How to Apply for HELB Loans in Kenya

🎓 HELB Loans in Kenya: What You Should Know

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offers low-interest student loans and scholarships to Kenyan learners. Now, applications go through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal or HELB’s app and USSD for subsequent applicants. The process is fully digital, no paperwork required.

Loan Types:

• First-Time Undergraduate & TVET Loan
• Subsequent (Continuing Student) Loans & Scholarships.

First-Time Loan Application (2025/2026 Intake)

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to www.hef.co.ke (or helb.co.ke) and register your account using National ID or KCSE index number (for under‑18s), email, and phone. Activate via the link sent to your inbox (portal.hef.co.ke).
2. Complete your profile: personal, residency, education, institution, and parents’ information. Upload ID, photo, KCSE slip, birth certificate (if needed), and admission letter.
3. Take the Financial Literacy Quiz (must pass to proceed).
4. Enter guarantors’ ID and contact details, plus your bank or M-Pesa info for funds disbursement.
5. Apply for a loan, scholarship, or both. You’ll get a PDF copy via email for your records.

Requirements:

• Email, phone, ID/KCSE index, passport photo
• Admission letter, KCSE slip, birth certificate if minor
• Two guarantors
• Bank or M-Pesa details under your name.

Subsequent Application (Continuing Students)

Apply via:

• HELB Mobile App (Google Play)
• *USSD Code: 642# using your registered phone number.
  Both methods are paperless, fast, and convenient (portal.hef.co.ke).

What’s Involved:

• Accept terms & data consent
• Complete loan form and select your payment option
• Submit and receive a serial number confirmation via SMS, which you should save for reference.

Application Deadlines & Processing

• Application window for 2025/26: Closes around 31 August 2025.
• Expect processing time of 2–4 weeks or more during busy periods.

Loan Amounts, Disbursement & Repayment

• Up to KSh 80,000/year for undergraduates; KSh 40,000/year for TVET students.
• Interest: 4% per annum, plus KSh 1,000 annual ledger fee
• Grace period: 1-year after graduation
• Repayment: Over 120 months
• Penalty begins after one year of default: KSh 5,000/month

Tips to Improve Your Application Success

• Apply early at least one month before the academic year starts,
• Use a phone number registered in your name
• Upload clear and correct documents
• Save your SMS confirmation or serial number
• For diaspora students, pay via M-Pesa to avoid non-posting.
• If you previously defaulted, look out for penalty waivers (e.g. 80% or full waivers in 2025).

Official Links & Portals

• HEF/HELB Student Portal – hef.co.ke or helb.co.ke
• HELB Mobile App (Google Play)
• USSD: *Dial 642#
• HELB Contact Centre: Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke

Applying for HELB loans in Kenya is now easier than ever thanks to digital tools. Whether you’re applying for the first time or continuing your studies, this guide gives you the confidence to complete the process successfully.

Want expert help? Luvisia Digital offers affordable support, from document uploads to form review and tracking your application.

📞 Contact us today to get started!