Applying for HELB (Higher Education Loans Board) scholarships in Kenya is a straightforward online process via the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal at hef.co.ke or portal.hef.co.ke. These scholarships target needy undergraduate, TVET, and postgraduate students, often combined with loans, and are available for first-time or continuing applicants placed by KUCCPS or self-sponsored.
Eligibility Overview
Before starting, confirm you qualify: Kenyan citizen, KCSE mean grade C+ or equivalent for degree/TVET, proof of financial need (e.g., orphans, vulnerable families), and admission to a KUCCPS-approved institution. Deadlines typically align with academic intakes (e.g., March-May for 2026).
Step-by-Step Application Guide for First-Time Undergraduate Scholarship/Loan
This paperless process uses the HEF Student Portal. Have your ID, KCSE results, email, and phone ready.
-
Register an Account: Visit portal.hef.co.ke, click "Create Account." Enter your email, phone (registered in your name), and create a password. Check inbox/spam for activation link and verify.
-
Complete Profile: Log in, go to "My Profile." Fill Personal Information (name, ID, DOB), Residence, Education (KCPE/KCSE index numbers), Institution (KUCCPS placement letter), and Parents/Guardians details. Upload KCSE slip, ID copies, and photo.
-
Access Application: Under HELB menu > Loan Application tab, select "First Time Undergraduate Scholarship and Loan." Read financial literacy guide and consent to data terms.
-
Fill Form Details: Enter guarantors (two, with IDs), bank details (for disbursements), and program info. Review for accuracy.
-
Submit Online: Click submit. Get a confirmation email with PDF copy—no printing needed. Track status on portal.
For Continuing Students (Second/ Subsequent Year)
Use HELB app or USSD for quicker mobile access.
-
Download/Register: Get HELB app (Google Play) or dial *642#. Register with phone PIN.
-
Select Option: Choose "Loans & Scholarship" > Degree/TVET > "Second and Subsequent." Read tutorial/financial literacy quiz.
-
Verify & Apply: Enter ID/phone, agree to terms, select payment option (tuition/upkeep), and submit. Note serial number.
Postgraduate Scholarship Steps
Separate process via helb.co.ke Student Portal.
-
Online Form: Log in/register at helb.co.ke, complete Postgraduate Scholarship Application (PGSA).
-
Download & Sign: Print, get signatures/stamps from uni/head/parent, attach docs (ID, transcripts, admission letter).
-
Scan & Email: Compile as one PDF, email to pgscholarship@helb.co.ke.
Required Documents (All Levels)
Prepare scans/digital copies:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| National ID | Applicant & parents (death cert if deceased) |
| KCSE/KCPE Results | Index numbers/year |
| Admission/Placement Letter | From KUCCPS/uni |
| Guarantors' IDs | Two adults |
| Bank/ATM Card Copy | For govt-sponsored |
| Passport Photo | Recent colored |
| Smart Card/Proof of Need | Institution ID/vulnerability letter |
Post-Application Tips
-
Track via portal/app; awards notify via email/SMS (2-4 months).
-
Contact: contactcentre@helb.co.ke or *642#.
-
Avoid agents—fully online. For 2026, apply post-KCSE (Jan-Mar).