HELB Extends Subsequent Loan Application Deadline to September 21, 2026.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has extended the application deadline for subsequent loan applications by continuing students to September 21, 2026, following delays and difficulties reported by some applicants during the initial application period.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 7, 2026, HELB announced that continuing students who had not completed their subsequent loan applications would be allowed additional time to submit their applications.
“Attention All Continuing Students! The HELB Subsequent Loan Application deadline has been EXTENDED to September 21 2026,” HELB announced.
The extension provides an additional application period for eligible continuing students who had not submitted their applications within the initial deadline or who experienced difficulties while attempting to complete the application process.
HELB stated that the extension was intended to provide an opportunity for students who had not applied for government education financing to submit their applications. The board also cited application difficulties, including network-related challenges, among the circumstances affecting applicants.
The subsequent loan application window initially opened on July 8, 2026, and was scheduled to close on August 31, 2026. The deadline has now been extended by 21 days to September 21, 2026.
The revised deadline corresponds with the deadline for first-time applicants seeking government funding through the Universities Fund and HELB.
Ministry of Education Directs Extension of Application Window
The extension for first-time applicants followed a directive from the Ministry of Education after some eligible students and trainees were reported to have been unable to complete their loan and scholarship applications before the initial deadline.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that the Universities Fund and HELB had been directed to extend the application period for eligible applicants.
“Recognising that some eligible students and trainees may not have met the initial deadline on account of various causes, the Universities Fund and the Higher Education Loans Board have been directed to extend the application window for all eligible applicants to 21st September, 2026,” Ogamba stated.
The directive covers eligible applicants seeking government education funding through the relevant financing arrangements administered by the Universities Fund and HELB.
Ksh22.12 Billion Disbursed to Continuing Students and TVET Trainees
Ogamba also confirmed that Ksh22.12 billion had been disbursed for first-semester and first-term funding to continuing university students and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees.
The funds cover financing for continuing university students and TVET trainees for the applicable first-semester and first-term funding period.
The confirmation was made amid ongoing government financing arrangements for students and trainees enrolled in universities and TVET institutions.
September University Intake to Use Existing Funding System
The Education Cabinet Secretary further stated that students joining universities and other tertiary institutions during the September 2026 admission cycle would initially be funded through the existing system.
The arrangement is expected to apply as preparations continue for the transition to a new government funding model.
The transition is pending consideration and approval of the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026 by Parliament.
The proposed legislation is part of the government’s plans concerning the future framework for tertiary education financing and placement.
HELB Subsequent Loan Application Procedure
Continuing undergraduate students seeking subsequent funding can submit their applications through the HELB Mobile App or by using the HELB USSD service by dialling *642#.
Applicants are required to log into the platform and create and confirm a secure four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) for their loan application account.
The subsequent application process involves the following steps:
- Access the HELB Mobile App or dial *642#.
- Log into the HELB application platform.
- Create and confirm a secure four-digit PIN.
- Select the Subsequent Application option.
- Select the applicable funding category, including the undergraduate or TVET loan and scholarship category.
- Read and accept the applicable terms and conditions.
- Confirm the applicant’s details.
- Submit the application.
- Receive a confirmation Short Message Service (SMS) containing the application serial number.
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The extended application period for subsequent loan applications will remain open until September 21, 2026.
HELB Extends Subsequent Loan Application Deadline to September 21, 2026.
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