The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened applications for first-time applicants seeking undergraduate and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) loans and scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year, ending the long wait for incoming students.
In an announcement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, HELB urged eligible first-time applicants to submit their applications early and carefully follow the prescribed guidelines to avoid delays in processing.
“2026/2027 First-Time HELB Applications are NOW OPEN! Ready to start your higher education journey? Eligible first-time applicants can now apply for undergraduate and TVET loans and scholarships. Apply early and follow the application guidelines carefully,” HELB said.
How to apply
Below is a step-by-step guide on what you need before the application portal opens.
- Step 1: Prepare your contact detailS
Applicants should have a valid email address and mobile phone number registered using their national ID.
Also Read: How to Apply for KUCCPS 2026 Placement as Portal Opens
- Step 2: Gather your academic details
Ensure you have your KCPE index number and year of examination, and your KCSE index number and year of examination.
These details will be required during the application process.
- Step 3: Get your passport photo ready
Applicants must upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPG, JPEG or PNG format.
- Step 4: Prepare your identification documents
Have a clear copy of both sides of your National ID or Maisha Card.
Applicants who are still minors should upload a birth certificate in PDF format.
- Step 5: Prepare your payment details
You will need either valid bank account details or an M-Pesa number registered under your National ID.
- Step 6: Gather sponsorship documents (if applicable)
Students who received sponsorship while in secondary school should prepare a copy of the sponsorship letter in PDF format.
- Step 7: Prepare your parents’ details
Applicants should have parents’ National ID numbers and parents’ registered mobile phone numbers.
Also Read: How to check KUCCPS placement results after govt release
If a parent is deceased, applicants should upload a copy of the death certificate in PDF format.
- Step 8: Identify two guarantors
Applicants will also need the ID numbers of two guarantors and their registered mobile phone numbers.
- Step 9: Apply through the HEF portal
