The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has opened applications for first-time loans, scholarships, and bursaries for the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a notice issued on Friday, July 10, HELB called on eligible applicants to submit their applications early and adhere to the prescribed guidelines to ensure smooth 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,” the board said.
The application window gives students joining universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions an opportunity to apply for government funding under the Student-Centred Funding Model.
The window targets students who have secured admission to undergraduate degree programmes and TVET institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The funding package includes loans, scholarships and bursaries administered through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) programme.
How to apply
According to the HEF portal, applicants must first obtain an official admission letter from the university or TVET institution where they have been placed before applying for financial support.
Students are required to create an account on the Higher Education Financing portal using their personal details before completing the online application.
Those who initially registered using their KCSE Index Number but have since acquired a National Identity Card can update their existing account details instead of creating a new profile.
Applicants will be required to provide several supporting documents and details, including a valid National ID, KCPE and KCSE examination information, a recent passport-size photograph, parents’ identification details, bank account or M-Pesa information, as well as guarantor details, among other requirements.
HELB also reminded applicants that the funding application process is free of charge and urged students to remain vigilant against fraudsters.
The board advised anyone asked to pay for application services or who encounters suspicious activity to report the matter immediately.
The opening of the application portal marks the beginning of the government’s annual funding process, which supports thousands of students pursuing higher education in universities and TVET institutions across the country.
Successful applicants will receive financial support based on the government’s needs assessment under the Student-Centred Funding Model.
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