Frequently Asked Questions on HELB

What is HELB?

The Higher Education Loans Board's mission is to provide financial support to Kenyan students attending local and international higher education institutions. The organisation offers loans, bursaries, and scholarships for studying at authorised public and private universities and colleges in Kenya and other countries.

Read Also: Who Qualifies for HELB Loans; Undergraduate, TVET, Graduate, and Scholarships

Who is eligible to apply for HELB loans?

Students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Am I eligible for a HELB loan in the 2nd year of my study if I did not apply in 1st year?

Sure, you are. However, a first-time applicant must submit an application during the window for first-time submissions.

What are the requirements for applying for a HELB loan?

• A copy of the applicant's National ID card.
• Copies of the parents' national identification cards or, if a parent is deceased, a death certificate
• Copies of the national ID cards for both guarantors
• A copy of the admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate of the applicant
• A copy of the applicant's bank or ATM cards (for government-sponsored students only)
• A copy of the institution's Smart Card for the applicant
• One recent colour photo (passport size) of the applicant.

How can I apply for a loan from HELB?

For a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a HELB loan as a first-time applicant, read here.

How can I access the HELB student portal?

Visit https://www.helb.co.ke/ to register on the HELB Portal. Once you are logged in, navigate to the student portal. You can apply for your loan, access the self-service, print your compliance certificate, and also check the status of your loan.

How much does it cost to do the application?

Making a HELB loan application is free of charge. But for M-Pesa to verify your mobile number, you will be charged Ksh1. The funds will be deposited into your loan repayment account.

How much loan can I get?

Depending on the institution, a government-sponsored student may pay up to Ksh50,000/- each year to train at a public institution in compliance with the current Cost Sharing Policy. A maximum loan amount of Ksh50,000 and a bursary of Ksh8,000 may be awarded out of this amount by HELB. If you are self-sponsored, commonly known as “parallel programmes” HELB doesn’t currently offer financial assistance. 

What if I do not have a smartphone, how can I apply?

You can start your application procedure by simply dialling *642#.

When can I apply for HELB?

HELB advertises in the print media, requesting loan applications. Applications are often received in the fourth quarter of the year.

The Board adheres to a deadline, and applications received after that date without cause are not processed.

The deadline for first-time applications this year is Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

How do I know that my loan application was successful?

You will get a notification confirming that your application was successful once you have finished the application procedure.

If I was awarded a loan but it’s not enough, can I request additional funds?

Yes, if you genuinely need more money, you can contest the amounts that have been given to you by filling out the loan review (appeal) form on the HELB website.

What is the applicable interest rate for HELB and when does it start to accrue?

Currently, all salaried candidates pay 12% interest each year, compared to 4% for direct entry students. As soon as the first disbursement is made, interest will begin to accrue.

What are the modes of HELB loan repayment?

1. M-PESA

Using M-PESA (Safaricom) Money Transfer:

• Select the paybill option
• Enter HELB business number as 200800
• Enter your national ID number as your account number
• Enter the amount you want to pay
• Enter your secret PIN number
• Confirm the transaction and send

Note: The transaction reflects in your statement immediately after the transaction.

Using M-PESA (Safaricom) Money Transfer for Employers

• Upload the remittance schedule
• Generate the E-Slip
• Go to the M-PESA menu and click on Lipa na M-PESA, then Paybill
• Enter 200800 as the business number
• For the account details, enter the generated E-Slip number as the account number
• Enter your PIN number
• You will receive a confirmation message for payment

2. Bank Deposits

For bank deposits, all payments must be sent to the Higher Education Loans Board, and must be made by crossed check, bankers draft, direct transfer/standing order/EFT, or cash deposit to the HELB collection A/C in any of the following banks:

Can I clear my HELB loan in one instalment?

Yes, without any extra charges.

What will happen when I clear my HELB loan?

On clearing your loan, a clearance certificate will be issued to you.

What will happen if I made an overpayment of my loan?

The extra funds will be reimbursed by HELB.

How long does it take to get a HELB refund if I overpay?

Not more than one-month maximum.

What will happen if I default on my HELB loan?

HELB charges a Ksh5,000 penalty fee every month.

How do I check for my loan status?

You can check your loan progress in the following ways:

• Login to the HELB website and input your ID number.
• Send an email to contactcentre@helb.co.ke  asking for your statement.
• Contact HELB by phone on 0722052000.