The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released a simple guide for first-time applicants on how to apply for a loan.
These loans are for students pursuing their studies in public or chartered private universities within the East African Community (EAC).
To qualify, the students must be placed either through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), self-sponsored, parallel or be module II students studying for a bachelor’s degree only.
“Pre-University, Certificate, Diploma or Postgraduate students are not eligible to apply for this loan. The loan attracts interest of 4% and Ksh1,000 ledger per year,” HELB said.
Type of Loan Application
There are two types of undergraduate loan applications:
1.First Time Application-This is for applicants who are applying for the first time, such as the first-year students
2.Second and subsequent application-This is for applicants who are applying for the second, third, fourth time as per the program duration.
“The number of loans one is eligible for depends on the program duration. For example, one is given a loan 4 times for a 4-year program or 5 times for a 5-year programme,” HELB noted.
How to Apply for HELB Loan as a First Time Applicant
To apply for HELB loan, the applicant should follow the twelve steps described below:
1.Visit the HELB website or hef.co.ke to access the Student Portal and click on “register” to create an account.
2.Enter your national ID number. However, an applicant can use their KCSE Index number if they don’t have a National ID.
3.Proceed to enter a valid email address and password and click “register”.
4.At this point, you have successfully created an account. Check your email (Inbox or Spam/ Junk) to activate the account and log in after email activation.
5.Enter a valid Telephone number where a verification code will be sent. If the verification code expires, click resend button to get a new verification code.
6.After this, step, fill your profile and update your Biodata.
7.Give consent to collection of your personal data.
8.Read through the consent form to understand why HELB collects personal data then tick the checkbox to agree with terms of use.
“Please ensure that you read through the consent form to understand why we are collecting your personal data before you tick the checkbox to agree. View HELB Data Privacy Statement,” HELB emphasized.
9. Proceed to fill in your personal details then save to continue.
10.When all details are complete, submit your scholarship/loan request then consent to processing of your data by accepting the loan terms and conditions.
12.Also, ensure to update your guarantor details.
13.Provide loan payment information as per the fields provided (Bank or mobile payment)
13.Submit your loan application.
HELB advised successful students to prudently manage their loans once disbursed to cater for their academic requirements.
Also Read: Profile of Nyaigotti Chacha, HELB’s First CEO Appointed as New UoN Council Chair
“It is recommended that students prudently manage their HELB loans once disbursed to cater for Tuition, books, stationery, accommodation, and subsistence,” the Board advised.
In addition, the loans board urged applicants to apply for the loan at least on month before the opening date. This they noted is to allow ample time for processing,” the Board advised.
First Time Application Requirements
Besides, the students should be ready with the following requirements during the application process:
1.A valid email address for the applicant (Student).
2.Valid telephone number (must be registered in your name to apply for a loan).
3.KCPE and KCSE index numbers and year of examination.
4.Passport size photo.
5.Copy of your National ID (for loan application).
6.College/University admission letter.
7.Your parents’ registered telephone number.
8.Your parents’ national ID number.
9.Death certificate if any of your parent is deceased.
10.Your birth certificate.
11.Two guarantors’ (Can be your parents) ID numbers and registered telephone numbers (for loan application).
12.Copy of the sponsorship letter if you were sponsored in Secondary school.
Also Read: HELB Reveals Plans to Change the Funding Formula Ahead of 2025 Intake
How to Apply Via HELB App as a Second and Subsequent Applicant
1.Applicants should visit Google play store and download the HELB Mobile Application.
2.Register your details (First name, Phone, Email Address, National ID and KRA PIN number) on the HELB App to generate a PIN which you will use to log in and accept the license agreement. Ensure that you use the Safaricom number that you use for Mpesa transactions, and it should be registered in your name.
3.Read the mandatory financial literacy notes and undertake a brief Question & Answer to appreciate the purpose of credit. Scroll down to view results then click “proceed”.
4.Click on loans then select undergraduate loans to get the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan Application Form [LAF].
5.Follow each step to fill in the required details and submit. A pop-up message will appear to show that you have successfully applied. The loan serial number will also be displayed.
6. Students that are not Safaricom subscribers will be directed to the Portal and apply using the application form, after which they will be required to print and submit the form to the HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine 1 Floor at Anniversary Towers.
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