HELB Opens 2026/2027 Funding Applications for First-Year Students
On Friday, July 10, 2026, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) officially opened the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal for first-time university and TVET funding applications.
The application window follows the recent release of the KUCCPS placement results for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Eligible students can now apply for government scholarships, loans, and bursaries under the Student-Centred Funding Model.
Requirements for First-Time Applicants
Applicants must prepare several documents before submitting their applications. You will need your official university or TVET admission letter. You must also provide a valid National ID or Maisha Card. Additionally, enter your KCPE and KCSE index numbers and examination years.
Applicants should upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG or PNG format. You must also provide your parents’ National ID numbers and registered mobile numbers.
Furthermore, include the names, ID numbers, and phone numbers of two guarantors. Finally, provide a bank account or M-Pesa number registered in your name.
Important Guidelines
HELB has emphasized that the application process is completely free. Students should avoid individuals requesting payment to process funding applications.
Applicants who previously registered using their KCSE index number should update their profiles after obtaining a National ID. They should not create a new account.
Apply Early
Although HELB has not announced the application deadline, students should apply as early as possible. The board recommends submitting applications at least one month before reporting to school.
Early applications help prevent delays in processing funding.
Information for Continuing Students
Continuing students should not use the HEF Portal for subsequent applications. Instead, they should submit their applications through the HELB Mobile App or by dialing *642#.
HELB encourages all eligible first-year students to complete their applications promptly to secure financial support before joining their institutions.
