The higher education loans board (HELB) is a State Corporation under the then Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Helb application forms 2017/2018 for First, Second time and Continuing student loans is online. HELB is mandated to disburse Loans, Bursaries and Scholarship to students pursuing Higher Education in recognized Institutions.
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HELB Loan Application 2017/2018 for First Time Undergraduate click here
Helb Loan Applications
HELB Loans for Direct Entry Students (DES)
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.
Management of HELB loans
Students are advised that the loans should be used mainly for:
- Tuition
- Books and stationery
- Accommodation and subsistence
Students are advised to desist from diverting the funds to leisure or other family obligations.
Repaying your student loan
Undergraduate loan repayment starts within one year of completion of studies or within such a period as the Board decides to recall the loan whichever is earlier. However, you can make voluntary payments before or after you complete your studies to reduce your loan balance. Apply here
Loans for salaried students
Alternative loans comprise of Postgraduate (Masters & PhD) and Undergraduate loans for salaried applicants loans. This category of loan was introduced in the year 2000/2001 (PG) and 2008/2009 (CE). It runs as a commercial window targeting students who are able to repay their loans while studying, thus allowing the Board to generate income from application fees and interest charged to build and maintain a sustainable revolving fund. The loans are evaluated and awarded on the basis of the loanees’ ability to pay while studying at an interest rate of 12% p.a and repayable in 48months.
Awards (per year)
PhD- Kshs: 60,000 – 200,000.00;
Masters -Kshs: 60,000 – 200,000.00;
CE -Kshs: 60,000 – 100,000.00;
Minimum Requirements
1) Repaying or Repaid UG and previous PG loans if a beneficiary
2) Ability to pay while studying based on the one third rule of basic salary as per the Employment Act.
3) Meet all the requirements as indicated in the online form
Loan Interest Rate and Repayment period
12% per annum; 48 months
Required Documents
1) Copy of letter of admission to the university
2) Certified copy of last acquired certificate
3) Certified copy of ID
4) Certified copies of two salaried guarantors’ IDs
5) Certified copy of PIN card
6) Certified copies (by employer) of the latest three months pay slips
7) Recent colored passport size photograph
8) Letter of appointment (contracted applicants only) (1-5 should be certified by an advocate and 6-9 by employer). Apply here
Helb Scholarships
HELB awards scholarships to postgraduate students pursuing their Masters or Doctoral studies. The award is based on academic merit. The application period is April to July Applicants are required to pay a processing fee of kshs 3,000. Apply here
Training Revolving Fund
The Training Revolving Fund (TRF) was introduced as part of the efforts by the Government of Kenya to assist Public Servants access funds at subsidized interest rates for training in order to enhance knowledge and skills considered critical for performance improvement and achievement of National development goals. The product is administered by Higher Education Loans Board in partnership with the Ministry of State for Public Service and was introduced in the year 2011/2012.
| Awards (In Kenya shillings) | Minimum : 30,000.00 Maximum: 500,000.00 |
| Cover for postgraduate in civil services(Paid to training institutions directly) | Local Trainings only Tuition, Examination, Library, Computer and Research |
| Cover for Short Courses (examinable-3 months)(Paid to training institutions directly) | Technical & Professional courses |
| Eligibility | Applicants should: Commence studies the same financial year. Ability to pay while studying based on the one third rule of basic salary as per the Employment Act. Avail a letter of admission from a recognized training institution. Have completed one year after completion of probation. Have completed two years after completion of a long course Repaying or Repaid HELB loans if a beneficiary Course applied for must: Be relevant to officer’s duties Have been identified as critical Documents Duly filled loan forms Certified National ID. copies Current pay slip Admission letter Recommendation letter from employer signed by accounting officer Certified copies of guarantor’s ID’S Mode of training Designation of officer proceeding for training Guarantors Should be in the public service |
| Loan Interest Rate: | 4% per annum |
| Current Monthly Repayment Rates and repayment period: | Repayment period- up to 72 months |
| How to apply for the loan | Application is done online Apply here |
Afya Elimu Fund Loans
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) was established by an Act of Parliament, the Higher Education Loans Board Act, Chapter 213A of the Laws of the Republic of Kenya on the 21st day of July, 1995. This provided for the establishment of a Board for the management of a fund to be used for granting loans, bursaries and scholarships to Kenyan students pursuing higher education at recognized institutions within and outside Kenya. The Board is further empowered to deal with any other matters incidental or connected to the granting of loans among them mobilization of resources. Under the establishing legal instrument the Board therefore has the power to establish links with persons within and outside Kenya as deemed necessary. To this end, the Board entered into partnership with Intra Health Kenya with a view to enhancing access and equity to higher education specifically to health workers by way of granting them loans and scholarships dubbed FunzoKenya Loans. The Loans and scholarships target those already within the health sector workforce as well as those directly enrolled into approved institutions mandated in the training of health workers. The objectives of the program are:
To increase the production of new health workers in Kenya.
Promote quality and efficiency in delivery of health care.
To increase the pool of experts in different and specialized health fields.
Motivate and improve retention of health workers.
ITEM |
CONDITIONS |
| Beneficiary Courses (Local Trainings only) Certificate Diploma | Nursing Clinical Medicine Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Technologists Nutritionists Health Records Management and Information Technology Public Health OfficersMedical, Dental including oral health Practitioners Courses in cadres with critical shortage of skilled health workers |
| Eligibility (Pre-service Applicants) | The applicant must:Be a Kenyan Citizen with a residential Status in Kenya Demonstrate financial need.Be a student in their 1st, 2nd or 3rd year.Must provide copies of required supportive Documentation: Duly filled in application form KCSE certificate, National Identification Card, School leaving certificate, Most recent training institution academic report Current fee statement, Copy of letter of admission Must commit to serve for at least 3 years in any County/Districts, marginalized or hard to reach areas upon completion of their studies. Be willing to abide by the bonding mechanism as set in the loan & scholarship program. Must commit to abide by the loan repayment and monitoring procedures provide academic progress reports and reference letters from the institution on a yearly basis to maintain funding for the ongoing period of study |
| Loan Interest Rate: | 4% per annum for pre-service |
| Current Monthly Repayment Rates and repayment period: | Repayment period- up to 72 months |
| How to apply for the loan/Scholarship | Applicants should access and fill the application form from the HELB website Print a copy of the Application Form.Have the form properly filled, signed and stamped by the relevant authorities.Sign the form and attach all the necessary documents, as indicated.Submit the form at the Higher Education Loans Board Office.The Board will use the email and telephone contacts provided on the form for communication on the progress of your application. Apply here |
Helb Contacts
Head Office
Anniversary Tower 19th floor, University Way
P.O. Box 69489-00400
NAIROBI-KENYAContact Centre:
Tel: +254 711 052000; email:contactcentre@helb.co.ke
SMS: 21112
Email Addresses
General Inquiries: contactcentre@helb.co.ke
