Advertisement
HELB details how continuing students can apply for 2026/2027 subsequent loans via USSD
17th August, 2026 06:34 PM
Continuing university and college students across Kenya can now apply for their 2026/2027 funding as the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) keeps its application portal open.
In an update released on August 17, 2026, the board urged students who need upkeep and tuition support to submit their requests early.
Reaching out to learners across higher learning institutions, HELB noted, “Continuing your studies? The 2026/2027 HELB Subsequent Loan Application is still ongoing.”
How to register and set up your account on mobile
To make the submission process easy for students, whether they are in lecture halls or working through practical tasks in technical workshops, the board has outlined a 14-step mobile application procedure.
Applicants do not need an internet connection or a smartphone to complete the form.
Setting the direction for applicants, HELB explained, “Simply dial *642# using your Safaricom line and follow the application steps below to submit your application.”
The process starts on a Safaricom mobile line by dialling *642# and selecting the register option. The USSD system then asks applicants to enter their National Identification serial number, followed by their main National ID number.
Next, students create a personal four-digit PIN to protect their account for future logins. Once registered, applicants return to the main menu by choosing Home and logging in using their new PIN.
Selecting your course level and choosing upkeep options
After logging in, students tap the subsequent application option to select the loan category that matches their level of study. The service caters to two main categories: undergraduate students pursuing degree programmes and TVET students studying for diploma qualifications.
The next step involves verifying institutional details and agreeing to the set terms and conditions. Once these details are checked, applicants select the request loan option and choose how they want to receive their upkeep cash.
HELB allows students to choose between direct transfers to their mobile money accounts or payouts into their bank accounts.
To complete the application, students enter their four-digit PIN and wait for a final confirmation message on their phones.
