The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened the 2026/2027 Subsequent Loan Application window, calling on continuing students to submit their applications early to ensure timely processing and disbursement of funds.

The application window, which opened on June 1, 2026, is expected to support thousands of university and college students across the country who rely on government funding to sustain their academic pursuits.

HELB, in a notice shared via X on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, announced that eligible continuing students can now access the loan application platform through the USSD code *642#, making the process more accessible and convenient.

Call for early applications

Students have been encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute delays that could affect the processing and release of funds ahead of the new academic cycle.

The institution emphasised the importance of timely applications, noting that early submissions help streamline verification processes and ensure that funds are disbursed without interruptions to learning.

“The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) wishes to inform all continuing students that the 2026/2027 Subsequent Loan Application window is officially open from 1st June 2026. Eligible students are encouraged to submit their applications early to facilitate timely processing and disbursement. Apply easily via USSD *642#,” HELB said in its advisory.

HELB remains a critical pillar in Kenya’s higher education financing framework, providing loans and scholarships to students in universities, TVET institutions, and other accredited training centres.

The funding continues to play a vital role in ensuring access to education for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping to reduce dropout rates and promote equity in higher education.

Continued government support

The opening of the loan application window comes as the government continues to strengthen education financing systems to support Kenya’s growing student population and improve access to higher education.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no qualified student is left behind due to financial constraints.

A few weeks ago, the government unveiled a significant increase in funding for higher education in the 2026/27 financial year, allocating tens of billions of shillings to student loans and scholarships, even as it grapples with a widening budget deficit that continues to squeeze public spending.

According to estimates released by the National Treasury, education remains the largest funded sector in the national budget, receiving Ksh668.3 billion, as policymakers attempt to balance fiscal consolidation pressures with rising demand for learning access.

Key to the allocations is a major boost to student financing. The government has set aside Ksh56.7 billion for HELB to support university and college students through loans.

This marks an increase of about Ksh15 billion compared to the Ksh41 billion allocated in the 2025/26 financial year, reflecting heightened demand for financial aid amid rising university costs.