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How to apply for a HELB first-time loan in 2026
09th July, 2026 07:38 AM
Thousands of students are expected to begin preparing their applications for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) first-time loan after the release of the 2026 Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) placement results.
The loan will be crucial for many students, particularly first-years joining universities and TVET institutions, as well as continuing students who have never applied for HELB before and wish to seek financial support for their studies.
In a public notice, HELB urged first-time applicants to prepare the required documents ahead of the loan application opening.
“First-time applications are opening soon! Getting ready now can make your application process much smoother,” HELB announced.
Below is a step-by-step guide on what you need before the application portal opens.
- Step 1: Prepare your contact details
Applicants should have a valid email address and mobile phone number registered using their national ID.
- Step 2: Gather your academic details
Ensure you have your KCPE index number and year of examination and KCSE index number and year of examination.
These details will be required during the application process.
- Step 3: Get your passport photo ready
Applicants must upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPG, JPEG or PNG format.
- Step 4: Prepare your identification documents
Have a clear copy of both sides of your National ID or Maisha Card.
Applicants who are still minors should upload a birth certificate in PDF format.
- Step 5: Prepare your payment details
You will need either valid bank account details or an M-Pesa number registered under your National ID.
- Step 6: Gather sponsorship documents (if applicable)
Students who received sponsorship while in secondary school should prepare a copy of the sponsorship letter in PDF format.
- Step 7: Prepare your parents’ details
Applicants should have parents’ National ID numbers and parents’ registered mobile phone numbers.
If a parent is deceased, applicants should upload a copy of the death certificate in PDF format.
- Step 8: Identify two guarantors
Applicants will also need the ID numbers of two guarantors and their registered mobile phone numbers.
- Step 9: Apply through the HEF portal
Once applications officially open, eligible students should complete and submit their applications through the Higher Education Financing portal at www.hef.co.ke.
HELB has advised applicants to prepare all the required information and documents early and continue monitoring its official communication channels for updates on the opening date of the first-time loan application window.
