The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has advised first-time applicants seeking financial assistance for the 2026/2027 academic year to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid delays in processing and ensure they receive funding before reporting to college or university.
In a notice shared on its official X account on Monday, August 3, 2026, HELB said early applications allow students enough time to complete the process, correct any errors, and have their information verified before loans and scholarships are disbursed.
The board noted that many delays experienced by applicants are often caused by incomplete documentation, incorrect personal details, or failure to meet application requirements.
Early Preparation is Key
For thousands of students preparing to join institutions of higher learning, the first HELB application is a crucial step towards securing financial support for tuition fees and upkeep.
HELB has encouraged applicants to prepare all the necessary documents before beginning the online application to ensure a smooth and successful process.
Personal Details Required
Applicants are required to have a valid email address and a mobile phone number registered using their National Identity Card or Maisha Card.
They will also need their KCPE and KCSE index numbers, together with the years they sat the examinations. In addition, students should prepare a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format for upload during the application process.
Identification Documents
Students must upload clear copies of both sides of their National ID or Maisha Card.
Applicants are also required to provide either valid bank account details or an active M-Pesa number registered under their own National ID.
For applicants who are minors, a copy of their birth certificate in PDF format must also be submitted.
Sponsorship Information
Students who benefited from sponsorship during their secondary school education are required to upload a copy of the sponsorship letter in PDF format.
According to HELB, providing accurate sponsorship information helps the board assess an applicant’s financial background during the evaluation process.
Parents’ and Guardians’ Details
Applicants must also provide information about their parents or guardians, including their National ID numbers and registered mobile phone numbers.
Where a parent or guardian is deceased, a copy of the death certificate in PDF format should be attached to the application.
Two Guarantors Required
Every first-time HELB applicant must include details of two guarantors.
The guarantors are required to provide their National ID numbers and registered mobile phone numbers. HELB noted that parents may also serve as guarantors, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria.
Students have been advised to inform their guarantors beforehand to ensure all the information provided is accurate and can be verified without delays.
Review Before Submitting
HELB has reminded applicants to carefully review all information before submitting their applications.
The board warned that incorrect personal details, unreadable documents, or mismatched phone numbers could delay the verification process and, ultimately, the release of funds.
Applicants are also encouraged to keep copies of all submitted documents and regularly check the status of their applications through the HELB online portal.
Timely Applications to Ease Processing
With universities and colleges expected to admit thousands of new students in the coming weeks, HELB believes early applications will help reduce last-minute challenges and enable eligible learners to access tuition and upkeep funding in time for the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.
The board has urged all first-time applicants not to wait until the deadline but to begin the application process early to improve their chances of receiving financial support without unnecessary delays.
 has advised first-time applicants seeking financial assistance for the 2026/2027 academic year to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid delays in processing and ensure they receive funding before reporting to college or university.){kind=link}