This article contains a guide on how to apply for the HELB loan in 2023.
HELB, which stands for the Higher Education Loans Board, is a state-owned corporation that is responsible for funding students in institutions of higher learning through loans. HELB provides affordable loans, bursaries and scholarships to Kenyans pursuing higher education in recognized institutions. HELB loans are awarded a maximum of ksh.60,000 and a minimum of ksh.35,000 in loans to students in both public and private institutions annually.
These loans are for students joining public or private universities within the East African Community directly from high school, either through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) or as self-sponsored. Amounts awarded range between 35,000 minimum and 60,000 maximum based on the level of need. The loan attracts interest of 4% p. a and the students are required to repay their loans on completion of their studies. Students are advised to apply at least one month before the opening date to allow ample time for processing.
HELB APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Before you can apply for HELB loan, there are certain documents that are required. So, ensure you have the following:
- A copy of your national Identity Card.
- Copies of your parent’s National ID Cards or copies of death certificates in cases where the parent is deceased.
- Proof of retirement where parents are retired.
- Names of at least two guarantors and guarantors’ National ID Card.
- Your KCSE and KCPE result slip/certificate.
- A copy of your admission letter to university/college.
- Bank Account, Equity bank preferably.
- A KRA PIN that can be generated from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
- A copy of your Smart Card from your institution.
- Recent colored passport
HOW TO APPLY FOR HELB LOAN
HELB loan applications are done online but you are required to download the forms after filling them so that it can be signed and submitted to any HELB office. Below are the procedures to apply for a HELB loan:
- Visit helb student portal
- Click on “create an account” to register.
- Once the account is created, log in and select the appropriate Undergraduate First Time Loan Application Form
- Access and fill the loan application form accurately. Your personal details need to be handy for this process.
- After confirming that you have filled the form correctly, go to the home page and click “Print form” to print your HELB Form, two copies preferably.
HELB UNDERGRADUATE BURSARIES/LOANS ELIGIBILITY
Scholars are selected on the following criteria:
- Admission letter from a recognized university in Kenya
- A certified copy of your national ID (certified by a commissioner of oaths)
- Recent coloured passport size photograph of yourself
HELB UNDERGRADUATE BURSARIES/LOANS APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- The mode of application is online.
- Only applications that have been submitted (with the International Office and registered on the website of the scholarship) before the application deadline will be considered for the scholarship.
CONCLUSION
Securing a HELB loan is not difficult as long as you meet the requirements that make you eligible to apply for the loan. In Summary, you have to be a Kenyan citizen, be admitted in a recognized Kenya University and fill the form correctly to be eligible to apply for HELB loan.
If you are a Kenyan student, do well to apply for the HELB loan following the simple steps in this article.
