Following the successful release of the university and college placement results by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the Ministry of Education has officially opened the HELB portal.
If you are a first-time applicant planning to join a public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution for the upcoming September intake, you are now eligible to apply for government scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
To ensure you don’t miss out on this student-centred funding model, here is everything you need to know about the requirements, deadlines, and application process.
Key Requirements for first-time HELB applicants
Before logging into the portal, ensure you have scanned copies or digital details of the following documents:
- A valid National ID Card (if you are over 18) or your KCSE Index Number/Birth Certificate (if under 18).
- Your official Admission Letter from the university or TVET institution where you were placed.
- Your KCSE Result Slip or certificate.
- Valid National ID cards and phone numbers of two guarantors (required for the loan portion).
- Parents’ National ID cards, registered mobile numbers, and death certificates (if applicable).
- A valid email address and a mobile number registered in your own name.
How to apply for funding
The application process is entirely paperless. Follow these critical steps to submit your funding request successfully:
- Register on the portal
Visit the official website. Click on the registration tab and use your National ID number or KUCCPS login ID (a combination of your KCSE year and index number) to set up your account.
Complete your profile
Navigate to the ‘My Profile’ tab. Accurately fill out all sections, including your Personal Information, Residence/Home Background, Educational History, Institution Details, and Parents’ Financial Status.
Upload required documents
Upload clean, legible copies of your Admission Letter, ID cards, and any other requested supporting documents to verify your profile.
Select funding and submit
Go to the HELB/HEF menu, select the First-Time Undergraduate/TVET Scholarship and Loan Application, fill in your bank and guarantor details, and submit online. A confirmation PDF will be emailed to you.
Important deadlines and key notes to remember
Application deadline: The application window for the funding portal closes on September 8. Be sure to apply early to allow for processing before admission dates.
- The Ministry of Education has strongly cautioned students against paying anyone for assistance. The application process is completely free of charge.
- Variable funding model: The government scientifically evaluates your level of financial need. Funding (scholarships and loans) will range from 30% to 70% based on this assessment, with the remaining balance covered by household contributions.
- Private universities: Note that students placed in private universities or pursuing parallel modules are eligible to apply for HELB loans only, not government scholarships.
If you hit a snag during your application, you can reach out for official support or visit the nearest Huduma Centre for guidance.
For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!
You must be logged in to post a comment Login