding system while legal disputes continue to be resolved. Consequently, the current funding model remains in effect, although it may be altered based on the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings.
For the time being, HELB has affirmed that the 21-day appeal period will stay open and that students should utilize this chance to voice their concerns.
Depending on how the court case develops, there may be additional modifications to the funding model in the future.
The government has emphasized that it is amenable to changes, but those alterations will rely on the feedback gathered and the verdicts rendered by the court.
In the interim, students persist in expressing their discontent regarding the funding system, with numerous individuals believing that the categorization into financial bands is unjust and fails to genuinely represent their true requirement for financial assistance.
With the appeal process currently available, students are urged to provide their input in the hope of witnessing a more equitable and inclusive funding model that more effectively aids all students in need.
The Government has launched the Higher Education Financing portal. Students whose households are at the bottom of the pyramid shall enjoy equal opportunities in accessing university and TVET education through 100 per cent government funding.
Students who require funding must make formal applications through Higher Education Financing portal. The portal is accessible at www.hef.co.ke.
In the new financing model, categorization on the needs of students will be realized through a reliable scientific method- Means Testing Instruments.
The Instrument will be used to determine the student’s level of financial needs to ensure they are supported adequately.
The Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal will now allow students to make applications for both scholarships, loans and bursaries.
The level of funding for each student will depend on the monthly household income and each student will individually apply for the scholarship and loans, soon after receiving admission letters.
Those seeking financial aid from the government have been classified into four categories, the vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy.
Under the model, those students falling under the vulnerable and extremely needy band will qualify for 100% government funding for their studies with the money coming as scholarships and loans, and those deemed to be needy and less needy will get 93% government funding, with the students bearing 7% of the tuition costs.
They will also have opportunities to apply for HELB (Government loan) which will be allocated upon using a full-proof tool used to assess students to be awarded scholarships.
Students in private universities are not catered for in the government scholarship fund, but can apply for loans through HELB.
HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCING
What is the New Higher Education Funding Model?
It is a new way of providing financial support to students enrolled in Universities & TVET institutions to ensure every Kenyan student is assisted according to their level of need.
What are the benefits of the New Funding Model?
✓ It ensures that all eligible Kenyan Students are provided with adequate education financial support.
✓ It promotes the provision of quality education in higher learning institutions.
✓ It ensures that students are adequately supported based on their level of need.
✓ To ensure timely disbursement of funds students and higher learning institutions.
✓ To address the student funding gap.
TVET STUDENTS FIRST TIME LOAN AND BURSARY APPLICATIONS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020-2021
The Higher Education Loans Board(HELB) invites applications for First Time 2020-2021 TVET Loan and Bursary from Kenyan students admitted in National Polytechnics, Technical Training Institutions and Vocational Colleges under the Ministry of Education and are registered with Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service [KUCCPS] and Members of the Kenya Association Technical Training Institutions [KATTI).
Eligible students:
Applications are open to students enrolled in approved TVET courses and are applying for the first student loan.
How to Apply
Applicants should visit our website http://www.helb.co.ke to access the Student Portal to register, create and activate account(ensure you use your personal mobile number)
Log in, go to Loan Application, click Certiicate (Artisan and Craft) or Diploma and select the 2020-2021 TVET First Time Loan Application Form [LAF].
Read and appraise oneself online on Financial Literacy and appreciate the purpose of credit.
Access and fill the loan application form.
Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form. Ensure you preview the form
and correct where necessary before you submit for printing
Have the forms appropriately filled, signed and stamped by the relevant authorities.
Read, understand and sign to accept the Loan Terms and Conditions and Data Protection Consent form.
Present one copy of the duly filled Loan Application Form and all the attached support documents at:
Any of the following Huduma centers with HELB desk nearest to you: Nairobi-GPO, Machakos, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii, Nyeri, Embu, Kitui, Bungoma, Lodwar, Meru, Thika, Kitale, Kericho, Nandi, Murang’a, Garissa, Narok, Migori, Chuka, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, West Pokot, Bomet and Makueni for free and secure delivery, OR
HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi, OR
Send through registered and secured mail or courier.
Retain a copy of the duly filled and signed Loan Application Form [This is mandatory]
Please note that this application is paperless. You are not required to print any form. A confirmation SMS with a loan application serial number is the evidence that you have applied. Kindly save the SMS for future reference.
The Helb Online Portal is a very important site for all University and College students. In case you you need a Helb loan or bursary, this is the portal to visit.
The following services are available at the Helb Portal:
THE HIGHER EDUCATION LOANS BOARD (HELB) PORTAL Account Login User Registration Back to Website Helb Checker HELB Extranet Login * Please ensure that you use a…
HIGHER EDUCATION LOANS BOARD | Empowering Dreams Back to Helb Website Account Login User Registration Documents HELB Account Creation ID Number * First Name as per your ID * Type…
The HELB Portal Account Login User Registration Back to Website Helb Checker HELB Extranet Login * Please ensure that you use a valid email address* Login Forgot Password?
The Higher Education Loans Board, Helb, advances a number of loan products to students in tertiary institutions. Helb provides the following loan products to…
The Higher Educaion Loans Board, HELB, has opened its online portal for first time applications from the 2021/ 2022 first year undergraduate students. The…
Helb Student Portal Login HIGHER EDUCATION LOANS BOARD | Empowering Dreams Back to Helb Website Account Login User Registration Documents Sign in to your Account Register if…
HELB STUDENT PORTAL LOGINHIGHER EDUCATION LOANS BOARD | Empowering Dreams Back to Helb Website Account Login User Registration Documents Sign in to your Helb Student…
The Higher Education Loans Board, HELB, has provided official responses to all questions on the agency’s loan products and services. You can get all the…
Note: The number of loans one is eligible for depends on the program duration. For example, one is given loan 4 times for a 4-year program or 5 times for a 5-year programme.
How to apply for a HELB Loan as a First Time Applicant:
Visit our website www.helb.co.ke to access the Student Portal and click on “create an account” to register.
Read the literature or view the videos on Financial Literacy and participate in the brief exercise online.
Access and fill the loan application form.
Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form [Mandatory].
Have the forms appropriately filled, signed, and stamped by the relevant authorities.
Attach all the documents as per the checklist and present one copy of the duly filled Loan Application Form at:
Any of the following Huduma centers nearest to you: Bomet, Bungoma, Chuka, Eldoret, Embu, Garissa, Nairobi GPO, Kakamega, Kericho, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitale, Kitui, Lodwar, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi Narok, Nyeri, Taita Taveta, Thika and West Pokot for free and secure delivery; or
HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi.
Retain a complete copy of the Loan Application Form [This is mandatory].
Note:
Please ensure that you read, understand, and follow the instructions provided at the beginning of the online loan application process including reading and undertaking the HELB Financial Literacy Programme.
It is recommended that students prudently manage their HELB loans once disbursed to cater for Tuition, books, stationery, accommodation, and subsistence.
Requirements
A copy of the Applicant’s national ID Card.
Copies of the parents’ National ID Cards/death certificate where the parent is deceased.
Copies of both guarantors’ National ID Card.
A copy of the applicant’s admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate.
A copy of the applicant’s Bank ATM/Bank card (for Government sponsored students only).
A copy of the applicant’s Smart Card from the institution.
One recent colored passport size photograph of the applicant.
Applicants should visit Google play store and download the HELB Mobile Application.
Register your details (First name, Phone, Email Address, National ID and KRA PIN number) on the HELB App to generate a PIN which you will use to log in and accept the license agreement. Ensure that you use the Safaricom number that you use for Mpesa transactions and it should be registered in your name.
Read the mandatory Financial literacy notes and undertake a brief Question & Answer to appreciate the purpose of credit. Scroll down to view results then click “proceed”.
Click on loans then select undergraduate loans to get the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan Application Form [LAF].
Follow each step to fill in the required details and submit. A pop-up message will appear to show that you have successfully applied. The loan serial number will also be displayed.
NB: You will be required to pay Kshs. 1 from your MPESA account during the application process to verify your telephone number. Please note, the application is paperless hence no printing.
Students that are not Safaricom subscribers will be directed to the Portal and apply using the application form, after which they will be required to print and submit the form to the HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1 Floor at Anniversary Towers.
The Scheme offers loans and scholarships to students pursuing courses examined by KASNEB. The scheme covers for exam fees and tuition fee is KASNEB accredited training institutions.
The Scheme will cater for; KASNEB registration fees, annual registration renewal fees, examinations booking fees, exemption fees and tuition fees for eligible students. Students pursuing the following courses are eligible for
the product:
Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
Certified Secretaries (CS)
Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (CIFA)
Certified Credit Professionals (CCP)
Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD)
Certificate in Accounting and Management Skills (CAMS)
Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (CIFA)
Certified Credit Professionals (CCP)
Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD)
Certificate in Accounting and Management Skills (CAMS)
Terms and Conditions
Award is based on approved MTI. Online application in the HELB portal. Recovery is based on the HELB loan recovery process and procedure. Kshs.500 Administrative fee charged upon disbursement. 6% interest rate.
NB: PSSP & Bursary funds are paid at the beginning of semester two in one installment Kshs.500 is retained as administrative fees, see T&Cs on the Loan Application Form (LAF).
Additional Points to Note
Tuition funds are disbursed directly to the School account
Upkeep funds are disbursed directly to the Student’s personal account (Use your own account)
Always ensure your Bank account number is active
HELB sends SMS/Email notifications after each process i.e. form verification, loan allocation and loan disbursement
The Higher Education Loans Board, Helb, advances a number of loan products to students in tertiary institutions. Helb provides the following loan products to all students: Undergraduate Loan, Tvet Loan / Bursary First Time For Tertiary Institutions, Post Graduate Scholarship Application and Afya Elimu Loan.
The following are loan products for the employed individuals: Civil Servant Training Revolving Fund, Post Graduate Scholarship Application, Kra Staff Training Revolving Fund and JIELIMISHE LOAN(Salaried Students): PgD,HND,Bachelors, Masters, PhD & Professional Courses.
UNDERGRADUATE LOANS
These loans are for students joining public or private universities within the East African Community directly from high school either through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) or as self-sponsored. Amounts awarded range between Kshs.40,000 minimum and Kshs.60,000 maximum based on the level of need. The loan attracts interest of 4% p.a and the students are required to repay their loans on completion of their studies. Students are advised to apply at least one month before the opening date to allow ample time for processing.
Type of Loan Application
There are two types of undergraduate loan applications:
First Time Application-This is for applicants who are applying for the first time.
Second & Subsequent Application-This is for applicants who are applying for a second, third, fourth time as per the program duration
The number of loans one is eligible for depends on the program duration i.e. one is given loan 4 times for a 4 year program.
Management of HELB Loans
Students are advised that the loans should be used mainly for:
Tuition,
Books and stationery,
Accommodation and subsistence.
Students are advised to desist from diverting the funds to leisure or other family obligations.
Loan Award
The loan awarded ranges from a minimum of Ksh.40, 000 and a maximum of Ksh.60, 000.
For those placed by Kenya University and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the loan amount is split to cater for both Tuition fee and Upkeep while the Self sponsored students, the money is sent directly to the university once a year as tuition fees.
A standard amount of Ksh4, 000 for Government sponsored students only is deducted from the loan awarded and disbursed to the university per semester for tuition [total Ksh8, 000] and the rest is sent to the applicant’s bank account as upkeep.
An Administrative Fee of Ksh500 per year is charged on the loan awarded and it is therefore deducted from the disbursed loan.
A limited number of needy government sponsored students receive bursary of between Ksh4, 000 and Ksh8, 000 per year. The Bursary is paid to the university.
Requirements
A copy of the Applicant’s national ID Card
Copies of the parents national ID Cards/death certificate where the parent is deceased
Copies of both guarantors’ national ID Card
A copy of the applicant’s admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate
A copy of the applicant’s Bank ATM/Bank card (for Government sponsored students only)
A copy of the applicant’s Smart Card from the institution
One recent colored passport size photograph of the applicant.
Repaying your Student Loan
Undergraduate loan repayment starts within one year of completion of studies or within such a period as the Board decides to recall the loan whichever is earlier. However, you can make voluntary payments before or after you complete your studies to reduce your loan balance.
Note:
Loans are charged 4% interest per annum
Loan repayment commences one year upon completion of studies or as deemed fit by HELB.
The loan is repayable up to a maximum of 120 months.
The First Time Loan Application is divided into the following categories.
INFORMATION ON PROFILE
This comprises of two sub categories as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item.
a) Applicant:- Personal Details
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out their personal information. Items such as Sub-location,Division,location etc should reflect information as per your National Identification Card.
b) Applicant:- Residence Details
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out there current place of residence information. Items such as Sub-location,Division,location etc should reflect your current place of residence and not as indicated in your ID Card.
INSTITUTION DETAILS
This comprises of three sub categories as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item.
a) Applicant :- Institution Details
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out their Institution details.
b) Applicant :- Loan Information.
Here you are required any information on your loan or bursary.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND DETAILS
This comprises of one category as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item.
a) Applicant :- Education Background Details
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out their education background details.Primary and Secondary School Details are compulsary.Failure to include this will lead to automatic disqualification
EXPENSE DETAILS
This comprises of two categories as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item.
a) Applicant :- Family Expenses
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out the family’s expenses.
GUARANTOR DETAILS
This comprises of one section as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item.
a) Applicant :- Guarantor’s Details
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out the guarantor’s details.It is compulsory to fill in two guarantors failure to do this will lead to automatic disqualification
PARENTS DETAILS
This comprises of three category as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item.
a) Applicant :- Parents Marital Status
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out their parent’s marital status.
b) Applicant :- Parents Details
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out various details about their parent’s eg.employment.
c) Applicant :- Guardian’s Details
If the applicant is orphaned he/she will be required to fill in the gurantors’ details.
BANK DETAILS
This comprises of one section as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item.
a) Applicant :- Bank Details
In this section, an applicant is required to fill out the bank’s details.
To get started off click on this link; https://portal.helb.co.ke/
TVET HELB LOANS
Students pursuing Diploma and Certificate courses in Public universities, university colleges, public national polytechnics and Institutes of Technology and Technical Training institutes country-wide are eligible for this loan and bursary. Orphans, single parent students and others who come from poor backgrounds will be given priority for the loans and or bursaries. The application period is January to April every year.
Required Documents
Applications should access and fill the relevant TVET Loan & Bursary Application Form (TLAF).
Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form.
Have the TVET Loan Application Form signed and stamped by the Dean of Students/Financial Aid Officers.
Retain one copy of the duly filled TLAF (Mandatory).
Drop the TLAF personally at the HELB students Service Centre on the Mezannine One, Anniversary Towers or any of the SELECT Huduma Centers nearest to you.
Click HERE to download approved TVET institutions funded by HELB as at March 2019.
Apply Now
Beneficiaries of Higher Education Loans Board, Helb, funding would pay reduced loan interest rates if a Bill by Hon Gideon Keter (who is a Jubilee Party nominated Member of Parliament represent Youth interests in the National Assembly) sails through.
Interest charged on university and college student loans will be cut to 3% and the grace period for repayment increased to five years after graduation if lawmakers approve changes to the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) Act.
Under the proposed law, interest on the loans will fall from 4% to cushion jobless graduates from the Sh5,000 monthly fine for defaults.
“The aim of this proposals is to reduce the financial burden on recent graduates who are expected to pay large sums of money to Helb even before securing employment or becoming financially stable…… It sets the percentage of interest that may be charged on the loan advanced at three percent. It also provides that the penalty charged on defaulting of the loan shall be charged after securing employment or five years after completion of studies.” Reads the bill that was tabled in Parliament.
The agency in January this year said it was pursuing some 78,328 defaulters holding Sh7.7 billion as at December 31 last year (2019).
If passed, the new law will provide a big relief to thousands of unemployed youths who have hge Helb loan balances to clear.
There has been a sharp increase in university enrollment, since 2014, a scenario that has seen rise in demand for loans.
The proposed Bill that will see Helb beneficiaries pay lesser interest loans.
In line with the current Cost Sharing Policy, where Government sponsored students receive about 80% GoK subsidy, HELB can therefore award a maximum loan of Sh60,000 and a maximum bursary of Sh.8,000.
