How to Apply for HELB & Scholarships Online – 2026 Guide (Kenya)

The Ministry of Education released the 2025 KCSE results on January 9. Out of the 993,226 students who sat for the exams, 270,000 qualify for a chance to join various universities in Kenya, and now the number is increasing as they prepare to join. Whether you want to join a university, college, or TVET in Kenya and need financial support, this guide will explain step by step how to apply online, what you need, and tips for success. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offers student loans and scholarships to help pay for tuition, upkeep, and related costs such as rent, transport, and clothing.

What HELB Provides

1. Student Loans

HELB supports students who are unable to pay their fees and manage other expenses when joining and throughout their study period at university. The amount varies depending on the financial ability of the parents/guardians.

The money is usually disbursed in two phases during the first and second semesters. Some portions are sent directly to the university or college account. This is to prevent overspending, as some students risk using the money for other things, such as betting or buying luxury items like shoes and designer clothes.

The money is strictly meant for fees, living expenses, and study materials.

2. Scholarships

Some students manage to get grades A and B and are totally orphaned or whose parents cannot afford to provide a single cent. HELB usually provides financial support based on need and merit to such students.

2026 Application Period

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the HELB portal opened mid-year and was open until August 31, 2025, for first-time and subsequent applicants. Many students use the same application process for ongoing cycles, so these steps apply to future application windows.

Where to Apply Online

There are three official ways to apply:

1. HEF Portal (First-Time Applicants)

Visit: www. hef.co.ke

This portal supports both HELB loan and scholarship applications for new students.

2. HELB Website (All Applicants)

www.helb.co.ke – Find links to the student portal or loan services.

3. Mobile & USSD (Continuing Students)

• HELB Mobile App (Android & iOS)
• USSD Code: *642#
• Use these to apply again (subsequently) if you have received funding before.

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

1. Go to the HEF Portal

Open www. hef.co.ke on your browser. I prefer Chrome, but you can use any of your default browsers.

2. Register an Account

• Use your original National ID or KCSE Index Number for those who are still waiting for their cards.
• Provide a valid email address and phone number. I prefer you use your own number or, for parents, your Safaricom number.
• Click “Register” and activate your account through the email link sent to you.

3. Complete Your Profile

Upload personal details, including:

• Passport-size photo (JPEG/JPG/PNG format for easy uploading)
• National ID or birth certificate
• Parents’ information and contact details
• Bank or M-Pesa details registered in your name

4. Choose Funding Options

Select whether you want to apply for a loan, scholarship, or both.

Complete the short online quiz if required (some portals require this for eligibility).

6. Submit Application

Review everything carefully, then submit. You’ll receive an email confirmation.

NOTE: Ensure you provide correct details because contradicting information will lead to automatic disqualification.

For Continuing (Subsequent) Applicants

If you’ve received HELB support in previous years:

Using the HELB Mobile App

1. Download the HELB app on your phone.
2. Register/log in with your phone number and National ID.
3. Enter your course and year of study.
4. Upload any updated documents if asked.
5. Submit your subsequent application online.

Using USSD

1. Dial: *642# on your phone.
2. Follow the steps to enter your details and choose your loan/scholarship type.
3. Confirm and submit.

Supporting Documents Checklist

For most applications, you’ll need:

• Valid National ID or KCSE Index Number
• Birth certificate (especially if under 18)
• Passport photo (JPEG/JPG/PNG)
• Parent/guardian ID and contact information
• Bank or M-Pesa account (registered in your name)
• Admission letter (for university or TVET)

Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Apply early once the portal opens — avoid last-minute rushes.

✔ Use your own phone number and bank/M-Pesa account — this makes verification easier.

✔ Keep all documents ready in digital format before starting.

✔ Do not pay anyone for application help — HELB applications are free.

✔ Check your email and SMS often for portal messages or verification codes.

Postgraduate Scholarships (Master’s & PhD)

HELB also provides postgraduate scholarships for students pursuing a Master’s or PhD, though the value and eligibility differ from undergraduate loans. For example:

• Partial scholarship awards (e.g., KES 200,000 for Master’s, KES 450,000 for PhD)
• Must be admitted to an accredited postgraduate program
• Loan repayment must be in good standing if a previous HELB loan was received

For queries, the official HELB office is located in Nairobi, Anniversary Towers, 19th floor, or you can go to a Huduma Centre located near you.

Final Notes

The HELB and HEF application process is now mostly online, making it easier for students from all over Kenya to apply from home. Always use the official portals and follow the steps carefully to improve your chances of approval.