HELB opens 2026/27 first-time loan and scholarship applications for university, TVET students
By Emmanuel Rono, July 10, 2026The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened applications for first-time loans, scholarships and bursaries for the 2026/2027 academic year, offering eligible students joining universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions an opportunity to apply for government funding.
In an announcement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, HELB urged eligible first-time applicants to submit their applications early and carefully follow the prescribed guidelines to avoid delays in processing.
“2026/2027 First-Time HELB Applications are NOW OPEN! Ready to start your higher education journey? Eligible first-time applicants can now apply for undergraduate and TVET loans and scholarships. Apply early and follow the application guidelines carefully,” HELB said.
What to have
The application window targets students who have secured admission to undergraduate degree programmes and TVET institutions under the 2026/2027 academic year.
According to the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal, applicants must have an official admission letter from the university or TVET institution where they have been placed before submitting their funding applications.
PHOTO/Courtesy
The applications cover loans, scholarships and bursaries under the government’s Student-Centred Funding Model.
Applicants are required to register on the Higher Education Financing portal using their personal details before completing the online application. They will also need documents including a valid national ID, KCPE and KCSE examination details, a passport-size photograph, parents’ identification details, bank or M-Pesa information, and guarantor information, among other requirements.
HELB has also detailed the step-by-step guide on what you need before the application portal opens.