HELB Loan Application Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have an ID card; can I apply for a HELB loan

Is it compulsory to apply for a HELB loan?

Are you a first-time HELB applicant? Do you want to know everything about HELB loan registration and application?  Then you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about HELB.  Let’s start.

What is HELB?

The Board’s objective is to give financial support to needy Kenyan students in institutions of higher learning both locally and abroad. The organization gives loans, bursaries and scholarships for training at public and private institutions of higher learning, which are recognized by the Ministry of Education of Kenya. Thanks to HELB loans, all Kenyan citizens can empower their dreams by getting an academic degree and embarking on a successful career. However, due to financial constraints, it is currently not in a position to provide loans to students studying outside the country and those on Self-Sponsored Programmes (commonly known as the ‘Parallel Programmes’).

What are the requirements for applying a loan?

1. A copy of the Applicant’s national ID Card
2. Copies of the parents national ID Cards/death certificate where the parent is deceased
3. Copies of both guarantors’ national ID Card
4. A copy of the applicant’s admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate
5. A copy of the applicant’s Bank ATM/Bank card (for Government sponsored students only)
6. A copy of the applicant’s Smart Card from the institution
7. One recent colored passport size photograph of the applicant.

How do I apply for the loan or download the application forms?

Applications for HELB loan are usually done through the HELB student’s application portal. ( www.helb.co.ke )  Interested applicants will be required to log in to the student’s portal to initiate the application and download the application forms.

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How much loan can one get?

In accordance with the current Cost Sharing Policy, a student is required to pay Kshs.50,000/- per year to train at a public university. Out of this amount, HELB can award a maximum loan and bursary of Kshs.50,000/- and a bursary of Kshs.8,000.

How do I check for my loan?

1. Access the HELB website and enter your ID number
2. Send an email to requesting for your statement to contactcentre@helb.co.ke.
3. Call HELB on 0722052000
4. Email contactcentre@helb.co.ke

When can one apply for a HELB loan?

HELB places advertisements in the print media in which it invites applications for loans. The Board maintains a deadline and those applications received after the deadline without justifiable reasons are not processed.

When are Loan Awards released?

HELB releases loan results before the new academic year starts. Thereafter, students who fail to secure a loan or are awarded inadequate amounts are encouraged to appeal. Each appeal is reviewed on its own merit. If one fails to get a loan, the following could be possible reasons:

1. a) The student may not have provided adequate information about him/herself as requested
2. b) The student may have provided false information on the loan application form.

I don’t have an ID card; can I apply for a HELB loan?

Unfortunately, this is not possible at the moment. The national ID is proof of attainment of majority age. The HELB Loan Application form is a contract and legally we are not in a position to enter into a contract with a minor.

Is it compulsory to apply for a HELB loan?

No. You should apply for a HELB loan only if you are in need of the funds.

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

The interest is currently 4% per annum for direct entry students and 12% for all salaried applicants. The interest will start to accrue immediately after the first disbursement

Am I eligible for a loan in 2nd year if I did not apply in 1st year?

Yes you are. However, one will be required to apply as a first time applicant during the first time applications window.

What if I was awarded a loan but it is not enough, can I request for additional funds?

Yes, if you have a genuine need for additional funds, you can appeal amounts awarded to you by completing the loan review (appeal) form on www.helb.co.ke

If I discontinue my education, do I have to pay the amount awarded to me even if I didn’t complete my education?

Yes, once you are awarded a HELB loan, you will be required to fully repay the amount in accordance with the terms & conditions as well as the interest accrued thereafter and penalties incurred (if any)

What if I can’t remember my password for the HELB Online Portal?

Use the “forgot password” option available on the portal to recover your account

What if I can’t see the HELB portal activation link on my email?

Please check your junk or spam emails

Why is my ‘Application Form Defective’?

If any or all of the following are missing then the application is defective and your form will not be processed:

1. Missing signatures and stamps: i.e. applicants’ signature, parents/guardian, priest, Chief or Assistant chief, Commissioner of Oaths or Magistrate and bank. Please note that signatures and stamping is mandatory.
2. Missing documents: if any of the documents on the checklist haven’t been attached then the form will be termed defective. These include: KCSE result slip, Admission letter; if orphaned, copy/copies of parent/s death certificate; if sponsored in High school, a confirmation letter from the school or sponsor and a colored passport size photo which is to be attached to the form before submission.
3. Scanned copies: the forms to be submitted should be the original copies and not scanned copies, if one submits the scanned copy then it is termed defective since it’s not the original.
4. 2nd & Subsequent loan application forms: All the subsequent application forms MUST be signed and stamped by the Dean of students.

In case of any queries, how do i contact HELB customer service team?

www.helb.co.ke

Student Service Centre: Mezzanine 1 – University Way, Nairobi

Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke

Tel: 0711052000