Category Archives: HELB News Portal

Get the latest news from the Higher Education Loans Board, HELB.

Higher Education Financing: List of Supported Universities and Contacts

Higher Education Financing: List of Supported Universities and Contacts

Public Universities

INSTITUTION
VC CONTACTS
WEBSITES
principalalupe@gmail.com
principal@buc.ac.ke
vc@chuka.ac.ke
vc@cuk.ac.ke
vc@dkut.ac.ke
vc@egerton.ac.ke
vc@gau.ac.ke
vc@jooust.ac.ke
vc@jkuat.ac.ke
vc@kafu.ac.ke
vc@karu.ac.ke
vc@ku.ac.ke
vc@kibu.ac.ke
vc@kyu.ac.ke
vc@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke
gkmisoi@gmail.com
vc@laikipia.ac.ke
vc@mmarau.ac.ke
vc@mksu.ac.ke
vc@mnu.ac.ke
vc@maseno.ac.ke
vc@mmust.ac.ke
vc@must.ac.ke
vcmoi2009@gmail.com
vc@mmu.ac.ke
vc@mut.ac.ke
vc@pu.ac.ke
vc@rongovarsity.ac.ke
vc@seku.ac.ke
vc@ttu.ac.ke
vc@tukenya.ac.ke
vc@tum.ac.ke
tharakauniversitycollege@chuka.ac.ke
principal.tmuc@maseno.ac.ke
principal-tuc@mmust.ac.ke
vc@uoeld.ac.ke
vc@embuni.ac.ke
vc@kabianga.ac.ke
vc@uonbi.ac.ke

The Helb Portal Login

Helb Student Portal

The Helb Student Portal gives you instant access to a wealth of resources at HELB.

How does it work?

The system is very easy to use. When you register and login you will have access to everything from loan application to allocation and disbursement status. Who can use the portal? Any registered or existing students can have free and unlimited access to the portal.

Student Portal Login 

Sign in to your Account

How to apply for the HELB Afya Elimu Loan; 2nd and subsequent

The Higher Education Loans Board, Helb, is inviting applications for the Afya Elimu second and subsequent loan application 2020/2021 academic year. Get full details on how to apply and requirements in this post.

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

This loan is available for needy students training in middle level medical colleges (listed on HELB portal); Kenya Medical Training College [KMTC], Faith Based Organizations [FBO’s] and other Institutions offering Diplomas and Certificates in medical courses

HOW TO APPLY.

  • Download the HELB App from Google Play Store or dial *642#
  • Register using your phone number to generate a PIN which you will use to log in
  • Ensure the mobile number is registered under your name
  • Please NOTE that mobile numbers not registered in the students’ name will not allow the loan application to proceed
  • Read, understand, and click to accept the license agreement
  • Enter your First name as it appears in your National ID, ID number and valid email address to complete registration.
  • Click on “loans” tab and choose either certiFicate loans or diploma loans. Then click “apply” on the Afya Elimu second and subsequent loan
  • Read and understand the Financial literacy guide
  • Answer the 􀏐inancial literacy questions and scroll down to view results and click “proceed”
  • Click “con􀏐irm” to verify your telephone number by paying Kshs. 1 to M-PESA
  • Read the loan agreement and click on ‘I agree’
  • Click ‘submit’. A pop-up message will appear to show that you have successfully applied. The loan serial number will also be displayed.

Please note that this application is paperless. You are not required to print any form. A confirmation SMS with a loan application serial number is the evidence that you have applied. Kindly save the SMS for future reference.

DO NOT PAY anyone to process your HELB loan application.
In case of any queries, seek assistance ONLY from HELB officers.

DEADLINE

The closing date for the loan application is January 31, 2021

SEE ALSO;

Universities New Funding Model, Higher Education Financing Portal {OFFICIAL GUIDE}

Introduction

New Funding Model[NFM] was unveiled by the President of the Republic of Kenya on 3rd May 2023 to address the challenges that public universities and TVET colleges  were enduring which were attributed primarily on massive enrolment and inadequate funding. The funding model is student centered and loans and bursaries will be apportioned to students based on their assessed level of need. The universities and TVET will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation. The funding to students shall combine scholarship, loans and household contributions on a graduated scale as determined Means Testing Instrument [MTI]. Students from extremely needy and vulnerable backgrounds will pay nothing to colleges and universities.

HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Government Scholarships for University Students Under the New Funding Model

1.   What is the difference between the former university grant and the new Higher Education Government Student Scholarship?

The Higher Education Government Student Scholarship is a financial assistance programme provided to learners in public universities and TVET institutes. Funded through government resources, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing undergraduate, diploma, craft certificate and artisan education. The scholarship is based on the actual cost of the programme and the student’s financial needs.

2.  Who qualifies for the Scholarship?

To be eligible for the scholarship, one must be Kenyan and a 2022 KCSE examination candidate for university learners. He or she must have been placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to pursue an undergraduate, diploma, craft certificate or artisan course at one of Kenya’s accredited public universities or TVET colleges.

Scholarship application is open to students who sat their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination from 2022 onwards.

3.   A student can apply for this government scholarship at any stage of their academic programme. Can a student apply for loan and scholarship in the same year?

Yes. Loans and scholarship awards will be categorized differently. A vulnerable student will get 82 per cent scholarship and 18 per cent loan of the cost of the programme.

An extremely needy learner will get 70 per cent scholarship and 30 per cent loan of the cost of the course while a needy learner will get 53 per cent scholarship, 40 per cent loan and seven per cent household of the cost of the programme.

Lastly, a less needy learner will get 38 per cent scholarship, 55 per cent loan and seven per cent family of the cost of the course to be pursued.

4.   Can students below 18 years apply for the scholarship since we know those below that age have previously not been allowed to apply for study loans?

Minors – individuals who have not attained 18 years of age – who sat their KCSE examination last year and have been placed by KUCCPS in a public university or TVET college can apply for the Higher Education Government Student Scholarship. Once the individuals reach 18, they will be required to update their profiles to continue benefiting from the government scholarship and loan.

5.   Is it a must for a student to apply for the Higher Education Government Student Scholarship?

It is not mandatory. It is advisable to only apply for the scholarship if you need government financial assistance.

6.   What are the steps one needs to follow when applying for a Government Student Scholarship?

To apply for a Government Student Scholarship, visit www.hef.co.ke. Remember also to keep an eye on official communication channels and updates from the Universities Fund, the HELB and KUCCPS for announcements regarding application details and deadlines.

Prepare the required documents, including academic records, personal details, student residential and education background. If necessary, gather letters of recommendation to support your application. Ensure you have the necessary documents available, including the “Consent to Collect Personal Data” form.

  1. Are Government Student Scholarships based on financial need, merit or both?

The scholarship is based on the financial needs of the applicant and academic merit. One must be placed by KUCCPS to a public university or TVET institute to apply.

8.   Is the application for the Government Student Scholarship a one-off for a leaner throughout the degree?

For you to get the Government Student Scholarships, you must apply through www.hef.co.ke and submit an application every year for the course duration.

9.   What happens if one receives less than the Government Student Scholarship award applied/or?

An individual may appeal or request a review of their Government Student Scholarships award if they were not satisfied with the amount given. This includes unsuccessful scholarship applications.

10.  Can a foreigner apply and receive the Government Student Scholarship?

No, this scholarship is restricted to Kenyans only. International students should check with their institutions, governments or financial aid offices to determine if they are eligible for other scholarships.

11.  How can a student use the Government Student Scholarship fund?

This Government Student Scholarship fund takes care of the tuition fees. These funds will be disbursed directly to the university or college the applicant is undertaking their studies.

12.   Can the Government Student Scholarship affect other forms of financial assistance to the learner?

Yes. If a student is fully funded by another agency, individual or institution, the government Student Scholarship cannot provide a scholarship to the same student since it will lead to over- funding. Students are I expected to fully disclose agencies sponsoring them and the amounts applicable for their sponsorship. Non-disclosure may lead to withdrawal or cancellation of the scholarship.

13.  Are there any requirements or responsibilities for Student Government Scholarship recipients?

Beneficiaries of the Government Student Scholarship are required to complete their studies within the stipulated course/programme duration. Any extended study duration cost will not be catered for by the scholarship. Secondly, the students will be required to give accurate information to assist the award of the scholarships.

14.  Will a student need a guarantor for to be eligible for the Government Scholarship?

No guarantors are needed.

Helb loan beneficiaries 2022 – Helb Latest News

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has provided the latest news on the number of first-year university students who will receive loans in 2022. The agency has at the same time revealed the number of students who will fail to receive the loans.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Education on Thursday, February 3, 2022 HELB Chief Finance Officer, Mary Wachira, told the MPs that more than 75,000 first year students did not receive their loans from the government.

She explained that first-years who joined various universities in September 2021, will be forced to wait until the National Treasury reimburses Ksh3 billion to HELB.

Continue reading: Helb first year loans 2021/2022: Application details, deadlines and requirements

The failure by the government to release the funds to the students early enough makes the learning experience of the first years difficult as most of the students, especially those from poor backgrounds, depend on the loan to pay for their tuition and upkeep.

The delay, according to the Parliamentarians, risks forcing some freshmen to postpone their studies since most institutions of higher learning require students to pay full semester fees in order to secure admission.

“Right now, we have 75,000 first-year students who are yet to be funded and we require Ksh3 billion to process their applications,” the HELB Chief Finance Officer stated.

The affected students will be forced to use alternative sources of finances to pay for their tuition, accommodation, and upkeep.

HELB gives loans of between Ksh35,000 and Ksh60,000 per year per student based on their economic background and needs.

From the total amount, Ksh8,000 is wired directly to the university as tuition fees with the balance being sent to the beneficiary’s bank account in two equal tranches covering the first and second semesters.

However, the total amount released by HELB dropped from Ksh43,000 to the current Ksh37,000 for most students.

Other than delayed release of funds, the government agency also cited default payment as one of the contributing factors to freshers missing out on the loan. That has also prompted allocation cuts and increased reliance on the Treasury.

More than 100,000 former university students defaulted on their HELB loans at the peak of the pandemic, a factor that was attributed to salary cuts and job losses.

How to apply as a First Time Helb Loan Applicant – Complete Guide

Kenyan students pursuing Certificate, Diploma and Higher National Diploma courses in select Public Universities, select University Colleges, Public National Polytechnics, and approved TVET Colleges under the Ministry of Education are eligible for this loan and bursary. The loan attracts interest rate of 4% and a ledger fees of Kshs. 1,000 per year.

How to apply as a First Time Applicant

  1. Visit our website www.helb.co.ke  to access the Student Portal and click on “create an account” to register.
  2. Once the account is created, log in and select the appropriate TVET First Time Loan Application Form [TLAF].
  3. Read the literature or view the videos on Financial Literacy and participate in the brief exercise online.
  4. Access and fill the loan application form.
  5. Print TWO copies of the duly filled TVET Loan Application Form [Mandatory]
  6. Have the forms appropriately filled, signed, and stamped by the relevant authorities.
  7. Attach all the documents as per the checklist and present one copy of the duly filled Loan Application Form at:
    • Any of the following Huduma centers nearest to you: Bomet, Bungoma, Chuka, Eldoret, Embu, Garissa, Nairobi GPO, Kakamega, Kericho, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitale, Kitui, Lodwar, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi Narok, Nyeri, Taita Taveta, Thika and West Pokot for free and secure delivery; or
    • HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi
  1. Retain a complete copy of the TVET Loan Application Form [This is mandatory]

Note:

  1. Please ensure that you read, understand, and follow the instructions provided at the beginning of the online TVET loan application process including reading and undertaking the HELB Financial Literacy Programme.
  2. It is recommended that students prudently manage their HELB loans once disbursed to cater for Tuition, books, stationery, accommodation, and subsistence.

Application requirements

  1. A copy of the applicant’s admission letter from the institution
  2. A copy of the applicant’s National Identification Card.
  3. Applicant’s KCSE result slip or certificate
  4. Copies of the parents’ National ID Cards or death certificate where the parent is deceased
  5. Copies of both guarantors’ National ID Card
  6. A copy of the applicant’s Bank ATM/Bank card
  7. One recent colored passport size photograph of the applicant.

Note:

  1. The applicant should access and complete the relevant TVET Loan and Bursary Application Form (TLAF).
  2. Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form.
  3. Have the TVET Loan Application Form signed and stamped by the Dean of Students and/or Financial Aid Officer.
  4. Retain one copy of the duly filled TLAF (Mandatory).
  5. Drop the TLAF personally at the HELB students Service Centre on Mezzanine One, Anniversary Towers or any of the SELECT Huduma Centers nearest to you

Repaying the TVET Loan

TVET loan repayment starts within one year of completion of studies or within such a period as the Board decides to recall the loan, whichever is earlier. However, one can make voluntary payments before or after completing studies to reduce the loan balance. HELB Loans are charged 4% interest per annum and is repayable up to a maximum of 48 months.

Repwieve for university students as HELB finally distributes Ksh.1.56 billion

The government, via the Higher  Education Loans Board (HELB), has allocated Ksh.1.56 billion to students and trainees for their tuition and living expenses.

Online education courses

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba announced that the funds were released on Friday, providing crucial support for university and college students currently enrolled in the program.

“A total of 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students will benefit from these loan disbursements,” the CS noted.

“This funding will ensure that the needs of students and trainees are addressed, allowing them to pursue their academic, training, and research activities without obstacles.”

Online education courses

Beneficiary students and trainees have been informed of the disbursements through HELB’s official communication channels and are advised to check their portals.

In the current Financial Year 2024/2025, HELB has disbursed a total of Ksh.32.7 billion for living and tuition loans, which are expected to assist 195,522 trainees in TVET institutions and 390,612 university students.

The CS expressed confidence that the government would continue to support university students and TVET trainees in achieving their academic and training objectives, despite the ongoing debate surrounding the new University Funding Model.

This disbursement follows pressure from some MPs and stakeholders regarding the delay in HELB fund distribution, which had left many students in financial distress.

Last month, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina raised concerns about the delay, urging the Departmental Committee on Education to clarify the funding crisis.

Online education courses

The delay was a result of a High Court ruling on December 20, 2024, which deemed the new higher education funding model unconstitutional, preventing its implementation until the government complies with constitutional and legal standards.

In response, the Ministry of Education committed to introducing a revised funding model for tertiary education, expected to be launched later this year. Meanwhile, the government has pledged to revert to the previous HELB funding system.

The financial strain has led to unrest at several universities, with students protesting and, in some cases, lecturers boycotting exams in solidarity with affected students.

HELB LOANS, WEBSITE, PORTAL & SERVICES: Your ultimate guide on all requirements, application, disbursement and repayment of HELB Loans and Bursaries

The Higher Education Loans Board, Helb, advances a number of loan products to students in tertiary institutions. Helb provides the following loan products to all students: Undergraduate Loan, Tvet Loan / Bursary First Time For Tertiary Institutions,  Post Graduate Scholarship Application and Afya Elimu Loan. The following are loan products for the employed individuals: Civil Servant Training Revolving Fund, Post Graduate Scholarship Application, Kra Staff Training Revolving Fund and JIELIMISHE LOAN(Salaried Students): PgD,HND,Bachelors, Masters, PhD & Professional Courses.

UNDERGRADUATE LOANS

These loans are for students joining public or private universities within the East African Community directly from high school either through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) or as self-sponsored. Amounts awarded range between Kshs.40,000 minimum and Kshs.60,000 maximum based on the level of need. The loan attracts interest of 4% p.a and the students are required to repay their loans on completion of their studies. Students are advised to apply at least one month before the opening date to allow ample time for processing.

Type of Loan Application

There are two types of undergraduate loan applications:
  • First Time Application-This is for applicants who are applying for the first time.
  • Second & Subsequent Application-This is for applicants who are applying for a second, third, fourth time as per the program duration
The number of loans one is eligible for depends on the program duration i.e. one is given loan 4 times for a 4 year program.

Management of HELB Loans

Students are advised that the loans should be used mainly for:
  • Tuition,
  • Books and stationery,
  • Accommodation and subsistence.
Students are advised to desist from diverting the funds to leisure or other family obligations.

Loan Award

The loan awarded ranges from a minimum of Ksh.40, 000 and a maximum of Ksh.60, 000. For those placed by Kenya University and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the loan amount is split to cater for both Tuition fee and Upkeep while the Self sponsored students, the money is sent directly to the university once a year as tuition fees. A standard amount of Ksh4, 000 for Government sponsored students only is deducted from the loan awarded and disbursed to the university per semester for tuition [total Ksh8, 000] and the rest is sent to the applicant’s bank account as upkeep. An Administrative Fee of Ksh500 per year is charged on the loan awarded and it is therefore deducted from the disbursed loan. A limited number of needy government sponsored students receive bursary of between Ksh4, 000 and Ksh8, 000 per year. The Bursary is paid to the university.

Requirements

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

Repaying your Student Loan

Undergraduate loan repayment starts within one year of completion of studies or within such a period as the Board decides to recall the loan whichever is earlier. However, you can make voluntary payments before or after you complete your studies to reduce your loan balance. Note:
  • Loans are charged 4% interest per annum
  • Loan repayment commences one year upon completion of studies or as deemed fit by HELB.
  • The loan is repayable up to a maximum of 120 months.
Apply Now

Submission of undergraduate Loan Application Forms

Related News: Guide to the helb mobile short code used for loan repayment application and disbursement status

Here are links to the most important news portals:

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE HELB FIRST TIME LOAN.

The First Time Loan Application is divided into the following categories.

INFORMATION ON PROFILE

This comprises of two sub categories as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item. a) Applicant:- Personal Details In this section, an applicant is required to fill out their personal information. Items such as Sub-location,Division,location etc should reflect information as per your National Identification Card. b) Applicant:- Residence Details In this section, an applicant is required to fill out there current place of residence information. Items such as Sub-location,Division,location etc should reflect your current place of residence and not as indicated in your ID Card.

INSTITUTION DETAILS

This comprises of three sub categories as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item. a) Applicant :- Institution Details In this section, an applicant is required to fill out their Institution details. b) Applicant :- Loan Information. Here you are required any information on your loan or bursary.

EDUCATION BACKGROUND DETAILS

This comprises of one category as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item. a) Applicant :- Education Background Details In this section, an applicant is required to fill out their education background details.Primary and Secondary School Details are compulsary.Failure to include this will lead to automatic disqualification

EXPENSE DETAILS

This comprises of two categories as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item. a) Applicant :- Family Expenses In this section, an applicant is required to fill out the family’s expenses.

GUARANTOR DETAILS

This comprises of one section as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item. a) Applicant :- Guarantor’s Details In this section, an applicant is required to fill out the guarantor’s details.It is compulsory to fill in two guarantors failure to do this will lead to automatic disqualification

PARENTS DETAILS

This comprises of three category as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item. a) Applicant :- Parents Marital Status In this section, an applicant is required to fill out their parent’s marital status. b) Applicant :- Parents Details In this section, an applicant is required to fill out various details about their parent’s eg.employment. c) Applicant :- Guardian’s Details If the applicant is orphaned he/she will be required to fill in the gurantors’ details.

BANK DETAILS

This comprises of one section as elaborated below.Please fill each section before proceeding to the next item. a) Applicant :- Bank Details In this section, an applicant is required to fill out the bank’s details. To get started off click on this link; https://portal.helb.co.ke/

TVET HELB LOANS

Students pursuing Diploma and Certificate courses in Public universities, university colleges, public national polytechnics and Institutes of Technology and Technical Training institutes country-wide are eligible for this loan and bursary. Orphans, single parent students and others who come from poor backgrounds will be given priority for the loans and or bursaries. The application period is January to April every year.

Required Documents

  1. Applications should access and fill the relevant TVET Loan & Bursary Application Form (TLAF).
  2. Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form.
  3. Have the TVET Loan Application Form signed and stamped by the Dean of Students/Financial Aid Officers.
  4. Retain one copy of the duly filled TLAF (Mandatory).
  5. Drop the TLAF personally at the HELB students Service Centre on the Mezannine One, Anniversary Towers or any of the SELECT Huduma Centers nearest to you.
Click HERE to download approved TVET institutions funded by HELB as at March 2019. Apply Now

Submission of TVET Loan Application Forms

Other HELB Products

How to check HELB loan disbursement status, online and via Mobile SSD Code

A message that your Helb loan has been disbursed is the best news that you can receive as a student. This is because not all those who apply for Helb loans become successful in receiving the disbursement.

Also read: How To Check HELB Loan Disbursement Status 2021/2022 (Simplified procedure)

You can check the status of your Helb loan disbursement by using the following ways:

Check HELB Loan Status Via USSD Code

Check HELB Loan Status Via USSD Code You can easily check the status of your HELB loan application by dialing the USSD code *642#. You will first have to register on the HELB Mobile platform before accessing the services using USSD.

Simplified steps to Check HELB Loan Status Via USSD Code :

  1. Dial *642# Select the option Register Enter the serial number of your National ID card Enter your National ID
  2. Next, create a 4-digit PIN Next, select 00 to go to the Main Menu, or close and log in again with your PIN Select either the option Loan Application Status or Loan
  3. Disbursement Select your loan type and then the academic year After a short while you will receive your HELB loan disbursement status through SMS.

Check HELB Loan Status Via the Helb online portal

To find out if your loan application was successful approved and loan disbursement was made follow the following guidelines:

  1. Visit HELB website
  2. Click on “loan status”
  3. Click on “Disbursement”  a form indicating your loan disbursement status will appear
  4. You can check amount awarded and date disbursed

Check HELB Loan Status by visiting your Bank

You can also check your loan disbursement status through your bank account that you used during first time registration.

Students with HELB smart card can use it to check their loan disbursement status via their bank ATM. Remember that the smart card has three parts, tuition, upkeep and general use. Amount in the tuition part cannot be withdrawn.

Helb Mpesa Full Guide; Helb Mpesa wallet

Helb Mpesa Full Guide; Helb Mpesa wallet

HELB MPESA Wallet Guide.

The HELB loan mobile payment option is currently available on Mpesa, below is the procedure on how you can access and withdraw the funds from HELB Mini App.

  1. Download the MPESA App from Google App Playstore or Apple App Store or Huawei App gallery.
  2. Register on the MPESA App using your MPESA registered phone number, and make sure you are using data bundles from Safaricom.
  3. Login and go to the home page, then Categories, and to the Education tab.
  4. Select HELB from Education tab.
  5. Register on the HELB Mini app.
  6. Sign in using your MPESA registered phone number, and you will receive a verification code via SMS for login.
  7. Once you log in, kindly click on the home page tab to withdraw your funds to your MPESA using the withdraw button on the page.

Should you require further support, please email Helb on ContactCentre@helb.co.ke or call us on 0711052000