HELB Opens 2026/2027 Loan Application Portal for Continuing University Students
2 min read
HELB has officially opened applications for subsequent loans for continuing university and college students for the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a notice issued on June 1, the Higher Education Loans Board urged eligible students to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute challenges.
The announcement is good news for thousands of students who depend on HELB funding to support their education and meet basic expenses while in school.
The opening of the application window for continuing students comes weeks after HELB Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari stated that first-time applicants would have to wait until July before accessing the application portal.
Monari explained that the board was waiting for the completion of student placement by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) before opening the portal for new applicants.
Once the portal opens to first-time applicants, students will be required to register online and provide several documents and personal details. These include academic records, identification documents, contact information, passport photos, and details of parents or guardians.
According to HELB, continuing students can now apply for their loans through the USSD code *642#. For assistance in the application, WhatsApp 0799777175
Meanwhile, the government has proposed a KSh58 billion allocation for student loans in the 2026/2027 financial year. The proposed funding is significantly higher than the previous allocation and is expected to support more students under the Student-Centred Funding Model.
The increased budget comes at a time when HELB has been facing financial challenges due to rising demand for student loans. In recent years, the board has struggled to meet the growing number of applications because of limited funding.
The situation has also been exacerbated by unpaid loans from former beneficiaries, with billions of shillings still outstanding.
Students seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and follow official HELB communication channels for any updates regarding the application process.
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