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The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened applications for the 2026/2027 academic year, giving thousands of students set to join universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions a chance to apply for government financial support.
The funding, offered through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Student Portal, includes scholarships, loans and bursaries. Applications for first-time undergraduate and TVET students will remain open until September 8, 2026.
However, eligibility is subject to specific requirements, and not all applicants automatically qualify.
First-time university students
Students admitted to recognised universities for the first time are eligible to apply. Applicants must first secure admission before submitting their funding application through the HEF Student Portal, where they are required to create an account and upload the necessary documents.
TVET students
Learners joining accredited TVET institutions can also apply for HELB support. The funding is designed to help cover tuition fees and other education-related costs, provided the applicant has already received admission.
Kenyan citizenship requirement
Applicants must be Kenyan citizens. During registration, they are required to provide a National Identity Card or, for those who have not yet obtained one, their KCSE index number. A valid email address and mobile phone number are also needed to register and activate an account on the student portal.
Funding is based on financial need
Admission alone does not guarantee financial support. Under the Student-Centred Funding Model, applications are evaluated through a means-testing process that considers factors such as household income and family circumstances. This assessment determines the amount of scholarship, loan, bursary and household contribution allocated to each student.
Provide accurate information
Students are encouraged to submit correct personal and family details, as well as all required supporting documents. Errors, incomplete information or inaccurate declarations may delay processing or affect the outcome of the application. Applicants should also regularly check the HEF Student Portal for updates or requests for additional information.
Apply before the deadline
With the application deadline set for September 8, 2026, students are advised to complete the process early to avoid last-minute delays caused by heavy traffic on the online portal and to allow time for any necessary corrections.
HELB funding remains a key source of financial assistance for many learners, helping them access university and TVET education by easing the cost of tuition and other academic expenses.
