What is the HELB Portal?

The HELB portal at helb.co.ke is the official online platform of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) of Kenya. It is the central hub where university and college students apply for government education loans, check their loan status, and manage their repayment once they complete their studies.

HELB was established by an Act of Parliament to provide financial support to Kenyan students pursuing higher education. It is a lifeline for thousands of students who cannot fully finance their own education. Through the HELB portal, students can access loans, bursaries, and scholarships from the convenience of their phones or computers. In the 2024 financial year, HELB disbursed over KSh 17 billion to more than 391,000 students.

Services Available on the HELB Portal

• New loan application – First-time university and TVET students apply for government education loans.
• Continuing student loan application – Renew your HELB loan each academic year.
• Loan status check – Track whether your loan has been approved and disbursed.
• Disbursement tracking – See when and how much loan money has been sent to your institution.
• Bursary application – Apply for HELB bursaries for needy students.
• Loan repayment – Make loan repayment payments and view your repayment history.
• Loan clearance certificate – Download your HELB clearance certificate after full repayment.
• Bank details update – Update your bank account information for disbursements.
• Complaint submission – Report issues with your loan application or disbursement.

How to Apply for a HELB Loan (Step by Step)

First-time applicants must create an account on the HELB portal before applying. Here is how to do it:

1. Visit helb.co.ke and click “Apply for a Loan” or “Register”.
2. Enter your National ID number and KCSE Index Number to create your account.
3. Provide your email address and phone number and set a password.
4. Verify your account via the OTP sent to your phone or email.
5. Log in and navigate to “Loan Application”.
6. Fill in the online application form — personal details, institution details, course, and financial information.
7. Attach required documents: National ID, admission letter, fee structure, and parents’ documents.
8. Submit your application and keep the reference number for tracking.

How to Login to the HELB Portal

1. Go to helb.co.ke and click “Login” or “Student Login”.
2. Enter your National ID number or registered email address as your username.
3. Enter your password.
4. Click “Login” to access your HELB dashboard.
5. From the dashboard, you can apply, check status, track disbursements, or make repayments.

Forgot Password – Reset HELB Portal Password

1. Visit helb.co.ke and click “Forgot Password” on the login page.
2. Enter your National ID number and registered email address.
3. Check your email for a password reset link from HELB.
4. Click the link and create a new password.
5. Log in with the new password.

For further help, call HELB on 0711 052 000 or email helb@helb.co.ke. You can also visit any HELB offices or Huduma Centre near you.

Common Issues & Fixes

• Application rejected: Common reasons include incomplete documents, mismatched names, or incorrect institution codes. Review your application and resubmit with correct details.
• Loan not disbursed: Ensure your institution has submitted enrollment verification. Contact your university’s finance or registrar’s office.
• Portal not loading: Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. Chrome is recommended for the HELB portal.
• Email not found during password reset: Contact HELB on 0711 052 000 to update your registered email address.
• Wrong disbursement amount: The loan amount is calculated based on parental income and course type. You can appeal through the HELB portal.

Important Links – HELB

FAQs – HELB Portal