HELB First-Time Loan 2026/27: How to Apply After KUCCPS Placement

Many first-year students rely on a HELB loan to pay fees. This guide explains the basic steps for first-time applicants. Rules, amounts and dates change, so always confirm on the official HELB and HEF portal.

Who can apply

According to Kenyans.co.ke (10 July 2026), first-time applicants joining a university or TVET institution for the 2026/27 academic year can apply for HELB loans and scholarships. HELB advised applying at least one month before your reporting date. No closing date had been announced when that article was published, so check the portal for the current deadline.

How to apply

• Step 1, log in: use the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal with your existing account.
• Step 2, update your details: if you registered with your KCSE index number and now have a National ID, update your account instead of creating a new one.
• Step 3, apply: complete and submit an application for a loan, a scholarship, or both. No printed forms are needed.
• Step 4, save your confirmation: the portal sends a PDF confirmation to your email. Keep it.

Cost

According to the same article, applying is free. HELB asks applicants to report anyone asking for money to apply. Do not pay agents or strangers for HELB applications.

Prepare in advance

• Your KUCCPS placement details
• Your National ID or other identity details you registered with
• Your phone number and email, active and accessible
• Details of your parents or guardians, if the form asks for them

Check the HELB site for the full list of what is required.

Funding is only part of the plan

Fees differ between institutions and levels. Before you choose a course, compare costs, and check whether the institution is government funded. Then choose programmes that fit both your grades and your budget.

Choose the course first

Use coursechecker.co.ke to see which degree, diploma, certificate, KMTC, TTC, Utalii and artisan courses you qualify for, then plan the money.

Sources

• Kenyans.co.ke, "HELB Opens Applications for 2026/27 Student Loans and Scholarships", 10 July 2026
• HELB (helb.co.ke) for current rules, dates and amounts