How to Apply for HELB Loans and Scholarships in Kenya 2025: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Introduction: Why HELB Matters (Now More Than Ever)

Financing higher education remains one of the biggest challenges for many Kenyan students. Between tuition, upkeep, and living expenses — not to mention transport and books — university or TVET enrollment can become financially overwhelming. Fortunately, for many Kenyans, there is a critical lifeline in the form of HELB: a government‑backed financial aid scheme with loans, scholarships and bursaries intended to help students complete their studies regardless of socio‑economic background.

In 2025, HELB — under the new funding model managed via the Higher Education Fund (HEF) portal — opened its application window for the 2025/2026 academic year. This makes now the ideal moment for students — both first‑time and continuing — to apply. The Star+2Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news.+2

This guide takes you through the entire process: who is eligible, how to apply (first time and subsequent), what documents to prepare, key deadlines, common pitfalls, and how to track your application. Whether you’re just admitted to university or returning for another year, this article gives you everything you need to know to secure funding in 2025.

Who Is Eligible for HELB Support in 2025/2026

Before jumping into the application, it’s vital to confirm that you qualify. Not every student is automatically eligible — and HELB has clear criteria depending on the type of applicant (first‑time or continuing) and educational level (undergraduate or TVET).

First‑Time Undergraduate & TVET Applicants

If you’re entering university or TVET for the first time and seeking funding, you’re eligible for a first‑time loan or scholarship — provided you satisfy HELB’s documentation requirements. For 2025/2026, HELB opened the application portal for newly placed students (e.g. via the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service — KUCCPS) as well as self‑sponsored entrants. Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news.+2Helb+2

The funding model now emphasizes equitable access: under its “student‑centred funding model,” HELB supports students based on need and merit. The Star+1

Important to note: the application is completely digital — no physical forms are required. HELB+1

Also, if you are under 18 (or haven’t yet obtained a National ID), you may apply using your KCSE index number — with supporting documents like birth certificate and waiting‑card for ID. HELB+1

Continuing Students (Second‑Year, Third‑Year, TVET, etc.)

If you previously received HELB funding (loan or scholarship), and you are returning for another year, you qualify to apply as a continuing (or “subsequent”) applicant. Helb+2Business Radar+2

You do not need to reapply through the full portal registration process. Instead, HELB makes it easier via a mobile app or USSD code — more on that below. Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news.+2Jobs Daily+2

Key 2025 Deadlines & Why You Should Act Early

For the 2025/2026 academic year, HELB officially opened its application portal in July 2025. The Star+2Sky News+2

The closing date is set at August 31, 2025. Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news.+2Sky News+2

Why is this important? Applying early ensures your loan or scholarship is processed before the start of the academic term. Delays — especially close to the deadline — can lead to system congestion or late disbursement, which may interfere with registration, fee clearance, or class attendance. HELB has urged applicants to submit early rather than wait until the last minute. The Star+2Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news.+2

Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for HELB (2025 Process)

Here’s a comprehensive walkthrough of the application process for 2025 — whether you’re applying for the first time or seeking subsequent funding.

For First‑Time Undergraduate & TVET Applicants

  1. Visit the Official Portal

  2. Register and Activate Account

    • Fill in your details: National ID number (if you have one) or KCSE index number (if under 18 or not yet issued ID), a valid email, and phone number registered under your name. Helb+1

    • Once registered, check your email inbox (or spam folder) for an activation link — click it to activate your account. Helb+1

    • Log in once your account is activated.

  3. Fill Out the Application Form

    • Provide accurate personal information, including contact details (phone number, email), residence data, and other required fields. helbnews.co.ke - helbnews.co.ke+2HELB+2

    • Fill in academic information: KCPE and KCSE index numbers and years, your prospective university/TVET institution, course name and program code (if applicable) as per your admission letter or KUCCPS placement. helbnews.co.ke - helbnews.co.ke+2Helb+2

  4. Upload Required Documents
    HELB requires scanned copies (PDF or specified formats) of several documents:

    • Passport-size photograph (JPEG/JPG/PNG) Helb+2Kenya Times+2

    • National ID or Maisha Card — both sides (PDF) [or for minors: birth certificate + waiting card for ID] HELB+2Helb+2

    • Valid bank account details or M‑PESA number (registered under your name and ID) — for upkeep disbursement if loan approved. Helb+2helbnews.co.ke - helbnews.co.ke+2

    • Parents’ National IDs and their registered phone numbers. If a parent is deceased, you must upload death certificate (PDF). Helb+2Kenya Times+2

    • Two guarantors’ IDs and registered phone numbers (can be parents or other adults). Helb+2HELB+2

    • If you were sponsored in secondary school: sponsorship letter (PDF), plus any supporting documents required. Helb+2Kenya Times+2

  5. Accept Terms and Conditions

    • Read the HELB loan/scholarship terms carefully. For undergraduate loans, there is a 4% interest rate and an annual ledger fee of KSh 1,000. Helb

    • You must consent to data collection and financial literacy requirements (as required under the HEF/HELB portal guidelines) before proceeding. Opportunities Hub+1

  6. Select Payment/Disbursement Method

    • Choose whether you prefer upkeep funds via your bank account or M‑PESA (or relevant payment channel), ensuring the account/number is under your name. helbnews.co.ke - helbnews.co.ke+1

  7. Submit Application

    • Click Submit once you’ve filled in all details and uploaded documents. The whole process is digital — no printing or physical submission is needed. The Star+2HELB+2

    • After successful submission, you’ll receive a confirmation (often a PDF copy via email) along with a reference serial number. Save this number — it proves you applied. HELB+1

  8. Track Your Application Status

    • Log in to the HEF portal to check processing status. HELB will use the email and phone number you provided — also expect SMS updates for verification, award, and disbursement status. helbnews.co.ke - helbnews.co.ke+2HELB+2

For Continuing Students (Second, Third, Fourth Year, or TVET Students Reapplying)

If you have already used HELB funding before, the reapplication process is much simpler:

Many students find this method more streamlined compared to the first-time application process.

Common Mistakes, Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Based on feedback from HELB announcements and previous applicants, these are common issues — and how you can avoid them.

What Happens After You Apply: Verification & Disbursement

Once you submit successfully, here’s the usual journey for your application:

  1. HELB / HEF reviews your application, verifying documents, academic eligibility, and enrollment status.

  2. If approved: Tuition fees are paid directly to your institution; upkeep allowances or other funds are disbursed to your registered bank account or M‑PESA number (whichever method you selected). Helb+2helbnews.co.ke - helbnews.co.ke+2

  3. You receive notifications (SMS or email) about the status: verification, approval, disbursement scheduling, and fund release. HELB+2The Star+2

  4. If there are issues (document mismatch, ID problems, etc.), HELB may request correction or additional information — so stay alert to messages on the portal + your registered phone/email.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does HELB charge a fee when applying for loans or scholarships?
A: No — HELB does not charge any fee for accessing or submitting applications. The whole process is free. HELB+2The Star+2

Q: Can I apply if I’m under 18 or I don’t yet have a National ID?
A: Yes. Use your KCSE index number instead of ID. You’ll need to upload your birth certificate and waiting card for ID. Once you get your ID, you should update your profile. Hef+2HELB+2

Q: Can self‑sponsored students (not KUCCPS) apply for loans?
A: Yes — HELB allows self-sponsored students in recognized universities to apply for undergraduate loans (though scholarships may depend on placement and need). Helb+1

Q: What if I missed the first-time application window — can I apply later?
A: Yes. Under the funding model, subsequent applications are allowed whenever the next application window opens. But it’s best to apply as early as possible once it’s open. Hef+2Helb+2

Q: Is the application physical or fully online?
A: Fully online — no printing or physical submission needed. Everything from registration to upload to submission is digital. The Star+2HELB+2

Why 2025 is Important: What’s New This Year