The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offers several methods for students to withdraw funds directly to their M-PESA accounts.
This is via the USSD code and the HELB Mini App, which not only allows students to withdraw funds but also to repay loans, apply for subsequent loans, view their loan status, and access their statements, all from Android and iPhone apps.
The process requires students to be registered Safaricom users.
HELB USSD Option for Students
To access the funds, students must ensure they use an MPESA number registered under their name and ID.
Additionally, students should note that KSh 15 will be charged per transaction.
The process is as follows:
- Dial *642#
- Register and choose a PIN number that you will remember.
- Dial *642# to login and select withdraw funds.
- Choose the upkeep option and indicate the amount you want to withdraw.
- Enter your MPESA PIN number to complete the transaction.
- A confirmation message from MPESA will be sent to you.
Only eligible students who have received official notification from HELB can withdraw the upkeep funds, ensuring controlled access to the disbursed allocations.
Once the transaction is completed, users receive confirmation messages from both HELB and M-PESA confirming the successful transfer of funds.
Also Read: How to Apply for HELB As a First-Time Diploma or Certificate Student
How to Access HELB Funds via M-PESA Wallet
Apart from using USSD code, students can access funds through the following process:
- Download the M-PESA App from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery.
- Register using your M-PESA-registered phone number and ensure you have active Safaricom data bundles.
- Open the app, go to Categories, then select the Education tab.
- Choose HELB from the Education section.
- Register for the HELB Mini App.
- Log in using your M-PESA-registered phone number.
- Enter the verification code sent via SMS.
- After logging in, go to the home page.
- Click the Withdraw option to transfer funds directly to your M-PESA wallet.
Also Read: Push to Extend HELB Loans to TTC Students Gains Momentum
Requirements for Applying for the Loan
To apply for the Higher Education Financing (HEF), an applicant must have a valid email address and a telephone number registered in their name.
They must also provide their KCPE and KCSE index numbers, the years of examination, and a passport-size photograph.
In addition, applicants are required to submit a copy of their national identification card, a college or university admission letter, and their birth certificate. They must also provide their parents’ registered telephone numbers and national ID numbers.
Where applicable, a death certificate is required if one or both parents are deceased. Applicants are also required to provide details of two guarantors, who may be their parents, including their ID numbers and registered telephone numbers.
Finally, a copy of a secondary school sponsorship letter is required for those who were previously sponsored.
