How to Apply for HELB for the First Time

Getting your university or college admission letter is a massive win, but figuring out how to fund your degree shouldn’t feel like a final exam. If you’re wondering how to apply for HELB for the first time, you’ve likely noticed the game has changed—the old manual forms are out, and the new Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal is in.

Navigating the HELB first-time application process for the 2024/2025 academic year can be tricky, especially with the new Means Testing Instrument (MTI) determining your scholarship and loan amounts. In this guide, we break down the HELB requirements, the paperless registration steps, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to application rejection. Whether you’re an undergraduate or a TVET student, here is everything you need to secure your Government Student Loans and upkeep today.

Applying for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) for the first time is a rite of passage for every Kenyan comrade. Since 2023, the process has been integrated into the HEF (Higher Education Funding) portal to accommodate the New Funding Model.

How to Apply for HELB (First-Time Undergraduate)

1. Preparation Checklist

Gather these documents before you start to avoid session timeouts:

• A valid Email Address and Phone Number registered in your name.
• Your KCSE Index Number and year.
• A scanned copy of your Admission Letter and Fee Structure.
• Parents’ Details: ID numbers, income details, and death certificate if a parent is deceased.
• Guarantors: ID numbers and phone numbers for two people (not your parents) who will vouch for you.
• Bank Account Details: Your own account (not a parent’s).

Step 1: Register on the HEF Portal

1. Visit the Higher Education Funding (HEF) Portal.
2. Click “User Registration” and enter your National ID number.
3. The system will verify your details via IPRS. Provide your phone number and email to create an account.
4. Activate your account via the link sent to your email.

Step 2: Profile Completion

1. Log in and fill out your Personal Profile (Address, Sub-County, Ward).
2. Fill in your Educational Background (Primary and Secondary schools attended).
3. Enter your University/College details as per your admission letter.

Step 3: Financial & Family Background

This section determines if you get a Loan, a Scholarship, or both.

1. Provide details about your parents’ employment or business.
2. Indicate if you are an Orphan or have a Disability (requires supporting documents like a NCPWD card).
3. Be honest—HELB cross-checks this data with KRA and NSSF records.

Step 4: Loan Application & Guarantors

1. Select the “Undergraduate First Time Loan Application.”
2. Enter the details of your two guarantors. They must be Kenyan citizens over 18 years old.
3. Enter your Bank Name, Branch, and Account Number where the money will be sent.

Step 5: Submission (The “Paperless” Era)

1. In the past, you had to drop hard copies at Huduma Centres. Now, most applications are Digital-Only.
2. Review all entries, ensure scans are clear, and click Submit.
3. Download the generated Loan Application Form (LAF) for your own records.

Comrade’s Tips 

• Timing: Apply as soon as the portal opens (usually July–September). Late applications often miss the first semester disbursement.
• The “300 Shillings” Rule: To verify your M-Pesa for the HELB App (if using the mobile version), you may need a small balance for the verification SMS.
• The HELB Mobile App: You can also track your application status using the HELB App on the Google Play Store.

FAQ on how to apply for HELB for the first time

• Do I need a KRA PIN? Yes, you cannot submit the application without a valid KRA PIN.
• How much will I get? Under the new model, your funding is split into a Scholarship (not repaid) and a Loan (repaid after graduation), depending on your “Means Testing Instrument” (MTI) score.