How to Apply Before the August 31 Deadline
Kenyan students preparing for higher education in the 2025/2026 academic year can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened the loan and scholarship application portal. In a public statement issued on July 2, 2025, HELB announced that the application window is now live and will close on August 31, 2025.
“Big news alert! 2025/2026 Undergraduate & TVET Loans & Scholarships are now open. Secure your future—apply early, study stress-free,” HELB stated.
The application is open to first-time undergraduate and TVET applicants as well as continuing students. The process has been simplified and digitized, with a firm emphasis on online submissions via the Higher Education Fund (HEF) portal.
Where and How to Apply
For First-Time Undergraduate & TVET Applicants:
- Visit any of these official websites:
- Click “Student Portal” and go to the User Registration tab.
- Register using your National ID or KCSE details (if you’re under 18).
- Activate your account via an email link sent to your inbox (check your spam too).
- Log in using your email and password, verify with a code sent to your phone.
- Complete your profile in six steps:
- Personal biodata (upload your ID and passport photo)
- Residence details
- Education background (primary & secondary)
- University/College admission details
- Parents’/guardians’ information
- Financial literacy quiz (you must score 70%)
- Choose whether to apply for a loan, scholarship, or both.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Add guarantor details (your parents can qualify).
- Choose upkeep payment mode: Either Mpesa or bank account registered in your name.
- Submit the form. Copies of the submitted application will be sent to your email.
For Subsequent Applicants (Continuing Students)
If you’ve applied before, there’s no need to go through the full process again. You can simply:
- Dial *USSD 642# on your mobile phone
- Or use the HELB Mobile App for quick reapplication
Make sure the phone number used is registered in your name for verification.
Read: Kenya Adopts Competency-Based Education (CBE) From CBC
HELB Application Requirements
To complete the application successfully, have the following documents ready:
- National ID (both sides) in PDF format
- A recent passport photo (JPEG, PNG, or JPG, under 1MB)
- Birth certificate (PDF), especially if under 18 or if a parent is deceased
- Sponsorship letter (PDF) if you were sponsored in secondary school
- Death certificate or burial permit (PDF) for deceased parents/guardians
Important Reminders from HELB
- The entire application process is done online only. Do not submit physical forms.
- Phone numbers for the applicant, parent, and guarantor must be registered under their respective names.
- Students who sat KCSE in 2022 or 2023 but are under 18 can still apply using their KCSE index number instead of a National ID.
- If you forget your password, simply use the “Forgot Password” link on the portal login page to reset it.
Why You Should Apply Early
Delays in applying could mean delayed disbursement of upkeep funds or missing out altogether. HELB has also emphasized that the new student-centered funding model means your ability to receive a scholarship or loan depends not just on your academic qualifications, but also on how early and accurately you apply.
Whether you’re headed to a university or a TVET institution, early application gives you peace of mind to focus on your studies rather than finances.
Conclusion
The opening of the HELB loan and scholarship application for 2025/26 is a major opportunity for Kenyan students to fund their education. Whether you’re a first-time university student or a continuing TVET trainee, don’t wait until the last minute. Visit the HEF portal, ensure your documents are ready, and apply today.
Make sure to beat the August 31, 2025 deadline, and study stress-free knowing your funding is sorted.
