HELB Loan and Scholarship Application in Kenya 2026: Requirements, Amounts, Deadlines and Step-by-Step Guide

The release of the 2025 KCSE results on January 9 marked a major milestone for thousands of Kenyan students preparing to join universities, colleges, and TVET institutions. Out of more than 993,000 candidates who sat for the exams, over 270,000 qualified for higher education.

However, for many families in Kenya, the biggest challenge is not admission — it is how to pay school fees and meet daily expenses. This is where the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) comes in.

This guide explains everything you need to know about HELB loans and scholarships in Kenya, including eligibility, application steps, required documents, deadlines, and tips to increase your chances of approval.

What Is HELB in Kenya?

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a government agency that provides financial support to Kenyan students joining universities, colleges, and TVET institutions.

HELB funding helps students pay for:

• Tuition fees

• Accommodation and rent

• Transport

• Food and upkeep

• Learning materials

Each year, thousands of students depend on HELB loans and scholarships to continue their education.

Types of HELB Funding in Kenya

1. HELB Student Loans

HELB loans are given to students who cannot fully afford university or college fees. For example, a student sent to the Technical University of Kenya, which is in the middle of Nairobi town, needs to cater for transport, rent cause the institution has few hostels, and also food to eat during lunch, in such a case, pocket money only is not enough.

The loan amount depends on factors such as:

• Family income where both parents have no jobs or depend on hand-to-mouth income.

• Level of need, some of the universities’ demands are high, generally private institutions i.e USIU.

• Course and institution

• Previous funding (for continuing students)

In most cases, Kenyan students receive between KSh 35,000 and KSh 60,000 per year, although some may receive more or less depending on their situation.

The money is released in two parts:

• A portion is sent directly to the institution’s account for fees.

• The remaining amount is sent to the student’s bank or M-Pesa account fr survival.

2. HELB Scholarships

HELB also offers scholarships to academically strong students from poor backgrounds.

Scholarships mainly target:

• Orphans (partial or total)

• Students from extremely needy families

• High-performing KCSE candidates, for example, the ones that scores 400 marks.

• Students with disabilities

Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment.

(For assistance, WhatsApp 0799777175)

HELB Application Period in Kenya

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the HELB application window opened mid-year and closed on August 31, 2025.

Although dates may change each year, the process usually follows a similar timeline. Students are advised to apply immediately once the portal opens to avoid missing deadlines.

Official HELB Application Portals

There are three official ways to apply for HELB funding in Kenya:

1. HEF Portal (For First-Time Applicants)

• Website: https://www.hef.co.ke
  This portal is used by new students applying for HELB loans and scholarships for the first time.

2. HELB Website (For All Applicants)

• Website: https://www.helb.co.ke
  The HELB website provides access to student portals and other loan services.

3. Mobile App and USSD Code (For Continuing Students)

• HELB Mobile App (Android & iOS)

• USSD Code: *642#

These options are mainly used by students who have previously received HELB funding.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for HELB (First-Time Applicants)

Step 1: Visit the HEF Portal

Open the HEF website using any browser on your phone or computer i.e Chrome.

Step 2: Create an Account

Register using:

• National ID number or KCSE index number

• Valid email address

• Active phone number, most transactions in Kenya are done using Safaricom number i prefer you use this.

Activate your account through the link sent to your email.

Step 3: Complete Your Profile

Upload and fill in the following details:

• Passport-size photo

• National ID or birth certificate

• Parents’ or guardians’ details

• Bank or M-Pesa account in your name, confirm correctly cause if you input wrong details, money won’t be sent to your account.

Step 4: Select Funding Option

Choose whether you want to apply for:

• HELB loan

• Scholarship

• Both a loan and a scholarship

Step 5: Take the Financial Literacy Test

Some applicants may be required to complete a short online test.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Review your details carefully and submit the form.
You will receive a confirmation message via email or SMS.

Important: Providing false information can lead to automatic disqualification.

How Continuing Students Apply for HELB

Option 1: Using the HELB Mobile App

• Download the HELB app

• Log in using your ID and phone number

• Update your course and year of study

• Submit your application

Option 2: Using USSD Code

• Dial *642#

• Follow the prompts

• Confirm and submit your application

HELB Application Requirements in Kenya

You will need the following documents:

• National ID or KCSE index number

• Birth certificate (for minors)

• Passport-size photo

• Parent or guardian ID details

• Bank or M-Pesa account in your name

• Admission letter from your institution

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting HELB

To improve your chances of approval:

• Apply early once the portal opens

• Use your own phone number and bank account

• Upload clear and accurate documents

• Avoid paying agents — HELB applications are free

• Regularly check your email and SMS for updates

HELB Postgraduate Scholarships (Master’s and PhD)

HELB also supports postgraduate students through scholarships and partial funding.

Typical support includes:

• About KSh 200,000 for Master’s students

• About KSh 450,000 for PhD students

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be admitted to an accredited programme

• Have a good academic record

• Be up-to-date with previous HELB repayments (if applicable)

HELB Offices and Support in Kenya

The main HELB office is located at:

 Anniversary Towers, 19th Floor, Nairobi

Students can also get assistance from Huduma Centres across the country.