The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) in Kenya plays a pivotal role in enabling students to pursue higher education by providing affordable loans, bursaries, and scholarships. As the 2025/2026 academic year approaches, HELB has announced that the subsequent loan application window for continuing students will open in August 2025. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the HELB loan application process, including the latest updates, eligibility criteria, application steps, and tips to ensure a successful application. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a continuing student, this article will equip you with all the information you need to navigate the HELB loan system effectively.
Established in 1995 under the Higher Education Loans Board Act, HELB is a state corporation under Kenya’s Ministry of Education tasked with financing higher education for Kenyan students. The board provides financial assistance to students enrolled in public and chartered private universities, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. HELB’s funding model combines loans, scholarships, and household contributions, tailored to students’ financial needs through the Means Testing Instrument (MTI).
HELB’s mission is to ensure that no deserving student is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints. With the rising costs of education and increasing enrollment in universities and TVET colleges, HELB remains a lifeline for thousands of students across Kenya. For the 2025/2026 academic year, HELB has introduced updates to streamline the application process, including the integration of the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal and the HELB mobile app, making it easier for students to access funding.
Key Update: Subsequent Loan Application Window for 2025/2026
HELB has confirmed that the subsequent loan application window for the 2025/2026 academic year will open in August 2025. This applies to continuing students who have previously received HELB loans and are eligible to apply for funding for the second, third, fourth, or subsequent years, depending on their program duration. The application window is critical for ensuring timely disbursement of funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation, books, and subsistence costs.
Understanding HELB Loan Types and Eligibility
HELB offers various types of financial assistance to cater to the diverse needs of students. These include:
- Tuition Loans: These cover tuition fees for students enrolled in accredited institutions. The amount disbursed depends on the program of study and the student’s assessed financial need.
- Upkeep Loans: These help cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, and stationery, which are essential for students without alternative financial support.
- Scholarships and Bursaries: Aimed at particularly needy students, these are non-repayable funds designed to reduce financial burdens.
- Jielimishe Loans: These are available for employed students pursuing professional courses, Higher National Diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s, or PhD programs.
- Afya Elimu Loans: These are tailored for students enrolled in medical training colleges pursuing approved courses.
Eligibility for HELB Loans
To qualify for a HELB loan in the 2025/2026 academic year, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Kenyan citizen.
- Be enrolled in an accredited public or chartered private university or TVET institution within the East African Community.
- For undergraduate loans, be pursuing a bachelor’s degree (Pre-University, Certificate, Diploma, or Postgraduate students are not eligible for undergraduate loans).
- For subsequent applicants, have previously received a HELB loan and not exceeded the allowable number of loans for their program duration (e.g., four loans for a four-year program, five for a five-year program).
- Provide accurate personal and academic details, including a national ID, KRA PIN, and university admission letter.
Application Process for HELB Loans in 2025/2026
The HELB loan application process has been streamlined to enhance accessibility and efficiency. Below is a detailed guide for both first-time and subsequent applicants.
First-Time Applicants: Step-by-Step Guide
First-time applicants must create an account on the HELB portal and complete the application process as follows:
- Visit the HELB Website: Open a web browser and navigate to www.helb.co.ke to access the Student Portal.
- Create an Account: Click on “Create an Account” and provide the required details, including a valid email address, phone number, national ID, and KRA PIN. An activation link will be sent to your email.
- Activate Your Account: Check your email, click the activation link, and log in to the portal using your credentials.
- Complete the Financial Literacy Program: Read the provided financial literacy materials or watch the videos, then participate in a brief online exercise. This is mandatory to proceed with the application.
- Select the Application Form: Choose the “Undergraduate First Time Loan Application Form [LAF].”
- Fill Out the Form: Provide accurate personal, academic, and financial details as prompted.
- Upload Required Documents: These include:
- A copy of the applicant’s national ID card.
- Copies of parents’ or guardians’ national ID cards (or death certificate if deceased).
- Copies of two guarantors’ national ID cards.
- A copy of the applicant’s admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate.
- A copy of the applicant’s bank ATM or bank card (for government-sponsored students).
- Review and Submit: Double-check the form for accuracy, then submit it online.
- Print and Submit Hard Copies: Print two copies of the completed Loan Application Form, have them signed and stamped by relevant authorities (e.g., university officials), and submit them to the HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi.
- Track Application Status: Log in to the “My Loans” section of the HELB portal to monitor the status of your application.
Subsequent Applicants: Step-by-Step Guide
For students applying for subsequent loans in August 2025, the process is simpler and can be completed via the HELB mobile app or the online portal:
- Download the HELB Mobile App: Visit the Google Play Store (or App Store for iOS users) and download the HELB Mobile Application.
- Register or Log In: If you haven’t registered, provide your first name, phone number, email address, national ID, and KRA PIN to generate a login PIN. If already registered, log in using your credentials.
- Complete Financial Literacy Notes: Read the mandatory financial literacy notes and answer a brief questionnaire to proceed.
- Select the Loan Type: Navigate to the “Loans” section and select “Undergraduate Subsequent Loan Application Form [LAF].”
- Fill Out the Form: Provide the required details, ensuring accuracy.
- Submit the Application: Follow the prompts to submit the form. A pop-up message will confirm successful submission.
- Alternative Application Methods:
- Dial *642# on your mobile phone to access the application form via USSD.
- Use the MPESA Mini App for a seamless application process.
- Non-Safaricom users can apply via the HELB portal and submit printed forms to the HELB Student Service Centre.
- Track Application Status: Check the status via the HELB app, portal, or by contacting HELB customer service on social media platforms like Facebook or X.
Key Deadlines for 2025/2026
- Subsequent Loan Application Window: Opens in August 2025 and closes on September 30, 2025. Applicants are advised to submit early to avoid delays in processing.
- First-Time Loan Application Deadline: Typically closes on April 30, 2025, though this may vary based on HELB announcements. Check the official HELB website for confirmation.
The Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal: A New Era of Funding
In 2023, the Kenyan government introduced the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal to complement the traditional HELB application system. The HEF portal, accessible at portal.hef.co.ke, is the primary platform for students applying for government scholarships, loans, and bursaries under the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM) unveiled on May 3, 2023. The SCFM allocates funding based on students’ financial needs, combining scholarships, loans, and household contributions as determined by the Means Testing Instrument (MTI).
How the HEF Portal Integrates with HELB
- Unified Application Process: Students applying for government scholarships through the HEF portal are automatically prompted to apply for HELB loans if eligible.
- Band Placement: After applying, students can check their funding band (indicating the level of financial aid) through their university’s student portal.
- Streamlined Access: The HEF portal simplifies the application process for students enrolling in universities and TVET colleges starting from the 2023/2024 academic year. Students enrolled before 2023 can continue using the traditional HELB system.
Loan Disbursement and Repayment
Disbursement Process
Once approved, HELB loans are disbursed directly to the student’s university or TVET institution for tuition fees, while upkeep loans are credited to the student’s bank account or mobile money account. Students are advised to apply at least one month before the academic year begins to allow ample time for processing. For the 2025/2026 academic year, disbursements are expected to commence shortly after the application window closes in September 2025.
Repayment Terms
HELB loans are designed to be affordable, with the following repayment terms:
- Interest Rate: Undergraduate loans attract a low interest rate of 4% per annum and a ledger fee of Kshs. 1,000 per year. Jielimishe loans for employed students have a higher interest rate of 10% per year.
- Grace Period: Graduates are given a one-year grace period after completing their studies before repayment begins.
- Repayment Period: Undergraduate loans are repaid over 120 months, while loans for salaried students (e.g., Jielimishe loans) are repaid within 48 months. Public servants may have up to 72 months for Jielimishe loans.
- Repayment Channels: Payments can be made via bank transfers, mobile money services (e.g., MPESA), or check-off systems for employed graduates.
- Consequences of Default: Failure to repay loans may result in penalties, legal action, or restrictions on accessing future government services.
Challenges and Solutions in the HELB Application Process
While HELB has made significant strides in improving access to funding, some students encounter challenges during the application process. Common issues and solutions include:
- Technical Glitches on the HELB App or Portal: Some users report crashes or validation errors. Solution: Ensure a stable internet connection, update the app, or try applying via the USSD code (*642#) or MPESA Mini App.
- Delayed Disbursements: Late submissions can delay funding. Solution: Apply early, preferably in August 2025 for subsequent loans, and track the application status regularly.
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing documents can lead to rejection. Solution: Double-check all required documents before submission and retain copies for reference.
- Account Validation Issues: Mismatched details (e.g., national ID or phone number) can prevent account creation. Solution: Verify that all details match your official documents and use a Safaricom line registered in your name for MPESA transactions.
Tips for a Successful HELB Loan Application
To maximize your chances of securing a HELB loan for the 2025/2026 academic year, follow these tips:
- Apply Early: Submit your application as soon as the window opens in August 2025 to avoid last-minute issues.
- Ensure Document Accuracy: Provide accurate and consistent details across all documents to prevent validation errors.
- Complete the Financial Literacy Program: This is mandatory and helps you understand loan management and repayment obligations.
- Use the Right Platform: For subsequent applicants, the HELB mobile app is the most convenient option. Ensure you have a Safaricom line for seamless transactions.
- Track Your Application: Regularly check the “My Loans” section on the HELB portal or app for updates on your application status.
- Contact HELB Support: If you encounter issues, reach out to HELB via their customer service channels on Facebook, X, or the HELB Student Service Centre in Nairobi.
HELB has transformed the higher education landscape in Kenya by providing financial support to thousands of students who would otherwise be unable to afford university or TVET education. According to recent data, HELB disburses over Kshs. 41 billion annually to support students, with funding set to increase for the 2025/2026 financial year. This financial boost enables students to focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress, contributing to higher graduation rates and employability.
The introduction of the HEF portal and the Student-Centred Funding Model has further enhanced equity in education by tailoring funding to students’ needs. Partnerships with organizations like the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) ensure that marginalized groups, including students with disabilities, have access to funding and career support.
Future Outlook: HELB’s Plans for 2025 and Beyond
HELB continues to innovate to meet the evolving needs of Kenyan students. Future plans include:
- Shariah-Compliant Products: HELB is exploring interest-free loan options to cater to Muslim students, addressing concerns about interest-based loans.
- Enhanced Digital Platforms: Improvements to the HELB app and portal aim to reduce glitches and enhance user experience.
- Increased Funding: As announced by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, HELB’s budget will increase from Kshs. 35 billion to Kshs. 41 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year, ensuring more students receive support.
- Partnerships for Inclusivity: Collaborations with organizations like UNICEF and NCPWD will expand access to funding for underserved communities.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s higher education system, empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals. With the subsequent loan application window for the 2025/2026 academic year set to open in August 2025, students are encouraged to prepare early, gather the necessary documents, and leverage digital platforms like the HELB app and HEF portal for a seamless application process. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application steps, and repayment terms, students can make informed decisions to secure the financial support they need.
For the latest updates, visit www.helb.co.ke or download the HELB mobile app. Stay proactive, apply on time, and take advantage of HELB’s affordable financing options to invest in your future.
