HELB Announce Date for Oppening Loan Application Portal for Students Joining in September

Speaking during the Sema na Spox programme on KBC on May 28, HELB Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari said the process will begin after the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) completes student placement.

Monari said students, parents and other stakeholders should prepare to apply online once the application portal is opened.

“We are waiting for KUCCPS to finish the placement process before opening the portal. Most likely, applications will begin in the second week of July,” he said.

The announcement comes as KUCCPS continues handling applications for university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.

KUCCPS has extended the university application deadline to June 1, while the TVET application portal will remain open until June 8 before the September intake begins.

Monari also assured students from poor backgrounds that HELB will continue supporting learners through the new university funding model.

He explained that unlike the previous system where some students missed loans, the current model allows all eligible students to receive financial support.

“In the past, not every student got a loan, but now all eligible students are receiving support and this will continue,” he added.

First-time applicants will be required to register through the HELB student portal using the official website once the portal opens.

Students applying for the first time will need to provide details such as KCPE and KCSE index numbers, email address, phone number, passport photo, National ID, parents’ ID numbers, guarantor information and sponsorship details if available.

Continuing students can apply through the HELB portal, mobile application or USSD service.

According to the 2026/27 national budget estimates, the government has allocated Ksh56.7 billion to HELB to support higher education funding in Kenya.

Monari said HELB is also looking for other ways to raise money apart from government funding and loan repayments in order to continue supporting students.

On loan repayment, Monari clarified that graduates working in both public and private sectors are expected to start repaying their loans once employed.

However, unemployed graduates and those earning low incomes can apply for penalty waivers after verification of their employment status.

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