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HELB issues guidelines to first-time applicants, calls for early applications
03rd August, 2026 09:20 AM
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has advised first-time applicants seeking financial support for the 2026/2027 academic year to submit their applications as early as possible to improve their chances of receiving funding before joining college or university.
In a notice shared on its official X page on Monday, August 3, 2026, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) said that applying early gives students enough time to complete the application process, correct any errors, and have their details verified before funds are processed.
For many students beginning higher education, the first HELB application marks an important step towards accessing tuition and upkeep support. Missing key documents or submitting incorrect information can slow down the process, making early preparation essential.
1: Prepare your personal details
Before starting the online application, applicants should ensure they have a valid email address and a mobile phone number registered using their National ID or Maisha Card.
Applicants will also need their KCPE and KCSE index numbers together with the years they sat the examinations. A recent passport-size photograph in JPEG, JPG or PNG format should also be ready for upload.
2: Gather your identification documents
Applicants are required to upload clear copies of both sides of their National ID or Maisha Card.
They should also have either valid bank account details or an active M-Pesa number registered under their own National ID. Students applying as minors should upload a copy of their birth certificate in PDF format.
3: Include sponsorship details if applicable
Those who received sponsorship while in secondary school should attach a copy of the sponsorship letter in PDF format. Providing accurate sponsorship information helps HELB assess the applicant’s financial background during the review process.
4: Prepare your parents’ information
Applicants must provide details of their parents or guardians as part of the application. This includes the parents’ National ID numbers and registered mobile phone numbers.
Where a parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate in PDF format should also be uploaded.
5: Provide guarantor details
Every first-time applicant must include details of two guarantors. The guarantors should provide their National ID numbers together with their registered mobile phone numbers. Parents may also serve as guarantors if they meet the requirements.
Applicants are encouraged to notify their guarantors in advance to ensure the information provided is accurate.
Check everything before submitting
HELB has also reminded applicants to review all information carefully before submitting the application. Incorrect personal details, unreadable documents or mismatched phone numbers may lead to delays during verification.
Students are also encouraged to keep copies of the submitted documents and regularly monitor the status of their application through the HELB portal.
With institutions expected to admit thousands of new students in the coming weeks, early applications are expected to help reduce last-minute challenges and ensure eligible learners receive financial support in good time for the start of their studies.
