If you have just received your admission letter to a national polytechnic, technical training institute, or vocational college in Kenya, one of the first things on your mind is probably: How do I pay for this? The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has got you covered. In 2026, HELB is offering loans and scholarships to first-time TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) students — and the process is entirely paperless, fast, and free to apply.
Here is everything you need to know about how to apply for a HELB loan as a first-time diploma or certificate student in Kenya in 2026.
Who Qualifies for the HELB TVET Loan?
The HELB funding is open to Kenyan students admitted to national polytechnics, technical training institutes, and vocational colleges under the Ministry of Education. To qualify, the student must be placed either through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
The loan targets newly placed TVET students applying for the first time.
Additionally, Financial Year 2025/2026 first-time applications are now open and are open to all students enrolled at participating institutions, covering certificate and diploma programmes.
Important note for undergraduate hopefuls: Pre-university, certificate, diploma or postgraduate students are not eligible to apply for the undergraduate HELB loan. The undergraduate loan attracts interest of 4% and KSh 1,000 ledger per year. TVET students must apply specifically under the TVET Scholarship and Loan product — not the undergraduate loan.
Documents and Requirements You Need Before Applying
Before you sit down to apply, make sure you have the following ready. Students applying for the loan should be ready with the following requirements during the application process:
If You Are 18 Years and Above
- Your National ID card (both sides in PDF format)
- A valid email address registered in your name
- A valid phone number registered in your name (Safaricom/M-Pesa preferred)
- Your KCSE index number and year of examination
- Your KCPE index number and year of examination
- A recent passport-size photograph (JPEG/JPG/PNG format)
- Your parent's National ID number and registered phone number
- Two guarantors' ID numbers and their registered phone numbers (your parents can serve as guarantors)
- Your bank account details or a valid M-Pesa number registered under your name and ID
- A copy of your parent's death certificate (if one or both parents are deceased)
If You Are Under 18 Years
- KCSE index number, birth certificate, and a waiting card if you have already applied for your national ID
- Parent's ID number or death certificate (if parent/s are deceased)
- For living parents, provide their phone number
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for HELB as a First-Time TVET Student
This is a fully paperless application process — there is no need to print or submit a physical copy. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Register on the HEF Student Portal
Visit www.hef.co.ke and access the Student Portal to register, create, and activate an account. Ensure you use your personal mobile number registered under your name and National ID number. During registration, input your National ID number or KCSE index number (for placed students below 18 years old), a valid email address, and create a password before clicking register.
Step 2: Activate Your Account
Check your email inbox — including your spam or junk folder — for an activation link from HELB. Click the link to activate your account, then log in using your credentials.
Step 3: Verify Your Phone Number
Enter a valid telephone number where a verification code will be sent. If the verification code expires, click the resend button to get a new one.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile and Biodata
Fill in your personal profile, update your biodata, and give consent to the collection of your personal data as required by HELB's data protection policy.
Step 5: Navigate to the TVET Loan Application
Navigate to the HELB menu, under the Loan Application tab, and select First Time TVET Scholarship and Loan. Review and consent to the collection of personal data as outlined in the consent form, and accept the loan terms and conditions.
Step 6: Complete the Financial Literacy Quiz
Read the financial literacy guide provided on the portal and answer the short financial literacy questions. This is a mandatory step before proceeding with your application.
Step 7: Fill In Your Details
Fill in all required personal details accurately, including your academic information, family background, and financial situation. Ensure all names match your official documents exactly.
Step 8: Fill In Guarantors' and Bank Details
Fill in your guarantors' details and bank details as requested. Double-check that your M-Pesa number or bank account details are correct — this is where your loan will be disbursed.
Step 9: Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application form online. Track the status of your application on the portal. For assistance, contact HELB at contactcentre@helb.co.ke.
Step 10: Save Your Confirmation
For first-time applications, a PDF copy of your completed application, whether for a loan, scholarship, or both, will be sent to the email address you provided for your records. Save this email carefully as proof of application.
Can You Apply via the HELB App or USSD?
Yes — HELB offers multiple ways to apply beyond the web portal:
Via the HELB Mobile App:
Download the HELB App from Google Play Store or use USSD Code by dialing *642#. Register using your phone number to generate a PIN for login. Ensure the mobile number is registered under your name. Read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions.
Via USSD:
Simply dial *642# on your Safaricom line and follow the prompts. This is especially useful for students in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Note: Non-Safaricom subscribers may need to apply via the web portal only.
How Much Will You Get? HELB TVET Loan Amounts
HELB TVET loan amounts vary depending on your financial need assessment, course level, and the institution you are attending. The loan is designed to cover:
- Tuition fees
- Books and stationery
- Accommodation
- Subsistence (living expenses)
- HELB advises students to prudently manage their loans once disbursed to cater for tuition, books, stationery, accommodation, and subsistence.
- Students admitted to government-sponsored programmes typically receive a combination of a government scholarship (covering a portion of fees) and a HELB loan (for the remaining costs and upkeep).
Is Applying for a HELB Loan Free?
Absolutely. HELB does not charge any fees for accessing the loan application. If anyone asks you to pay money to apply for or access a HELB loan, that is a scam. Report any form of extortion to HELB immediately via contactcentre@helb.co.ke or on their official social media channels.
HELB's official warning: #KaaChonjo — HELB does not charge any fee to access the loan application. Report any form of extortion to the authorities.
When Should You Apply? Key Deadlines to Note
HELB advises applicants to apply for the loan at least one month before the opening date to allow ample time for processing. Do not wait until the deadline approaches — early applications are processed faster and any errors have time to be corrected before the window closes.
Check the current application deadlines on the official HELB portal at www.helb.co.ke or the HEF portal at www.hef.co.ke, as dates vary by academic year and institution type.
Common Mistakes First-Time Applicants Should Avoid
Many TVET students make avoidable mistakes that delay or disqualify their HELB applications. Here is what to watch out for:
1. Using someone else's phone number: Your phone number must be registered under your own name and national ID. Using a parent's or friend's number will cause your application to fail.
2. Wrong or inactive email address: All communication — including your application PDF — will be sent to the email you register with. Make sure it is active and accessible.
3. Mismatched names: Ensure that the name on your application exactly matches your national ID, birth certificate, and admission letter. Even a single letter discrepancy can cause delays.
4. Incorrect guarantor details: Your guarantors' ID numbers and phone numbers must be accurate and active. Guarantors are responsible for your loan if you default — ensure they are aware and willing.
5. Applying under the wrong loan product: TVET students must apply under the TVET First-Time Scholarship and Loan — not the undergraduate loan, which is not available to diploma and certificate students.
6. Waiting too long: HELB application windows close. Missing the deadline means waiting an entire academic year before your next chance to apply.
Need Help? How to Contact HELB
If you run into any issues during your application, HELB offers several support channels:
Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke
HELB Portal: www.helb.co.ke
HEF Portal: www.hef.co.ke
USSD: Dial *642# on Safaricom
HELB App: Available on Google Play Store
Physical offices: Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi (Mezzanine 1 Floor)
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