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Who qualifies for HELB loan money in 2026/2027
12th July, 2026 08:20 AM
Thousands of students preparing to join universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions now have an opportunity to apply for government financial support after the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) opened applications for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The funding, which includes loans, scholarships and bursaries, is available through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Student Portal. Applications for first-time undergraduate and TVET students will remain open until September 8, 2026, giving eligible learners time to complete the online process.
However, not every applicant automatically qualifies. There are specific requirements that students must meet before they can be considered for funding.
First-time university students
Students joining a university for the first time are among the main beneficiaries of the current application window. Applicants must have received admission to a recognised institution before submitting their funding request.
The government requires students to complete their applications online through the HEF Student Portal after creating an account and providing the required information and supporting documents.
Students joining TVET institutions
Learners admitted to recognised TVET institutions are also eligible to apply for HELB funding. The support is intended to help students pursuing technical and vocational courses by easing the financial burden of tuition and other education-related expenses.
Like university applicants, TVET students must first secure admission before applying for funding.
Kenyan citizens with valid identification
Applicants are expected to be Kenyan citizens. During registration, students are required to provide a National Identity Card or, where applicable, a KCSE index number for applicants who have not yet obtained a national ID.
They must also provide a valid email address and mobile phone number to create and activate their accounts on the student portal.
Funding depends on financial need
Receiving HELB funding is not based solely on admission to a university or TVET institution. Under the Student-Centred Funding Model, applications are assessed using a means-testing process that considers a student’s financial background.
Information such as household income and family circumstances helps determine the combination of scholarship, loan, bursary and household contribution that an applicant may receive.
Submit accurate information
Students are advised to provide truthful information throughout the application process. Incorrect personal details, missing documents or inaccurate family information may affect processing or delay approval.
Applicants should also monitor the HEF Student Portal after submission in case additional information or corrections are required.
Apply before the deadline
With the application window closing on September 8, 2026 students are encouraged to complete their applications early instead of waiting until the final days. Early applications reduce the risk of delays caused by heavy traffic on the online portal and leave enough time to correct any errors.
For many students, HELB funding plays an important role in making higher education more accessible. Understanding the eligibility requirements and submitting an accurate application can improve the chances of receiving financial support before the new academic year begins.
