How to Apply for a HELB Loan as a University Student in Kenya

What is HELB and Who Qualifies?

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is the leading financier of higher education in Kenya. It operates under the Ministry of Education and provides loans, bursaries, and scholarships to Kenyan students at universities and TVET institutions recognised by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

To qualify, you must be a Kenyan citizen admitted to a CUE-accredited institution, whether through KUCCPS placement or private sponsorship. You need a national ID and admission to a recognized institution through KUCCPS placement or self-sponsored admission to an accredited university or TVET institution. HELB uses means-testing—your family's annual income is assessed to determine how much you get as a loan versus a non-repayable scholarship.

Where to Apply and When

First-time undergraduate and TVET applicants apply via the Higher Education Financing portal at www.hef.co.ke. Continuing students can apply via USSD *642#. The portal requires your national ID, email, and mobile number (for verification).

Application windows are staggered by intake. For the 2026/2027 academic year, first-time university and TVET applications opened on the HEF portal on 10 July 2026 and closed on 21 September 2026 after an extension. The next window opens with the next intake, so watch the HEF portal and HELB's official channels for exact dates.

Missing the deadline delays your disbursement to the next cycle. HELB announces application dates via their website and university student finance offices.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the portal: Go to hef.co.ke (first-timers) or helb.co.ke (continuing students) and create an account using your national ID and email. You'll receive an OTP via SMS.

2. Complete your profile: Enter your national ID details, university admission letter number, and course duration. HELB cross-references this with CUE and KUCCPS records, so accuracy matters.

3. Submit household information: Provide your parents' or guardians' income, employment status, and number of dependants. HELB uses this data for means-testing. You'll also list the mobile number where you want loan disbursements sent.

4. Upload documents: Attach scans of your national ID, university admission letter, and any supporting financial documents (pay slips, business registration certificates, self-employment proof).

5. Review and submit: Check your application for errors before submitting. HELB may contact you for clarification using the phone number you provided.

6. Wait for disbursement: HELB reviews in batches, with first disbursements typically 2-4 months after the deadline. Track status on the portal.

Critical: Interest Rate, Repayment Terms and HELB Clearance

The current HELB loan interest rate for undergraduate, TVET and KMTC students is 4% per annum. This is simple interest, well below commercial bank rates.

Before graduation, obtain HELB clearance from your university's finance office. This confirms your loan status and repayment schedule. A grace period applies: typically 12 months from the date you complete or leave your studies, during which no repayment is required.

After the grace period, employers are legally required to deduct HELB loan repayments from employees' salaries upon receiving official notification from HELB through the KRA iTax portal. Self-employed borrowers can pay via HELB M-Pesa paybill 200800, using their national ID number as the account. HELB loans accrue interest at 4% per annum, designed to clear the loan within ten years of the start of repayment; average undergraduate borrower monthly repayment is typically KES 1,500 to KES 3,500.

If you need expert guidance navigating HELB eligibility or understanding your funding award, find a verified Kenyan expert on Kaziiko who specialises in government student finance matters.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not submit false income information—HELB verifies through KRA and employer records. Ensure your university admission letter number is correct; mismatches delay processing. Keep your M-Pesa number active; HELB uses it to confirm your application and disburse funds. Use a desktop or laptop when filling the form; the form has many fields and mobile timeouts cause data loss. Fill the application form yourself to provide accurate information—do not rely on third parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does repayment start, and how much do I pay each month?

Repayment begins after you graduate or after you leave university without graduating, with a grace period of typically 12 months from the date you complete or leave your studies, during which no repayment is required. After the grace period, your monthly repayment depends on your loan total; HELB sends the amount when repayment starts.

What happens if I don't repay?

A penalty of KSh 500 per month is imposed for each missed repayment, which can accumulate quickly and increase the total debt significantly. Defaulting also leads to Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) listing, which affects your ability to access bank loans or credit in Kenya.

Can I apply if I'm self-sponsored or studying at a private university?

You qualify if admitted to a recognized institution through KUCCPS placement or self-sponsored admission to an accredited university or TVET institution. Privately-sponsored students can apply for the loan portion; only KUCCPS-placed students qualify for the scholarship portion.

What is the application fee?

HELB does not charge for application assistance, and all services should be accessed directly through the official platforms. There is no application fee. Be cautious of third parties claiming to charge for HELB help.