Tag Archives: helb application 2021

HELB News Portal

Answers to frequently asked Helb questions

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The Higher Education Loans Board, HELB, has provided official responses to all questions on the agency’s loan products and services. You can get all the answers to any questions concerning Helb.

HELB Loan FAQ: I used a wrong pin number and now my Account is locked how can I access the app? You can still access the HELB App by clicking on ‘reset pin’ to enter a new pin and confirm it.

HELB Loan FAQ: How do I know I have successfully applied? Once you have completed the application process, you will receive a notification with confirmation of successful application.

HELB Loan FAQ: I have not received a One Time Password code (OTP), what should I do? Don’t panic, the OTP code is always sent to the mobile number you provided during HELB App registration. You can resend the request after 5 minutes if you haven’t received the OTP code.
HELB Loan FAQ: How much does it cost to do the application? The application is free of charge. However, you will be charged KES 1 via M-Pesa to authenticate your mobile number. The amount will be deposited to your loan repayment account.
HELB Loan FAQ: How do I know I have successfully applied? Once you have completed the application process, you will receive a notification with confirmation of successful application.
HELB Loan FAQ: I do not have a smart phone, how do I apply? Simply dial *642# to begin your application process.
HELB FAQ: My institution details are not correct, how do I edit? Go to “my account” on the HELB App. Click on “Institution”, then click on “Edit”. Caution! Ensure you do not provide incorrect details that may lead to misdirected funds or non-disbursement.
HELB FAQ: I do not have a smartphone or android phone, how do I apply? You can still apply by dialling *642# from your mobile phone.
HELB FAQ: How do I download the HELB Mobile App? Simply visit Google Play Store, bit.ly/HELB-App, and download the App for free.
HELB FAQ: How do I access the Helb Student Portal? Register on the HELB Portal by visiting bit.ly/NewHELBportal. You can now Self-Serve, check your Loan Status and print your Compliance Certificate.

I don’t have an ID card; can I apply for a HELB loan

Is it compulsory to apply for a HELB loan?

Are you a first-time HELB applicant? Do you want to know everything about HELB loan registration and application?  Then you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about HELB.  Let’s start.

What is HELB?

The Board’s objective is to give financial support to needy Kenyan students in institutions of higher learning both locally and abroad. The organization gives loans, bursaries and scholarships for training at public and private institutions of higher learning, which are recognized by the Ministry of Education of Kenya. Thanks to HELB loans, all Kenyan citizens can empower their dreams by getting an academic degree and embarking on a successful career. However, due to financial constraints, it is currently not in a position to provide loans to students studying outside the country and those on Self-Sponsored Programmes (commonly known as the ‘Parallel Programmes’).

What are the requirements for applying a loan?

  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 Card
  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.

How do I apply for the loan or download the application forms?

Applications for HELB loan are usually done through the HELB student’s application portal. ( www.helb.co.ke )  Interested applicants will be required to log in to the student’s portal to initiate the application and download the application forms.

How to apply for KUCCPS 2019/2020 Inter-University Transfer

How much loan can one get?

In accordance with the current Cost Sharing Policy, a student is required to pay Kshs.50,000/- per year to train at a public university. Out of this amount, HELB can award a maximum loan and bursary of Kshs.50,000/- and a bursary of Kshs.8,000.

How do I check for my loan?

  1. Access the HELB website and enter your ID number
  2. Send an email to requesting for your statement to contactcentre@helb.co.ke.
  3. Call HELB on 0722052000
  4. Email contactcentre@helb.co.ke

When can one apply for a HELB loan?

HELB places advertisements in the print media in which it invites applications for loans. The Board maintains a deadline and those applications received after the deadline without justifiable reasons are not processed.

When are Loan Awards released?

HELB releases loan results before the new academic year starts. Thereafter, students who fail to secure a loan or are awarded inadequate amounts are encouraged to appeal. Each appeal is reviewed on its own merit. If one fails to get a loan, the following could be possible reasons:

  1. a) The student may not have provided adequate information about him/herself as requested
  2. b) The student may have provided false information on the loan application form.

I don’t have an ID card; can I apply for a HELB loan?

Unfortunately, this is not possible at the moment. The national ID is proof of attainment of majority age. The HELB Loan Application form is a contract and legally we are not in a position to enter into a contract with a minor.

Is it compulsory to apply for a HELB loan?

No. You should apply for a HELB loan only if you are in need of the funds.

What is the applicable interest rate and when does it start to accrue?

The interest is currently 4% per annum for direct entry students and 12% for all salaried applicants. The interest will start to accrue immediately after the first disbursement

Am I eligible for a loan in 2nd year if I did not apply in 1st year?

Yes you are. However, one will be required to apply as a first time applicant during the first time applications window.

What if I was awarded a loan but it is not enough, can I request for additional funds?

Yes, if you have a genuine need for additional funds, you can appeal amounts awarded to you by completing the loan review (appeal) form on www.helb.co.ke

If I discontinue my education, do I have to pay the amount awarded to me even if I didn’t complete my education?

Yes, once you are awarded a HELB loan, you will be required to fully repay the amount in accordance with the terms & conditions as well as the interest accrued thereafter and penalties incurred (if any)

What if I can’t remember my password for the HELB Online Portal?

Use the “forgot password” option available on the portal to recover your account

What if I can’t see the HELB portal activation link on my email?

Please check your junk or spam emails

Why is my ‘Application Form Defective’?

If any or all of the following are missing then the application is defective and your form will not be processed:

  1. Missing signatures and stamps: i.e. applicants’ signature, parents/guardian, priest, Chief or Assistant chief, Commissioner of Oaths or Magistrate and bank. Please note that signatures and stamping is mandatory.
  2. Missing documents: if any of the documents on the checklist haven’t been attached then the form will be termed defective. These include: KCSE result slip, Admission letter; if orphaned, copy/copies of parent/s death certificate; if sponsored in High school, a confirmation letter from the school or sponsor and a colored passport size photo which is to be attached to the form before submission.
  3. Scanned copies: the forms to be submitted should be the original copies and not scanned copies, if one submits the scanned copy then it is termed defective since it’s not the original.
  4. 2nd & Subsequent loan application forms: All the subsequent application forms MUST be signed and stamped by the Dean of students.

In case of any queries, how do i contact HELB customer service team?

www.helb.co.ke

Student Service Centre: Mezzanine 1 – University Way, Nairobi

Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke

Tel: 0711052000

HELB News Portal

Helb takes over the management of Afya Elimu Fund [AEF]- Helb latest news

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The Higher Education Loans Board [HELB] has officially taken over the Afya Elimu Fund [AEF]. The take over happened at an event presided over by Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General in the Ministry of Health and attended by Hon. Ekwee Ethuro, HELB Board Chairman; Charles Ringera, HELB CEO; Dr. Janet Muriuki, Country Director, Kenya, IntraHealth International; Prof. Michael Kiptoo, CEO, Kenya Medical Training College and representatives from USAID and other Partners.

AEF started as a scholarship scheme in the Financial Year 2012/2013 targeting to offer scholarships to 341 middle level health trainees in specific cadres and from marginalized areas. It was converted into a loan scheme in the Financial Year 2013/2014 targeting 2,200 middle level health trainees in specific cadres, from marginalized areas as well as high HIV prevalent counties in view of PEPFAR funding.

The initial main funders for AEF included USAID FUNZOKENYA Project, HELB and MoH who jointly contributed Kshs.120M. As of 31st March 2021 the AEF Fund had supported over 48,188 students with a total of Kshs.3.06B

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“The vision of AEF at inception was to grow the Fund to Kshs.2B by the year 2021 and we have clearly surpassed the target. Further, we have over 11,000 beneficiaries who have graduated. Recovery of these loans began in the Financial Year 2019/2020 and over Kshs.200M has been recovered to date,” said Charles Ringera, CEO HELB.

Some of the key partners to specifically join in supporting AEF include I & M Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, The Family Group Foundation and Rattansi Education Trust. Counties such as Kakamega, Taita Taveta, Bomet and Busia have set up special funds managed by HELB to support training of middle level health workers for their counties.

“To ensure sustainability AEF beneficiaries have from Financial Year 2019/2020 been covered under the HELB Students’ Loans Self-Protection Scheme [SLPS] starting with the First Time Applicants. So far, under the SLPS, a total of Kshs.2.9M has been deducted from 9,547 beneficiaries to cover a loan portfolio of Kshs.397.6M,” said Charles Ringera, CEO HELB.

AEF was the flagship Public Private Partnership project for HELB and since then, HELB has progressed with another 27 partnerships in a proactive approach towards external resource mobilization to gradually reduce the over reliance on Government exchequer.

HELB offers a unique opportunity for to partners to utilize a robust system of identifying deserving students, disbursing, and recovering the funds. In the last 6 years, HELB has mobilized over Kshs. 1.36Billion from 28 partners thereby facilitating over 35,000 students to pursue higher education in TVET Colleges and Universities.

HELB News Portal

HELB LOAN SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION GUIDE

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It is now very easy to apply for the Higher Education Loans Board, HELB, loans. You can apply for the HELB first time and subsequent loan using this simplified guide.

Type of Helb Loan Application

There are two types of undergraduate loan applications:

  1. First Time Application-This is for applicants who are applying for the first time.
  2. Second & Subsequent Application-This is for applicants who are applying for the second, third, fourth time as per the program duration

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

How to apply for a HELB Loan 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 Undergraduate First Time Loan Application Form [LAF].
  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 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
  8. Retain a complete copy of the 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 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.

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 Card
  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.

How to apply on the HELB App as a second and Subsequent applicant

  1. Applicants should visit Google play store and download the HELB Mobile Application.
  2. Register your details (First name, Phone, Email Address, National ID and KRA PIN number) on the HELB App to generate a PIN which you will use to log in and accept the license agreement. Ensure that you use the Safaricom number that you use for Mpesa transactions and it should be registered in your name
  3. Read the mandatory Financial literacy notes and undertake a brief Question & Answer to appreciate the purpose of credit. Scroll down to view results then click “proceed”.
  4. Click on loans then select undergraduate loans to get the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan Application Form [LAF].
  5. Follow each step to fill in the required details and submit. A pop-up message will appear to show that you have successfully applied. The loan serial number will also be displayed

NB: You will be required to pay Kshs. 1 from your MPESA account during the application process to verify your telephone number.  Please note, the application is paperless hence no printing.

  1. Students that are not Safaricom subscribers will be directed to the Portal and apply using the application form, after which they will be required to print and submit the form to the HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1 Floor at Anniversary Towers

Please ensure that you read, understand, and follow the instructions provided at the beginning of the online loan application process including reading and undertaking the HELB Financial Literacy Program

Eligible students

  1. Recent beneficiaries of the Undergraduate Loan
  2. Students placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service [KUCCPS] in the local public and private universities
  3. Self-Sponsored, Parallel and Module II Students studying for a Bachelor’s degree only [Certificate, Diploma, Pre-University and Postgraduate students ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PRODUCT]

Loan award

The maximum Undergraduate loan awarded is Kshs. 60,000. For the students placed by Kenya University and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the loan amount is split to cater for both Tuition fee and Upkeep. A standard amount of Kshs. 4,000 for Government sponsored students only is deducted from the loan awarded and disbursed to the university per semester, for tuition [Total Ksh 8, 000] and the rest is sent to the applicant’s bank account as upkeep.

For the Self sponsored students, all the money is sent directly to the university once a year as tuition fees.

An Administrative Fee of Ksh. 500 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 a bursary of between Ksh. 4, 000 and Ksh. 8,000 per year. The Bursary is paid to the university as tuition.

Repaying the Undergraduate 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, one can make voluntary payments before or after completion of studies to reduce the loan balance. HELB UG Loans are charged 4% interest per annum and is repayable up to a maximum of 120 months.