The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) in conjunction with the Universities Fund has opened applications for 2023-2024 undergraduate student scholarships and loans.
The scholarships and loans are targeting students set to join institutions of higher learning under the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS).
However, the student loan is only for those placed or self-sponsored programmes in Public and Private Universities in Kenya and the East African Community that are recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Eligible students, under the old model, are Undergraduate Students applying for the First-Time student loan who say for their KCSE before the year 2022.
Also, eligible students under the new model, newly placed Undergraduate Students applying for the First-Time student scholarship and loan who sat for their KCSE in the year 2022.
How to Apply for HELB Loan & Scholarship
1. Applicants should visit HELB website to access the application portal to register and activate account (ensure you use your personal mobile number registered under your name and id number)
2. Log in, go to apply for Scholarship and/or Loan, click and select the 2023-2024 Undergraduate First Time Scholarship and Loan Application Form.
You can only apply for both (Loan and Scholarship) if you did your KCSE in 2022 and newly placed by KUCCPS.
3. Read and appraise yourself online on Financial Literacy and appreciate the purpose of Higher Education Financing (HEF).
4. Access and fill in the Scholarship and Loan application form.
Also Read: Answers to 14 Frequently Asked Questions About New Govt University Scholarships
5. Upon successful application and submission of the Scholarship and Loan application online you will not be required to print and submit any physical application to HELB. This is a paperless application.
6. You will be enabled to track the processing status of your application on the application portal.
Students who need further assistance can contact HELB through contactcentre@helb.co.ke
TVET Students seeking loans
Also, HELB has opened applications for First Time TVET Scholarship, Loans and Bursary from students admitted in National Polytechnics, Technical Training Institutes and Vocational Colleges under the Ministry of Education (MoE).
To qualify, KUCCPS and members of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) must register the institutes.
“Eligible students are newly placed TVET Students applying for the FFirst-Time TVETstudent scholarship and loan,” said HELB.
The students will be funded under the new funding model.
The application process is similar to that of undergraduate except in step 2, where TVET students should select Artisan, Craft or Diploma then click on the 2023 TVET First Time Loan and Scholarship Form.
Also Read: HELB Opens Loan Application for Continuing Students: How to Apply
Closing Date
The deadline for both TVET and Undergraduate applications is September 7, 2023.
Further, students are advised to read, understand, and follow the instructions provided at the beginning of the online Scholarship and loan application process.
This includes reading and undertaking the HEF Financial Literacy Programme.
In addition, students are directed to note that HELB does not charge a fee to access loan applications.
They should report any form of extortion to the authorities.
