HELB Opens Loan And Scholarship Applications, Deadline And How To Apply

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened its loan and scholarship application window for the 2025/2026 academic year, targeting both undergraduate and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students.

The move comes hot on the heels of the release of placement results by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), paving the way for thousands of newly placed students to seek financial assistance as they prepare to join institutions of higher learning in September.

According to HELB, this application period is primarily intended for students who sat their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in 2024 and have since been successfully placed in various universities and colleges across the country.

The loans and scholarships are part of the government’s Higher Education Financing (HEF) model, which was rolled out to ensure that no eligible student is denied access to tertiary education due to financial constraints.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, HELB urged all eligible students to take advantage of the application window by applying early to avoid delays and last-minute hitches, especially ahead of the busy September intake period.

First-time loan applicants, mainly the 2024 KCSE candidates who are joining university or college for the first time, are required to submit their applications through the official Higher Education Financing portal available at www.hef.co.ke. This platform is part of the government’s new centralized system for higher education funding.

On the other hand, continuing students who have already received HELB loans in previous academic years are expected to submit their subsequent loan applications via the HELB mobile app or by dialing the USSD code *642# on their mobile phones.

This streamlined process is aimed at making it easier for returning students to access funding without having to go through the more rigorous first-time applicant process. The deadline for all applications has been set for August 31, 2025.

“We have now opened the portal. The 2025–2026 First Time and Subsequent Applications for Undergraduate & TVET Loans & Scholarships are now open. Apply via www.hef.co.ke for first-time applicants or dial *642# or use the HELB-App for continuing students,” HELB announced in its official statement.

The funding offered through HELB under the new HEF framework is designed to cover both tuition and upkeep costs for students enrolled in public and private universities as well as accredited TVET institutions across Kenya.

The financing model is based on a needs assessment to ensure that support is extended to students from low- and middle-income households in a fair and sustainable manner.

Eligible students can benefit from a mix of scholarships, loans, and household contributions depending on their financial background, as assessed during the application process.

The announcement by HELB follows the release of university and college placement results by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Tuesday, July. Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Ogamba revealed that out of the 244,563 candidates who met the minimum university entry requirements in the 2024 KCSE, 201,695 students successfully applied for placement into degree programmes.

Overall, 310,502 students have been placed into various programmes in universities, TVETs, and other tertiary institutions. The majority of these applicants are 2024 KCSE candidates, who form the bulk of those now eligible for HELB funding.

Among the most notable trends in the placement was the high demand for nursing courses, especially at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), where over 27,000 applications were recorded for nursing-related diploma and certificate programs. This highlights a growing interest among young Kenyans in careers in the health sector.

As the application period gains momentum, HELB has issued a warning to students and parents to be wary of fraudsters posing as HELB officials or agents. In a separate notice issued on Monday, June 23, the board cautioned applicants against falling prey to individuals who claim they can expedite or assist with the loan application process, for a fee.

“HELB does not charge for application assistance, and all services should be accessed directly through the official platforms. Students should avoid sharing personal information or login credentials with third parties,” the board stated.

Students are urged to verify all information via HELB’s official communication channels and report any suspicious activity.

Read Also: HELB Reopens Loan Application Portal For KMTC Students, Sets Deadline