The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened applications for Undergraduate Subsequent Loans, giving continuing university and college students an opportunity to secure financial support for the next phase of their studies.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, July 8, the board called on eligible students to submit their applications through the HELB online portal before the application window closes. The agency encouraged beneficiaries to apply early to avoid delays and last-minute technical challenges.
“Ready to continue your educational journey? The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is pleased to announce that applications for the Undergraduate Subsequent Loan are now open,” the board said.
The announcement comes weeks after HELB advised students to begin preparing the necessary application documents ahead of the opening of the portal.
Who can apply?
The Undergraduate Subsequent Loan is intended for continuing students who have previously benefited from HELB funding and require financial assistance for the next academic year.
Eligible applicants are expected to apply through the official HELB portal using their registered accounts. Students are advised to ensure that all their personal information is accurate before submitting their applications.
Documents applicants should prepare
HELB has outlined several mandatory requirements that students must have before starting the application process.
Applicants will need a valid email address and an active mobile phone number, as these will be used for communication throughout the application process.
Students must also provide their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) index numbers, together with the corresponding examination years.
A recent passport-size photograph in JPEG, JPG or PNG format is also required.
Applicants must upload a clear copy of their National Identity Card or Maisha Card showing both the front and back sides.
In addition, students are required to provide either valid bank account details or an M-Pesa number registered under their own national identification document to facilitate future disbursements.
Additional requirements for some applicants
HELB noted that applicants below the age of 18 must submit a copy of their birth certificate in PDF format.
Students who benefited from scholarships or sponsorships during their secondary school education will also be required to upload copies of their sponsorship letters.
The board further requires applicants to provide information about their parents, including their national identification numbers and registered mobile phone numbers.
Where a parent is deceased, applicants must upload a copy of the death certificate in PDF format.
Applicants are also required to provide details of two guarantors, including their national ID numbers and registered phone numbers. HELB noted that parents may serve as guarantors where applicable.
Apply early to avoid delays
HELB has advised eligible students not to wait until the final days of the application period, warning that heavy traffic on the portal often leads to delays.
The board had earlier urged students to prepare all supporting documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process once the portal opened.
Students are encouraged to carefully review all information before submission, as incomplete or inaccurate applications could delay processing and loan disbursement.
The Undergraduate Subsequent Loan remains one of HELB’s key financial support programmes, helping thousands of continuing students meet tuition and upkeep expenses while pursuing higher education.
