Pursuing higher education in Kenya is an exciting journey, but it can also be expensive. To ease the financial burden on students and their families, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) provides student loans to help finance university or college education. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a HELB loan, from eligibility and the application process to repayment tips.

What is HELB?

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a government agency in Kenya that provides affordable loans and bursaries to Kenyan students enrolled in local and international higher education institutions. These loans help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational needs.

Types of HELB Loans

HELB offers various types of loans tailored to different categories of students:

1. Undergraduate Loan: For students pursuing undergraduate programs in recognized universities and TVET institutions.
2. Postgraduate Loan: Available to students seeking financial aid for master’s or PhD studies.
3. TVET Loan: Aimed at students in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
4. Salaried Employees Loan: For salaried individuals seeking to further their studies.

HELB Loan Eligibility

To be eligible for the HELB loan, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Kenyan citizen.
• Have been admitted to a recognized university or TVET institution.
• Be a first-time or continuing student.
• Have a national identification card (ID).

For TVET loans, students must be enrolled in accredited technical or vocational institutions. For postgraduate loans, applicants must have an undergraduate degree and have been admitted to a recognized institution for further studies.

How to Apply for a HELB Loan: Step-by-Step Process

Applying for a HELB loan is a straightforward process, and thanks to technology, it can be done online via the HELB portal. Follow these steps to complete your application:

Step 1: Register on the HELB Student Portal

To begin the process, create an account on the HELB portal (www.helb.co.ke). You’ll need your national ID number, email address, and a working phone number to complete the registration.

Step 2: Fill in the Loan Application Form

Once registered, log in to your HELB account and select the relevant loan application form (undergraduate, TVET, postgraduate, etc.). Carefully fill in all the required details, including:

• Personal information (name, ID number, birth date).
• Educational background (previous schools attended, admission letter from your current institution).
• Family details (parents’/guardians’ information, income status).

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents ready for submission:

• A copy of your national ID.
• A copy of your admission letter from the institution.
• A copy of your parent’s/guardian’s ID (or death certificate, if deceased).
• Bank account details from a recognized bank (this is where your loan disbursement will be sent).
• A copy of your KRA PIN certificate.

If you’re a continuing student, you’ll only need to update your details on the portal before reapplying.

Step 4: Download and Print the HELB Application Form

After completing the online application, download and print the filled loan application form. Make sure to print two copies – one for your records and one to submit to HELB.

Step 5: Sign and Get Endorsements

The application form requires several endorsements:

• Applicant’s signature.
• Signatures from your parents/guardians.
• Signatures from religious leaders, chiefs, or deputy principals (for TVET loans).

These endorsements help verify your application details.

Step 6: Submit the Application Form

Once all endorsements are complete, submit the printed and signed application form along with the required attachments to the nearest Huduma Centre, HELB office, or through registered mail to HELB headquarters in Nairobi.

Digitali Webbs Services can assist you in correctly filling out your HELB application form and ensuring that all required documents are attached.

HELB Loan Disbursement

After submitting your application, HELB reviews your details and will inform you of the loan status via your HELB portal account. Once approved, the loan will be disbursed in two installments – one for each semester. The funds are sent directly to the student’s bank account and the institution’s account for tuition fees.

How to Check HELB Loan Status

To check your HELB loan status, follow these steps:

1. Log into your HELB student portal.
2. Click on Loan Status to view the progress of your application and disbursement details.

Alternatively, you can check your loan status via SMS by sending the word “STATUS” followed by your ID number to 5122.

HELB Loan Repayment

Repaying your HELB loan is mandatory once you complete your studies. The repayment schedule typically starts one year after graduation, and you’ll receive a loan statement detailing the amount owed and the repayment terms. Here’s what you need to know:

• Loan repayment period: Usually ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the amount borrowed.
• Repayment channels: You can repay via bank transfer, mobile money services like M-Pesa, or directly at the HELB offices.

Tips for HELB Loan Repayment

1. Start Early: If you’re able to, start repaying your loan before the one-year grace period ends to reduce the overall interest.
2. Use Online Repayment Methods: Services like M-Pesa make it easy to repay in installments, ensuring you don’t miss any payments.
3. Track Your Loan Balance: Keep an eye on your loan balance by frequently checking the HELB portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does HELB loan disburse to students?
The loan amount varies based on the student’s needs and financial background. Undergraduate students typically receive between Ksh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000 per academic year.

2. Can continuing students apply for HELB loans?
Yes, continuing students can apply for subsequent loans by updating their details on the HELB portal and filling out the application form.

3. What happens if I don’t repay my HELB loan?
Failure to repay the loan results in penalties and can negatively affect your credit score. HELB has the authority to garnish wages and take legal action to recover unpaid loans.

4. Can I apply for a HELB loan as a postgraduate student?
Yes, HELB provides postgraduate loans to students pursuing master’s or PhD programs in recognized institutions.

5. Can salaried individuals apply for a HELB loan?
Yes, HELB offers loans to salaried individuals looking to further their studies through part-time or full-time programs.

Applying for a HELB loan is an essential step for many Kenyan students seeking financial assistance for higher education. Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, or TVET student, understanding the process will help ensure your application is successful. At Digitali Webbs Services, we offer personalized assistance with your HELB loan application, helping you navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls. For more information or to get help with your application, contact us today at info@digitali.co.ke or call 0710420222.