The Higher Education Loans Board’s (HELB) Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal is a valuable resource for Kenyan students seeking financial aid to pursue university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. It offers scholarships, bursaries, and loans to support students from financially challenged backgrounds who are admitted to accredited institutions for the current academic year.
Benefits of Using the HEF Portal
- Scholarship and Grant Opportunities: The HEF portal offers scholarships and grants that not only provide financial relief but also recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community contributions. These awards empower students to focus on their studies and achieve their goals without overwhelming financial burdens.
- Streamlined Application Process: The online application process simplifies submitting and reviewing applications, making it easier for students to access the financial support they need. This digital approach saves time and effort while ensuring transparency and efficiency in the evaluation and selection process.
- Flexible Loan Options: The HEF portal also offers loans with reasonable interest rates and flexible repayment terms. This caters to students who may not qualify for scholarships or grants. By providing loans, HEF ensures finances don’t hinder access to higher education, allowing students to invest in their future and contribute to Kenyan society.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for financial assistance through the HEF portal, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be Kenyan citizens.
- Possess a valid National ID number.
- Have their own mobile money account (MTN/Airtel).
- Be government-sponsored students placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) in universities, colleges, or TVET institutions for the current academic year.
HEF Application Requirements
When applying, prepare the following documents and information:
- Valid email address.
- Registered phone number (must be in your name).
- KCPE and KCSE certificate/diploma index numbers and year of completion.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Copy of National ID (for loan applications).
- Admission letter from your college/university.
- Parents’ registered phone number and National ID number.
- Death certificate (if applicable, for deceased parents).
- Birth certificate.
- Guarantors’ ID numbers and registered phone numbers (two, can be parents, required for loan applications).
- Copy of sponsorship letter (if sponsored in secondary school).
How to Apply
- Visit the HEF Portal: Go to the official Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) website: https://www.helb.co.ke/ and navigate to the HEF portal section.
- Register and Create an Account: Sign up and create an account on the HEF portal.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and comprehensively, including personal details, academic history, financial background, and upload any required documents.
- Submit Your Application: Review everything thoroughly for accuracy and completeness before submitting your application.
- Monitor Application Status: Track the progress of your application through the HEF portal and await communication regarding the outcome.
Accessing and Managing Your HEF Account
- Explore the HELB Website: Visit the Higher Education Loans Board website: https://www.helb.co.ke/
- Navigate to Portals: Locate the portals section on the HELB website.
- Register for an Account (New Users): If you’re a first-time user, click on the registration or sign-up option and follow the prompts to create your account.
- Activate Your Account: Follow the instructions provided to activate your HEF account using the activation code sent to your email.
Logging In and Managing Your HEF Account
- Access the HEF Portal: Go to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) website.
- Enter Your Login Credentials: Provide your registered email address and password to log in to your HEF student portal account.
- Access Your Account: Once logged in, navigate through the portal to access various features and manage your financial aid.
Password Recovery:
If you forget your password:
- Access the HELB Sign-In Page: Visit the HELB sign-in page on the website.
- Select “Forgot Password”: Click on the “Forgot Password” option.
- Enter Your Email Address: Provide the email address associated with your HEF portal account.
- Reset Your Password: Follow the instructions provided in the email sent to you to reset your password.
By utilizing the HEF portal effectively, Kenyan students can gain