How to Apply for a HELB Loan in Kenya (2025 Beginner’s Guide)

Are you a new university or college student in Kenya? Want to know how to apply for a HELB loan this year? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explain everything in simple English — step by step — so even if English is your second language, you will understand.

What is HELB?

HELB stands for Higher Education Loans Board. It gives loans and bursaries to Kenyan students studying in universities, colleges, and TVET institutions (source). For example, in 2025–2026, HELB is providing loans to first-time undergraduate and TVET students.

How to Apply for a HELB Loan in Kenya (2025 Beginner’s Guide)

Why You Should Apply

Helps you pay tuition and upkeep
Offers low interest, as low as 4% per year 
You can start paying once you graduate
Makes it easier to attend school even if you can’t afford fees

Who Can Apply

You can apply if you are:

A Kenyan citizen
Admitted to a public or private university
Or a student in a TVET institution
And a first-time applicant

If you already have a HELB loan, you can apply again as a continuing student over the mobile app or USSD .

HELB Loan Amounts & Interest

Up to KSh 80,000/year for undergraduates, depending on need. 
Up to KSh 40,000/year for TVET students.
Interest rate at 4% per year + ledger fee of KSh 1,000. 
A late payment penalty of KSh 5,000/month applies after one year of delayed repayment.
A recent penalty waiver lets some clear debts with 80% discount on penalties .

Step‑by‑Step Guide

Step 1: Visit the correct portal

First-timers: use the HEF portal at hef.co.ke or helb.co.ke 
Continuing students: apply via the HELB mobile app or dial *USSD 642#.

Step 2: Register & Verify

For first-time: click Register, fill details, then check your email to activate account.
For continuing: log in via app or USSD, verify with your mobile, then accept terms .

Step 3: Fill Profiles & Upload Documents
Include:

KCSE/KCPE index and year
Admission letter
National ID
Passport photo
Parents’ ID, guarantors info.

Step 4: Apply for Loan Type
Choose:

Undergraduate or TVET loan
For continuing students: choose “subsequent loan” tab (source).

Step 5: Consent & Submit
Read terms and agree. Click Submit. You’ll get a confirmation PDF via email.

After You Apply

Loans are paid at the start of each semester
Funds go to your school and bank or M-PESA
You can track disbursement in your student portal

Repayment Rules

Begins one year after finishing studies
4% interest, ledger fee of KSh 1,000/year
Penalty KSh 5,000/month for late payment
You can clear ALL and get a penalty waiver (80%)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting until the last minute before deadline — for 2025, apply early before Aug 31 .
Uploading wrong or incomplete documents
Using an email or phone number not registered in your name
Ignoring terms and conditions
Forgetting to choose the correct loan type

SEE ALSO:

How to apply for KUCCPS placement – if you’re just entering university
[HELB loan repayment tips]
[TVET vs Degree courses in Kenya]
[Scholarships and bursaries for Kenyan students]

Final Tips

Apply early—more in time means less stress
Keep copies of your email & SMS confirmations
Ask your parents or teachers for help
After disbursement, check your account or SJUD to confirm
Plan to start repaying one year after you finish school

We wish you all the best with your admission.