Undergraduate HELB Loan Application Process
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) in Kenya provides loans to undergraduate students in Public or Chartered Private Universities within the East African Community.
The loans are available to students placed through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), as well as self-sponsored, parallel, and module II students studying for a Bachelor’s degree only.
Students pursuing pre-university, certificate, diploma, or postgraduate courses are not eligible to apply for this loan.
First-time HELB loan applicant
To apply for a HELB loan as a first-time applicant, students must visit the HELB website and register to create an account.
Once registered, they can access and fill out the appropriate Undergraduate First Time Loan Application Form (LAF) after going through the Financial Literacy Programme.
Applicants must print two copies of the duly filled loan application form, which should be appropriately filled, signed, and stamped by the relevant authorities.
Students should attach all the required documents as per the checklist and present one copy of the duly filled Loan Application Form at any of the following Huduma centers nearest to them for free and secure delivery:
- Bomet,
- Bungoma,
- Chuka,
- Eldoret,
- Embu,
- Garissa,
- Nairobi GPO,
- Kakamega,
- Kericho,
- Kilifi,
- Kisii,
- Kisumu,
- Kitale,
- Kitui,
- Lodwar,
- Machakos,
- Makueni,
- Meru,
- Migori,
- Mombasa,
- Murang’a,
- Nakuru,
- Nandi
- Narok,
- Nyeri,
- Taita Taveta,
- Thika, and
- West Pokot.
Alternatively, they can present the application form at the HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi. Applicants must retain a complete copy of the Loan Application Form, as this is mandatory.
HELB loans for undergraduate students attract an interest rate of 4% and a Kshs. 1,000 ledger per year.
The number of loans one is eligible for depends on the program’s duration, and students are advised to apply for the loan at least one month before the opening date to allow ample time for processing.
How to apply on the HELB App as a second and Subsequent applicant
Applying for a loan through the HELB App as a second and subsequent applicant is a simple process. It involves downloading the app from the Google Play Store and following a few easy steps.
To start, the applicant needs to register their details on the app, including their first name, phone number, email address, national ID number, and KRA PIN number. It’s important to use the Safaricom number that the applicant uses for Mpesa transactions and is registered in their name.
Next, the applicant needs to read the mandatory financial literacy notes and answer a few questions to understand the purpose of credit. Afterward, they can proceed to the loan application process.
The applicant should click on “loans” and select “undergraduate loans” to access the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan Application Form [LAF].
From there, they need to follow each step to fill in the required details and submit. After submission, a pop-up message will appear to show that the application has been successful, and the loan serial number will be displayed.
During the application process, the applicant will pay Kshs. 1 from their MPESA account to verify their telephone number. The application process is paperless, and there is no need to print any documents.
For students who are not Safaricom subscribers, they will be directed to the portal and apply using the application form. They have to print and submit the form to the HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1 Floor at Anniversary Towers.
It’s essential to read, understand, and follow the instructions provided at the beginning of the application process to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Applying for a loan through the HELB App as a second and subsequent applicant is a convenient and straightforward process that can be completed from anywhere at any time.
Undergraduate HELB Loan Application Process