The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened the application period for first-time applicants seeking loans and scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year starting in September.
Students joining universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are encouraged to prepare all necessary documentation before applying through the Higher Education Fund (HEF).
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Under the current student-centred funding model, learners admitted to public and private universities as well as TVET institutions via the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) can apply for government financial support. Funding allocation is based on financial need determined through a means-testing process.
HELB has outlined key documents and information required to complete the online application:
- A valid email address and mobile phone number registered under the applicant's national ID number
- KCPE and KCSE index numbers along with the examination years
- A recent passport-size photograph in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format
- National ID or Maisha Card copy (front and back)
- Valid bank account or M-Pesa number registered under the applicant's ID
- For minors, a birth certificate in PDF format
- If previously sponsored in secondary school, a sponsorship letter in PDF
Parent and Guarantor Details
Applicants must also provide information about their parents or guardians, including:
- Parents' National ID numbers and registered mobile phone numbers
- If a parent is deceased, a death certificate in PDF format
- ID numbers and registered mobile phone numbers of two guarantors, who can be the parents
HELB advises applicants to gather all required documents before accessing the HEF portal to ensure a smooth and complete submission process.
Early application is recommended to allow ample time for addressing any technical challenges or missing information before the deadline.
