HELB loan application in Kenya 2023: news and guide at hand

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is an organisation that grants loans, bursaries, and scholarships for training in TVET colleges and universities. The organisation has allowed numerous Kenyans to pursue higher studies regardless of their family backgrounds. Beneficiaries must submit HELB loan application forms to be considered for funding.

HELB was founded in 1995 by an Act of Parliament. The history of loans for Kenyans to pursue education can be traced back to 1952. The colonial government issued loans to successful students under the Higher Education Loans Fund. Today, the HELB loan application portal is open to students pursuing higher education in local TVET colleges and universities.

HELB loan application in Kenya in 2023

HELB gives financial support to applicants to pursue higher studies, i.e. after completing secondary education. The aid is disbursed in the form of loans, bursaries, or scholarships. Loans must be repaid after completion of one's studies as stipulated in the terms and conditions.

The primary purpose of HELB student loans is to help needy students whose parents cannot afford higher education. The financial assistance is not intended for wealthy families or students without financial difficulties.

PAY ATTENTION: Join TUKO.co.ke Telegram channel! Never miss important updates

Eligibility

In the past, only government-sponsored students who secured admission through the Joint Admissions Board were eligible for financial assistance. This has since changed. Today, self-sponsored students and those pursuing diploma courses in technical institutions are eligible to apply.

Portal registration guide

To apply for a HELB loan, you must register on the HELB portal. Follow the steps below for successful account creation.

• Open a web browser on an internet-enabled device, preferably a computer.
• Visit the HELB loan portal.
• Click Register and enter the required information.
• Click Sign Up. An activation link will be sent to your email address.
• Access your personal email address and click on the activation link.
• Log into your personal account.
• Fill in your personal and residence details and click Save.

Your account is ready, and you are free to apply for a loan, bursary, or scholarship.

HELB loan application requirements

HELB applicants need to have the following documents and information in order to apply for financial assistance. Ensure you have them before you start your application.

• A copy of your national ID card.
• A valid bank account where the money will be deposited. Applicants are advised to open an account with the National Bank of Kenya, Kenya Commercial Bank, Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Kenya Post Office Savings Bank (Postbank), or Equity Bank.
• Your Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN.
• Your parent(s)/ guardian particulars.
• Your parents' death certificate (for orphans).
• Your letter of admission to a particular educational institution (or its copy).
• Copies of two guarantors’ identification cards
• Three coloured passport-size photographs

HELB loan application

Once you have the above documents in place, you can begin the application process. Follow the steps below to complete the application process.

• Open your browser on an internet-enabled device and log into your personal account.
• Click Apply. A list of different application forms will appear. Choose the relevant HELB loan application form for your needs.
• Fill in all the required fields on the form. Proofread to ascertain all information entered is truthful and accurate.
• Download the completed form and print two copies.
• Ensure the form is properly filled, signed, and stamped by the relevant authorities and guarantors.
• Sign the application form, and attach all the required documents. You will find the complete list of the documents you must attach on the last page of the application form.
• One copy of your complete application form with the documents should be sent to the HELB Head Offices at the HELB Student Centre on Mezzanine One, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi.
• Alternatively, you can deliver it to the nearest Huduma Centre. Store the second copy safely.

HELB loan application forms

Before you fill in an application form, ascertain it is the correct one. The forms available on the portal are listed below.

• HELB application forms for non-salaried applicants
• Undergraduate First Time Applicants
• Undergraduate Second and Subsequent
• Undergrad Loan Review/Appeals
• Constituency Loan Application Forms Embu
• Constituency Loan Application Forms Tinderet
• Constituency Loan Application Forms Naivasha
• Constituency Loan Application Forms Igembe
• Constituency Loan Application Forms Karachuonyo
• Constituency Loan Application Forms Awendo
• TVET for Tertiary Institutions
• TVET for Tertiary Institutions Second and Subsequent
• Afya Elimu Fund (AEF) Subsequent Loan Application
• First Time and Subsequent Afya Elimu Fund Pre-Service
• Visa Oshwal Scholarship
• HELB application forms for salaried applicants
• Alternative Loans for Undergraduate, Salaried Applicants
• KRA Staff Loan Application Form
• Alternative Loans for Postgraduate, Salaried Applicants
• Postgraduate Scholarship
• Training Revolving Fund (TRF) for Civil Servants

NB: Always choose the correct form. If you are not sure, consult with the relevant people before completing any of the above forms.

Subsequent HELB loan application

Second-time or subsequent applicants can apply for financial assistance using the steps below.

• Visit the Google Play Store and download the HELB Mobile Application.
• Register your personal details to generate a PIN which you will use to log into your account.
• Accept the license agreement. Read the mandatory Financial literacy notes and undertake a brief question-and-answer section to appreciate the purpose of credit. Scroll down to view your results, then click Proceed.
• Click Loans, then select Undergraduate loans to get the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan Application Form.
• Follow the prompts and fill in the required details and submit. A pop-up message will appear to show that you have completed the process successfully, and a loan serial number will be displayed.
• At this stage, you will be required to pay KES 1 from your M-Pesa account during the application process to verify your telephone number. Ensure you use the Safaricom number that you use for M-Pesa transactions. The number should be registered in your name.
• If you are not a Safaricom subscriber, you will be directed to the portal for application using the application form. You will be required to print and submit the form to the HELB Student Service Centre.

Eligibility for subsequent applicants

• Recent beneficiaries of the undergraduate loan.
• Those placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS) in local public and private universities
• Self-sponsored, parallel, and module II students studying for a Bachelor’s degree only.

How to check your HELB loan status

To check your status, visit the HELB student portal and log into your personal account. Once you log in, you will be able to view the necessary information.

Note that not all applications are accepted. It is possible to apply for a loan, bursary, or scholarship and not get it.

Contacts

If you need to contact HELB for further enquiries, use the contact details below.

• Physical Address: Anniversary Towers, 18th Floor, University Way.
• Postal Address: P.O. Box 69489 - 00400, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Telephone numbers: +254 711 052 000/ 020 2278000.
• General loan repayment queries: recovery@helb.co.ke
• Remittance (for employers): remittance@helb.co.ke
• Start payment: billing@helb.co.ke
• HELB Statement queries: statements@helb.co.ke
• Request for HELB clearance: certificate@helb.co.ke
• Request HELB refund: refund@helb.co.ke
• Alternative HELB loans queries: alternative@helb.co.ke

When is the deadline for HELB loan application in 2022?

The application deadline is Wednesday, 30th November 2022. If you are yet to apply, do so before the given timeline elapses.

Is the HELB portal open for 2023?

Yes, HELB has opened the portal for first-time loan applications in the 2022/2023 academic year. The application deadline is Wednesday, 30th November 2022.

Is HELB application still ongoing for 2022?

Yes, applications are still ongoing. The deadline is 30th November 2022.

How do I apply for a first-time HELB loan online?

You can apply for financial assistance by visiting the HELB loan portal. You will be required to register for an account before completing and submitting an application.

How frequently will HELB send loan statements?

Checking your statement allows you to keep track of the payments that you make to the HELB collection account. You can check your loan statement anytime on the portal.

What happens if I don't repay the loan?

Beneficiaries are expected to start repaying the loan one year after they complete their studies. If you fail to do so, you will be penalised. If you have not secured a job within one year after the completion of your studies, you should visit the head office and report this.

Can I repay my loan in a single instalment?

Yes, you can repay your loan in one single instalment instead of monthly instalments. HELB will not charge extra fees for early repayment.

What happens once I fully repay my loan?

HELB will issue a clearance certificate if you have repaid the loan in full. All that you need to do is visit the HELB portal and submit your request for clearance.

How can HELB trace my whereabouts after I graduate?

HELB has no mechanisms of knowing the whereabouts of beneficiaries. You must report your place of residence to HELB within one year after you complete your studies or face a penalty.

Can interest be discarded for Muslims?

No, HELB does not waive interest for Muslims because it does not apply the Shariah rules. In order to receive a loan, you must agree to all terms and conditions.

The HELB loan application process is fairly simple if you meet the eligibility criteria. All interested applicants are encouraged to submit their completed forms before the stipulated deadline.

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

READ ALSO: How to apply for PSV license in Kenya: PSV badge application step-by-step guide

Tuko.co.ke recently published a guide on applying for a PSV license in Kenya. The Public Service Vehicle badge is mandatory for all drivers of public transport vehicles in the country.

The Kenya National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) issues this badge. Application forms for the badge are available online on the NTSA website and can be filled out and submitted online.

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see TUKO News on your News Feed

Source: TUKO.co.ke

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tcHKqGWcp16gsnB%2BlW5paWxdnbKtroylppqmo2K4prrYmmSnnaeoeqK8z6WgnJmknryvv4ygrKKclWO1tbnL