HELB Gives New Directives To Students Who Missed Loans

On July 23^rd, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) said that students joining the university in September this year had one week to apply for funding.

According to an official from HELB, the window was only open to students who had made an earlier application but it was cancelled by the board on Thursday, July 6.

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Therefore, students who had not made an earlier application will not be able to access government funding in the 2023/2024 academic year.

“The first years when applying for the loan will select the subsequent application portal,” he explained noting those who had not made initial application will have to wait.

This was the first time first-years were applying using the subsequent option, a reserve that had been initially set for continuing students.

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“Since we had already verified their details, once we get funding they do not have to go through the whole process,” HELB indicated why first-time applicants were using the subsequent option.

“Students who have secured university placement should make their application as soon as possible,” the official stated noting that the portal would be closed on Monday, July 31.

Early this month, HELB canceled allocation for the first years, due to financial constraints. At the time, continuing students were allocated funds and they have been told to wait for disbursement.

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The majority of students who complained about missing the HELB funding were the first years who said their application status was suddenly changed from verification to allocation.

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“We regret that your Financial Year 2022/23 application will not be funded due to budgetary constraints. Apply for the 2023/24 subsequent application once we open,” read the statement in part.

“We received applications from students who missed out. Everything was verified but unfortunately due to financial constraints, were unable to help them.

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“As soon as we open the application, they do not have to apply afresh. They will apply as subsequent applicants,” he explained noting that the board will provide the applicants with a USSD code to facilitate their mobile applications.

The HELB official added that continuing students should not worry because they will receive their disbursement on time.

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