Everything you need to know about HELB loans in Kenya. Application process, eligibility criteria, allocation, repayment terms, and how to check your loan status. Updated October 2025.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a state corporation established to provide affordable loans and scholarships to Kenyan students pursuing higher education. Since its establishment in 1995, HELB has helped millions of students access university, college, and TVET education who would otherwise be unable to afford it. The loans cover tuition fees, upkeep, and other educational expenses at very subsidized interest rates.
Up to KES 60K
Per academic year
4% p.a.
Highly subsidized rate
After Graduation
1 year grace period
To qualify for a HELB loan, you must meet specific criteria set by the Board. Understanding these requirements before applying helps avoid disappointment and saves time.
Note: Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee loan award. HELB receives more applications than available funds, so loans are allocated based on need-assessment and available budget.
HELB loan application is done online through the HELB portal. The process is straightforward if you have all required information ready. Applications are typically open from September to November for the following academic year.
Visit the official HELB website (www.helb.co.ke) and click on "Create New Account". Provide your National ID number, names as per ID, mobile number, and email address. Create a secure password. You'll receive an activation code via SMS.
Required: Valid ID, active phone number, email address
Log into your HELB account and fill in personal details section including date of birth, gender, county of origin, constituency, and disability status if applicable. Ensure all information matches your official documents exactly as inconsistencies can delay processing.
Tip: Have your ID and birth certificate ready for reference
Provide details about parents/guardians including names, ID numbers, occupation, income level, and contact information. This section is crucial for means-testing and allocation determination. Be honest as information may be verified.
Important: Accurate family information affects your allocation amount
Provide information about your institution (select from HELB's list), admission number, course name and code, year of study, expected completion date, and course fees. Upload a scanned copy of your admission letter.
Required Document: Clear scan/photo of admission letter
Upload scanned copies or clear photos of required documents: National ID (both sides), birth certificate, admission letter, fee structure, and any other documents requested. Ensure all documents are clear and readable. Maximum file size is usually 2MB per document.
Formats: PDF, JPG, or PNG files accepted
HELB requires two guarantors (usually parents/guardians) who must be Kenyan citizens with National IDs. Provide their full names, ID numbers, mobile numbers, and relationship to you. Guarantors will receive SMS to confirm their consent.
Note: Guarantors must confirm their consent via SMS or the portal
Review all information carefully for accuracy. Once satisfied, submit your application. You'll receive a confirmation SMS and email with your application number. Print or save the acknowledgment slip for your records. You can log in anytime to check application status.
Timeline: Applications open September-November annually
Application Tips:
HELB loan allocation is based on means-testing that considers your family's socio-economic background, course fees, and available budget. Understanding how allocation works helps set realistic expectations.
Students from very poor backgrounds, orphans, students with disabilities, families with no income or minimal income. Highest allocation category.
Students from low-income families, single-parent households, families with multiple dependents, parents with low-income jobs.
Students from moderate-income families with some financial capacity but still require assistance to complete their education.
Students from relatively stable financial backgrounds who still need some support but have family resources to supplement.
Once your loan is approved and allocated, HELB disburses the funds in two installments per academic year:
Disbursed in January-February for first semester/trimester. The larger portion helps cover tuition fees and initial upkeep costs.
Disbursed in May-June for second semester/trimester. Smaller installment for remaining academic year expenses.
Understanding HELB repayment terms is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain good credit standing. Repayment begins one year after completing your studies or leaving the institution.
Fastest and most convenient method:
Deposit directly to HELB bank accounts at any of these banks:
For salaried employees, arrange with your employer's HR to deduct monthly repayments from your salary. Convenient as it ensures consistent repayment. Download checkoff form from HELB website, fill it, and submit to your employer.
Transfer from your bank account to HELB accounts via online banking, mobile banking apps, or at the bank. Use your ID number as reference for proper allocation.
HELB provides multiple ways to check your application status, loan balance, and repayment history. Regular monitoring helps you stay updated and plan your finances.
Download HELB App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store:
Send SMS to HELB shortcode:
Send STATUS to 21272
You'll receive SMS with your current loan status and balance
Yes, HELB loans are available for both public and private universities, as long as the institution is accredited and recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Private university students receive the same allocation based on means-testing.
You must inform HELB immediately. Loan disbursement stops, and you begin repayment one year after leaving the institution. If you resume studies later, you can reapply for HELB loan. Ensure you maintain good standing to be eligible for future funding.
HELB primarily funds first degrees and diplomas. However, there are limited bursaries and scholarships for postgraduate studies. You must first clear any outstanding HELB loans from previous studies before applying for postgraduate funding.
Log into your HELB account and navigate to the relevant section (personal info, academic details, etc.). Make necessary changes and save. For critical changes like bank account details, you may need to contact HELB customer service with supporting documents.
You must find alternative guarantors. Explain to potential guarantors that they're only liable if you completely default after HELB exhausts other recovery options. Most students use parents, guardians, or close relatives as guarantors. Consider family friends or mentors if family can't help.
Loan amounts are based on means-testing and available budget. If your allocation is insufficient, you can appeal through the HELB portal by providing additional documentation of financial hardship. However, appeals are only successful if there's new substantial evidence of need.
Once you complete repayment, log into HELB portal and request a clearance certificate. If all payments are confirmed, the certificate is usually issued within 7-14 working days. You can download it directly from the portal or collect a physical copy from HELB offices.
Contact HELB immediately to discuss your situation. They may offer flexible repayment plans based on your income level. However, you must make some payment to show good faith. Unemployment alone doesn't exempt you from repayment, but HELB may allow smaller installments over longer periods.
Compare HELB with other education loans and find the best funding options for your studies.