How To Apply For HELB Loan As First Time And Subsequent Applicant

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a government-sponsored program that gives educational loans to vulnerable students who cannot afford higher education loans. Students in universities, colleges, and TVET institutions can apply for a HELB loan.

The maximum amount of HELB that each university student can get is Kshs. 60,000 and the minimum HELB loan awarded to students is Kshs. 35,000.

HELB loan applications are done online through its student portal, but applicants are required to download the forms after filling so that they can be signed and submitted to HELB offices. Some of the documents that you should have when starting to apply for HELB include.

Type of 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. The second & Subsequent Application-This is for applicants who are applying for the second, third, fourth time as per the program duration

Register for an account on the HELB Website

1. Go to the HELB Website
2. Create an account using your personal mobile number and email address.
3. Activate the account and you will be able to access the service.

Documents required for the first time Undergraduate HELB loan applicants:

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/Bankcard (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 for a HELB Loan as a First Time Applicant

1. Visit the HELB web portal to register an account.
2. Read and completely fill the HELB Financial Literacy Literature.
3. Log into your account and click on the First Time Undergraduate Loan Application Link
4. Select and duly fill in the 2020-2021 First Time Undergraduate Loan Application Form (LAF).
5. Print two copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form under the print section.
6. Take the form to the relevant authorities and guarantors for filling, stamping, and signing
7. Sign your duly filled form and attach all the necessary documents as indicated in the checklist on the last page of the Loan Application Form (LAF).
8. Retain one copy of the duly filled LAF for reference –mandatory
9. Present a single copy of the duly completed Loan Application Form and all the attached supporting documents to:

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

HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi

Retain a complete copy of the Loan Application Form [This is mandatory]

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

1. Applicants should visit the 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 that 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

6. 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.

How HELB Loan is awarded

1. The loan awarded ranges from a minimum of Ksh.40,000 and a maximum of Ksh.60,000.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. An Administrative Fee of Ksh500 per year is charged on the loan awarded and it is therefore deducted from the disbursed loan.
5. A limited number of needy governments sponsored students to receive bursaries of between Ksh4,000 and Ksh8,000 per year. The Bursary is paid to the university.

How to repay Student HELB 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