HELB loan and scholarship applications for the 2025/2026 academic year are now open, marking a crucial milestone for thousands of university and TVET students across Kenya. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) announced the opening of the application portal just a day after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba released the KUCCPS placement results.
This funding opportunity targets students who sat the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and have since been placed in various institutions through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). The initiative aligns with the government’s new student financing model, which emphasizes equitable access to higher education.
HELB confirmed in a public notice published on Wednesday, July 2, that both first-time and continuing applicants are now eligible to apply. First-time applicants must use the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal at www.hef.co.ke, while continuing students can apply via the HELB Mobile App or by dialing USSD code *642#.
“We have now opened the portal. The 2025–2026 First Time and Subsequent Applications for Undergraduate & TVET Loans & Scholarships are now open,” HELB stated.
The application deadline is August 31, 2025, and HELB has strongly advised students to submit their applications early to avoid system congestion and ensure timely disbursement of funds ahead of the September intake.
The loans and scholarships cater to both tuition and upkeep expenses for students in public and private universities, as well as TVET institutions across Kenya. This financing comes under the revamped Higher Education Financing model, which combines scholarships and loans to support learners based on need and merit.
According to Education CS Julius Ogamba, 310,502 students have been placed into various institutions, including both universities and colleges. Of the 244,563 KCSE candidates who qualified for degree courses, 201,695 applied for placement through KUCCPS.
Among the most sought-after programs in the 2025 placement cycle, nursing emerged as the most preferred course, with over 27,000 applications received at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) alone. Students applied for both diploma and certificate programs in high numbers, reflecting a growing interest in healthcare professions.
As students begin their HELB applications, the board has reiterated a warning about rising scams targeting unsuspecting applicants. In a June 23 notice, HELB alerted students to beware of fraudsters impersonating HELB officials or claiming to assist in applications for a fee. All legitimate applications must be made through the official portals and communication channels.
For clarity and transparency, students are urged to avoid third-party agents and to use only the *HEF portal, HELB mobile app, or 642# USSD code for all official interactions.
