HELB 2026/27 Applications Now Open: Eligibility, Requirements and How to Apply
The Government has officially opened applications for HELB loans and scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year, giving first-year and continuing university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students an opportunity to access financial support.
The announcement follows the release of the 2026 Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) placement results, marking the start of the Government’s student financing programme for the new academic year.
Speaking during the KUCCPS Stakeholder Forum, where the Ministry of Education unveiled this year’s university placement results, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal is now open for applications.
“Following the conclusion of the placement process, the higher education financing portal is now open for application by first-time applicants, available at www.hef.co.ke or www.helb.co.ke,” Ogamba said.
He urged students who have secured admission to universities or TVET institutions and require financial assistance to submit their applications as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Continuing Students Can Now Apply for HELB Subsequent Loans
In a separate announcement, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) confirmed that continuing undergraduate students can now apply for subsequent loans for the 2026/27 academic year.
The applications target students in their second, third and fourth years of study, depending on the duration of their academic programmes.
“Ready to continue your educational journey? The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is pleased to announce that applications for the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan are now open,” the board said in a statement.
More than 400,000 continuing undergraduate students enrolled in public and private universities are expected to benefit from the programme this year.
Government Sets Aside Record KSh56.3 Billion for Higher Education Funding
The student financing programme is supported by a record KSh56.3 billion allocation in the 2026/27 national budget.
Of that amount, KSh30 billion has been earmarked for university scholarships, underscoring the Government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable higher education and easing the financial burden on students and their families.
How to Apply for HELB Loans
Continuing students can submit their loan applications through the HELB Mobile App or by using the USSD code *642#.
Applicants using the USSD platform should dial *642# using their registered mobile number, log in or register with their personal details, create a secure four-digit PIN, select the subsequent loan application option, complete the process and wait for a confirmation SMS containing a serial number.
Those using the HELB Mobile App should download the application from the Google Play Store, log in using their registered phone number, choose the appropriate loan product, complete the required financial literacy questions, select a preferred payment method and submit the application electronically.
Funding Process Begins After KUCCPS Placement Results
The reopening of both the HELB and Higher Education Financing (HEF) portals marks the beginning of the Government’s student-centred funding process for the 2026/27 academic year.
Students admitted to universities and TVET institutions are encouraged to complete their applications promptly to improve their chances of receiving financial support before learning begins.
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