A Guide to the HELB Portal: Secure Scholarships and Loans for University Studies in Kenya 2024

Getting Started With The HELB Portal

In today’s guide, I will show you how to sign up and join the HELB portal. This will help Empower your academic journey with scholarships, bursaries, and loans through the HELB Portal. This comprehensive guide simplifies the application process of joining the HELB Portal, ensuring you maximize your chances of securing financial aid for the 2023/2024 academic year and beyond.

In 2024, education is everything. Most jobs you get to apply need either a certificate, diploma or a degree. College and university tuition on the other hand is not cheap. In addition to this, getting the money for college is a hustle because of the economy, and lack of jobs. Going to university is a sure way of getting a skill that will help you in this century of information.

This is where the Higher Education Loan comes in, The HELB Portal has given hope to many students and individuals who want to find careers in Kenya. It provides loans at a low interest rate for students so that they can stand a chance for a good future. The HELB portal is an account for every individual receiving a HELB loan, Students can access their HELB student portal to see the amount they have received, the amount they are owed helb plus other important information.

Eligibility and Application Types:

• Government scholarships and loans are available for freshmen enrolling from 2023 onwards.
• Students who started before 2023 can continue using the previous system.
• Financial need is a major factor in awarding scholarships and grants, similar to HELB loans.

Two application options cater to different needs:

There are two application types a student can apply for via the HELB Portal, each tailored to cater different needs for each individual. These application types include;

1. First-time Applicants: This applies to students applying for the first time. For example, a student who has just joined the university will be in the category of First-time applicants.
2. Second & Subsequent Applicants: This is for students applying for the second, third, or fourth time (depending on program duration). If you had finished your university studies, and later on you decided to go back for another course, or to upgrade, then you would apply for a Second and Subsequent HELB application.

First-time Applicants: Streamlined Online Process:

1. Register on the HELB website (www.helb.co.ke): Create an account on the HELB Student Portal.
2. Complete the online application: Choose the appropriate “Undergraduate First Time Loan Application Form (LAF).”
3. Financial literacy is key: Review the provided materials and complete the online exercise.
4. Print and submit the application: Print two copies of the completed form.
5. Seek official signatures and stamps: Ensure all relevant authorities sign and stamp the forms. These stamps will include one from a clergy and your local chief.
6. Attach required documents: Refer to the checklist and attach all necessary documents to one copy.
7. Submit your application: Choose your preferred submission method:
   • Free delivery: Submit at any listed Huduma centre near you. This is free and you can take it to any listed Huduma Centre.
   • In-person: Visit the HELB Student Service Centre in Nairobi. This is my preferred method. If you have a relative in Nairobi, or you live in Nairobi, Send the documents to them via parcel and let them take the documents to the HELB student service Centre in Nairobi.
8. Retain a copy for your records: Keep a complete copy of the submitted application form.

Important Notes:

• Carefully read and follow all online instructions, including the HELB Financial Literacy Program.
• Manage your loan wisely: Utilize the funds responsibly for tuition, books, accommodation, and essential expenses.

Required Documents for First-time Applicants:

• Applicant’s National ID card copy
• Parents’ National ID card copies (or death certificate if deceased)
• Two guarantors’ National ID card copies
• Admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate copies
• Bank ATM/Bank card copy (Government-sponsored students only)
• Institution Smart card copy
• One recent coloured passport-sized photograph

Second and Subsequent Applicants: Apply with the HELB Mobile App:

1. Download the HELB Mobile App: Search for it on the Google Play Store.
2. Register on the app: Provide your information to generate a login PIN.
3. Financial literacy matters: Review the notes and complete the short quiz.
4. Access the application form: Navigate to “Loans” > “Undergraduate Loans” and select the appropriate form.
5. Complete and submit the application: Follow the steps, fill in the details, and submit electronically.
6. Confirmation and verification: A pop-up message will confirm successful submission, displaying the loan serial number.
   • A Kshs. 1 M-Pesa fee will be charged for phone number verification.
   • Non-Safaricom users will be redirected to the portal for a paper-based application.

Application Deadlines:

• Undergraduate Scholarship, Loan & Bursary (First Time Application): September 6th, 2023
• Undergraduate Loan (Subsequent Application): September 28th, 2023

Remember: Don’t miss the deadlines! Take action today and secure your financial support for a brighter academic future.