How to Apply for Government Scholarships, Loans, and Bursaries
Students enrolling in higher education institutions can access government scholarships and loans through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal.
Students who enrolled before 2023 can continue using the previous government funding and HELB loan application system. Grants and scholarships will be awarded based on the financial circumstances of the students, similar to HELB loans.
Higher Education Finance Application Guide
To begin with, create an account successfully and check your email (Inbox or Spam/Junk) to activate your account.
Once your account is activated, you can log in using your email and password. If you forget your password or do not have an account, use the provided options to recover or register.
How to Apply for Government Scholarships, Loans, and Bursaries
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Account Activation:
- Upon creating an account, check your email for the activation link.
- Ensure you can log in to the email address provided.
- Logging In:
- Enter your email address and password to log in.
- If you haven’t registered yet, create an account by entering your email and a valid password. Confirm your email and password during registration.
- Verification:
- Provide a valid telephone number where a verification code will be sent.
- If the verification code expires, use the resend button to obtain a new code.
- Profile Setup:
- Fill in your profile details and update your biodata.
- Read the consent form thoroughly to understand the data collection process and agree to the terms of use by ticking the checkbox.
- Personal and Educational Information:
- Enter your full name and KCSE Index Number or ID Number.
- Complete the registration form, ensuring all fields marked with asterisks (*) are filled.
- Add your residence details and save to continue.
- Educational Background:
- Include details of your primary and secondary education.
- Add information about your university or college.
- Family Information:
- Provide details about your parents.
- Fill in and submit your scholarship or loan request.
- Loan Application Process:
- Consent to the processing of your data.
- Accept the loan terms and conditions.
- Update guarantor details.
- Provide loan payment information, including bank or mobile payment options.
- Finally, click to submit your application.
Login and Registration Fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Email Address | Enter your valid email address. |
| Password | Enter and confirm your password. |
| Full Names | Enter your full name. |
| KCSE Index Number | Provide your KCSE Index Number. |
| ID Number | Enter your ID number. |
| Telephone Number | Enter a valid telephone number. |
By following these steps and ensuring all required fields are filled accurately, you will be able to successfully apply for higher education finance.
Types of Undergraduate Loan Applications
There are two types of undergraduate loan applications:
- First-Time Application: For applicants applying for the first time.
- Second & Subsequent Application: For applicants applying for the second, third, or fourth time as per the program duration.
The number of loans an applicant is eligible for depends on the program duration. For instance, a student in a 4-year program can receive a loan four times, while a student in a 5-year program can receive it five times.
How to Apply for a HELB Loan as a First-Time Applicant
- Visit www.helb.co.ke to access the Student Portal and register by clicking “create an account.”
- Log in and select the Undergraduate First Time Loan Application Form (LAF).
- Read the financial literacy materials or watch the videos and participate in the online exercise.
- Complete the loan application form.
- Print two copies of the filled Loan Application Form.
- Ensure the forms are filled, signed, and stamped by the relevant authorities.
- Attach all required documents as per the checklist and submit one copy at:
- Any nearby Huduma center (e.g., Bomet, Bungoma, Chuka, Eldoret, etc.) for free and secure delivery; or
- HELB Student Service Centre, Mezzanine 1, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi.
- Retain a complete copy of the Loan Application Form.
Requirements for First-Time Application
- Applicant’s national ID card
- Parents’ national ID cards or death certificate (if deceased)
- Both guarantors’ national ID cards
- Applicant’s admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate
- Applicant’s Bank ATM/Bank card (for Government-sponsored students)
- Applicant’s Smart Card from the institution
- One recent colored passport-size photograph
How to Apply on the HELB App as a Second and Subsequent Applicant
- Download the HELB Mobile Application from Google Play Store.
- Register with your first name, phone number, email address, National ID, and KRA PIN number to generate a PIN.
- Log in and accept the license agreement. Use the Safaricom number registered in your name for Mpesa transactions.
- Read the mandatory financial literacy notes and complete the brief Question & Answer section.
- Click on “loans” and select “undergraduate loans” to get the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan Application Form (LAF).
- Follow the steps to fill in the required details and submit. A confirmation message and loan serial number will be displayed.
Note: A Kshs. 1 fee will be deducted from your MPESA account during the application to verify your phone number. The application is paperless; no printing is required.
For students not using Safaricom, apply through the Portal, print the form, and submit it to the HELB Student Service Centre at Anniversary Towers.
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Important Notes
- Follow all instructions at the beginning of the online loan application process, including the HELB Financial Literacy Programme.
- Manage your HELB loans prudently for tuition, books, stationery, accommodation, and subsistence.
You can apply for government scholarships, loans, and bursaries through the following websites:
| Website | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Fund | Apply for scholarships and loans at www.hef.co.ke |
| Universities Fund | Check for scholarships and bursaries at www.universitiesfund.go.ke |
| Higher Education Loans Board | Apply for education loans at www.helb.co.ke |
| Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service | Find more information on scholarships and bursaries at www.kuccps.net |
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