HELB Announces Loan Disbursement Date for TVET Students Across Kenya

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced when students joining TVET institutions and universities can expect to apply for loans for the 2026/27 academic year.

Speaking during a programme on KBC, HELB Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari said the loan application process is expected to start in the second week of July after the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) completes the student placement exercise.

Monari urged students and parents to be ready to submit their applications once the online portal is officially opened.

According to HELB, the board is waiting for KUCCPS to finish placing students in universities and TVET institutions before opening the application system.

The announcement comes as KUCCPS continues to process applications from students seeking admission to higher learning institutions across the country. The university application deadline has been extended to June 1, while TVET applications will remain open until June 8 ahead of the September intake.

Monari assured students from needy families that HELB will continue providing financial support under the current university funding model.

He explained that the new funding system is designed to ensure that all eligible students receive support, unlike in the past when some learners missed out on loans.

Students applying for a HELB loan for the first time will be required to register through the official HELB portal once applications begin.

Applicants will need several documents and details, including their KCPE and KCSE index numbers, National ID card, passport-size photo, phone number, email address, parents’ ID numbers, guarantor details and sponsorship information where applicable.

Continuing students will be able to apply for loans through the HELB portal, mobile application or USSD service.

The government has allocated Ksh56.7 billion to HELB in the 2026/27 budget to support higher education funding across the country.

Monari also revealed that HELB is exploring additional funding sources to ensure students continue to receive financial assistance in the future.

On loan repayment, he said graduates who secure employment in either the public or private sector are expected to start repaying their loans. However, unemployed graduates and those earning low incomes can apply for penalty waivers after verification of their status.

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