How to Apply For HELB Loan 2024

Are you looking to finance your university education with minimal hassle? The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is now accepting applications for scholarships, bursaries, and loans for students entering universities through its portal.

Once you are successful, you can quickly and conveniently apply for your HELB subsequent loans to help you focus on studying.

Types Of Undergraduate Loans

Government scholarships and loans are accessible for students enrolling in universities, starting from the academic year 2023/2024 onwards. 

There are two types of applications:

i. First Time Applicants

This is for applicants who are applying for HELB for the very first time.

Requirements

1. A copy of the Applicant’s national ID Card.
2. Copies of the parents’ National ID Cards/death certificate where the parent is deceased.
3. Copies of both guarantors’ National ID cards.
4. A copy of the applicant’s admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate.
5. A copy of the applicant’s Bank ATM/Bank card (for Government sponsored students only).
6. A copy of the applicant’s Smart Card from the institution.
7. One recent colored passport-size photograph of the applicant.

Applying HELB as a First-Time Applicant

Visit www.helb.co.ke to access the Student Portal and click on “create an account” to register.

1. Create an account and log in. Select the appropriate Undergraduate First Time Loan Application Form [LAF].
2. Access and fill out the loan application form.
3. Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form.
4. Have the forms appropriately filled, signed, and stamped by the relevant authorities.
5. Attach all the documents as per the checklist and present one copy of the duly filled Loan Application Form at:
6. Any of the following Huduma centers nearest to you for free and secure delivery; or
   • HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi.
7. Retain a complete copy of the Loan Application Form (Mandatory).

ii. Subsequent Applicants

These are students applying for the second, third, and fourth time as per the program duration. Students before 2023 can continue using the HELB loan application.

Note: The number of loans one is eligible for depends on the program duration. For example, one is given a loan 4 times for a 4-year program or 5 times for a 5-year program.

Applying HELB as a Subsequent Applicant

• via the HELB mobile app
• HELB loans online portal
• dial *642# and follow prompts
• Using M-Pesa App

Applying via M-Pesa App

Accessing HELB funds through the M-Pesa mobile application is a viable option. Simply download the M-Pesa app from any app store. Scroll down to the HELB loan section.

Once there, manage your transactions from the comfort of your smartphone.

Applying via *642#

1. Dial *642# on your phone and select Log in

2. Enter your PIN

3. Choose your education application level e.g. Certificate, Diploma, or Degree.

4. Select academic year and confirm your institution

5. Select where you want to receive your upkeep and confirm payment details.

6. Enter PIN to complete the process.

7. You will receive a confirmation message with the loan application serial number.

Applying via HELB App

1. Download the HELB app from any Playstore

2. Register and activate with your personal Safaricom line to generate an activation code

3. Create a 4-digit PIN

4. Confirm your personal and institutional details

5. Click on the “Apply Subsequent Products” option

6. Choose the “Get Started” tab

7. Click on the loan application option

8. Read and understand the loan terms and conditions then agree and proceed

9. Answer all financial questions and click on “Proceed”

10. Select your preferred loan payment option and verify to proceed

11. Click on Request loan, review your loan details, and then click on “Submit”

12. Upon completion, you will see your loan serial number on both the app and SMS notification confirming your application.