HELB Opens Loan Applications for Continuing Undergraduate Students
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened applications for continuing undergraduate students seeking financial support for the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 8, HELB announced that eligible university students can now submit applications for the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan through its digital platforms.
“Ready to continue your educational journey? The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is pleased to announce that applications for the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan are now open,” the agency said in its announcement.
The latest application window is specifically meant for students applying for their second, third, or fourth loan, depending on the duration of their academic programme.
The opportunity is expected to benefit more than 400,000 continuing undergraduate students studying in both public and private universities across the country.
The government has allocated a record KSh56.3 billion towards higher education funding in the 2026/2027 financial year, ensuring that thousands of students continue receiving financial assistance.
Out of this amount, KSh30 billion has been reserved for university scholarships, reflecting the government’s efforts to improve access to higher education despite the growing number of students joining universities every year.
HELB has encouraged all eligible students to submit their applications early to avoid delays. To make the process easier and more convenient, applicants can apply using the HELB Mobile App or by dialing the USSD code *642# on their mobile phones. These digital platforms allow students to complete the application process without visiting HELB offices.
How to Apply Using the *642# USSD Code
Students who wish to apply through the USSD service should begin by dialing *642# using the mobile phone number registered under their name.
The system will prompt applicants to either register or log into their HELB account by providing their full name, national identification number, and date of birth.
After successfully logging in, applicants will be required to create a secure four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). This PIN will help protect their account and will be needed whenever they access HELB services in the future.
Once the account has been secured, students should select the Subsequent Application option before choosing the appropriate funding category, such as the undergraduate loan or TVET loan and scholarship option, depending on their level of study.
Applicants must carefully read the terms and conditions provided by HELB before accepting them. They will then verify that all the personal information displayed is accurate before submitting the application. After a successful submission, the system will send a confirmation SMS containing a serial number that serves as proof that the application has been received.
How to Apply Using the HELB Mobile App
Students can also complete their application through the official HELB Mobile App, which is available for download from the Google Play Store.
After installing the application, users should register or log in using the mobile phone number linked to their HELB account and institution records.
Once inside the app, applicants should navigate to the Loans or Subsequent Products section and click the Apply button to begin the application process.
The application requires students to answer a few financial literacy questions before selecting their preferred mode of receiving funds. Available payment options include Mobile Money and bank transfer, allowing applicants to choose the method that best suits them.
After reviewing all the information entered, applicants can submit their application. A confirmation message will then be sent to notify them that their application has been successfully received and is awaiting processing.
HELB has advised all eligible continuing undergraduate students to complete their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute congestion on its online platforms and to ensure timely processing of their loans ahead of the new academic term.
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