HELB Shares Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Applicants

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has urged students applying for financial aid for the first time to submit their applications early, saying the move will help prevent delays before they report to colleges and universities for the 2026/2027 academic year.

In a notice published on its official X account on Monday, August 3, HELB said early applications give students enough time to complete the process, correct any mistakes and have their details verified before funds are processed.

For thousands of students preparing to begin higher education, the application is the first step towards accessing tuition and upkeep support. HELB warned that missing documents or inaccurate information could slow down the approval process.

Prepare Personal Information

Before beginning the online application, applicants are advised to have a valid email address and a mobile phone number registered using their National ID or Maisha Card.

Students should also have their KCPE and KCSE index numbers, examination years and a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG, JPG or PNG format ready for upload.

Gather Identification Documents

Applicants must upload clear copies of both sides of their National ID or Maisha Card.

They should also provide either active bank account details or an M-Pesa number registered under their own National ID.

Students applying as minors are required to upload a copy of their birth certificate in PDF format.

Include Sponsorship Information

Applicants who benefited from sponsorship during secondary school should attach a copy of the sponsorship letter in PDF format.

According to HELB, providing accurate sponsorship information helps assess an applicant's financial circumstances during the review process.

Provide Parents' and Guarantors' Details

Students are also required to submit their parents' or guardians' National ID numbers and registered mobile phone numbers.

Where a parent is deceased, applicants should upload a copy of the death certificate.

In addition, every first-time applicant must provide details of two guarantors, including their National ID numbers and registered mobile phone numbers. Parents may act as guarantors if they meet the eligibility requirements.

HELB advised students to notify their guarantors in advance to ensure the information submitted is accurate.

Review Before Submission

The board further encouraged applicants to carefully review all details before submitting their forms.

It warned that incorrect personal information, unreadable documents or mismatched phone numbers could delay verification and the processing of applications.

Students are also encouraged to keep copies of all submitted documents and regularly check the status of their applications through the HELB portal.

With universities and colleges expected to admit thousands of new students in the coming weeks, HELB said early applications will help ensure eligible learners receive financial support in time for the start of the academic year.