Helb is the institution that offers loans to Kenyan students. In this artice, we will provide details on how to apply for the loans, the amount paid to each student, various types of loans available, how to pay for your helb loan and every detail required by a student.
Types of loans provided by helb
JIELIMISHE LOAN (FOR SALARIED STUDENTS)
Features:
- Competitive interest rate of 10% per year
- Flexible repayment periods of 12 – 48 months (72 months for Public Servants)
- Convenient and easy monthly check-off repayments
- Borrow up to 90% of your program fees
- Affordable Credit Life Insurance Policy
Requirements:
- Admission letter from a recognized university/College in Kenya
- Certified copy of your last acquired academic certificate (certified by a commissioner of oaths)
- Three (3) months latest pay slips (certified by your employer)
- If you are employed on contract, please provide copy of appointment letter of not less than two years (certified by your employer)
- Certified copy of your National ID (certified by a commissioner of oaths)
- Certified copy of your KRA PIN (certified by a commissioner of oaths)
- Certified copy of National ID from two employed guarantors (certified by a commissioner of oaths)
- Recent colored passport size photograph of yourself
Note: Previous HELB loan (if any) should be in repayment or cleared.
Who is eligible:
Employees in:
- Civil service (Ministries, Counties, National Police Service, Kenya Defense Forces)
- Public Commissions e.g. Teachers Service Commission, JSC, PSC, CAJ, SRC, CRA etc
- Parastatals e.g. KRA, NSSF, NHIF, NTSA, KWS, KFS, KPA etc
- Public Universities
- Selected Private companies (E-mail [email protected] to check whether your company is eligible)
How to apply:
Apply here: https://www.helb.co.ke/product/loans-for-salaried-students/
UNDERGRADUATE LOAN (DIRECT ENTRY STUDENTS)
These loans are for students joining public or private universities within the East African Community directly from high school either through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) or as self-sponsored. Amounts awarded range between Kshs.40,000 minimum and Kshs.60,000 maximum based on the level of need. The loan attracts interest of 4% p.a and the students are required to repay their loans on completion of their studies. Students are advised to apply at least one month before the opening date to allow ample time for processing.
Loan Award
The loan awarded ranges from a minimum of Ksh.40, 000 and a maximum of Ksh.60, 000.
For those placed by Kenya University and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the loan amount is split to cater for both Tuition fee and Upkeep while the Self sponsored students, the money is sent directly to the university once a year as tuition fees.
A standard amount of Ksh4, 000 for Government sponsored students only is deducted from the loan awarded and disbursed to the university per semester for tuition [total Ksh8, 000] and the rest is sent to the applicant’s bank account as upkeep.
An Administrative Fee of Ksh500 per year is charged on the loan awarded and it is therefore deducted from the disbursed loan.
A limited number of needy government sponsored students receive bursary of between Ksh4, 000 and Ksh8, 000 per year. The Bursary is paid to the university.
Requirements
- A copy of the Applicant’s national ID Card
- Copies of the parents national ID Cards/death certificate where the parent is deceased
- Copies of both guarantors’ national ID Card
- A copy of the applicant’s admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate
- A copy of the applicant’s Bank ATM/Bank card (for Government sponsored students only)
- A copy of the applicant’s Smart Card from the institution
- One recent colored passport size photograph of the applicant.
Repaying your Student Loan
Undergraduate loan repayment starts within one year of completion of studies or within such a period as the Board decides to recall the loan whichever is earlier. However, you can make voluntary payments before or after you complete your studies to reduce your loan balance.
Note:
- Loans are charged 4% interest per annum
- Loan repayment commences one year upon completion of studies or as deemed fit by HELB.
- The loan is repayable up to a maximum of 120 months.
Apply here: https://www.helb.co.ke/product/undergraduate-loans/
TVET LOANS
Students pursuing Certificate and Diploma courses in select public universities, select university colleges, public national polytechnics and Institutes of Technology and Technical Training institutes country-wide are eligible for this loan and bursary. Orphans, single-parent students and other deserving students will be given priority.
Application Requirements:
- Admission letter from the institution.
- National Identification Card.
- Applicants should access and fill the relevant TVET Loan and Bursary Application Form (TLAF).
- Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form.
- Have the TVET Loan Application Form signed and stamped by the Dean of Students/Financial Aid Officers.
- Retain one copy of the duly filled TLAF (Mandatory).
- Drop the TLAF personally at the HELB students Service Centre on the Mezannine One, Anniversary Towers or any of the SELECT Huduma Centers nearest to you.
Apply here: https://www.helb.co.ke/product/tvet-loans-and-bursaries/
Afya Elimu Fund
Who is eligible for the loan?
Students enrolled in the mid-level medical training colleges and faith-based medical training institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education.
How do you apply for the AEF Loan?
Visit www.helb.co.ke to register. Log in, select and fill in the required Loan Application Form (either First Time or subsequent) for the respective program (Afya Elimu Loan) from the HELB website. Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form. Have the form appropriately filled, signed and stamped by the relevant authorities and guarantors (for first time applicants only) and by the Dean (for subsequent applicants) Sign the form and attach all the necessary documents as indicated in the checklist appearing on the last page of the Loan Application Form. Present one copy of the duly completed Loan Application Form and all the attached supporting documents at any of the following:
Select Huduma Centres: Nairobi, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Embu, Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma, Turkana, Meru, Kitui, Kericho, Nandi (Kapsabet), Thika, Garissa, Kitale and Muranga for free and secure delivery to HELB Head Office.
HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine One (M1), Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi. Retain one copy of the duly filled loan application form (Mandatory) Remember: The HELB Loan Application process is free. Do not pay anyone to process your HELB Loan.
How to Check your Helb loan balance
How do I check for my loan
- Access the HELB website and enter your ID number
2. Send an email to requesting for your statement to [email protected].
3. Call HELB on 0722052000
4. Email [email protected]
I don’t have an ID card; can I apply for a HELB loan?
Unfortunately this is not possible at the moment. The national ID is proof of attainment of majority age. The HELB Loan Application form is a contract and legally we are not in a position to enter into a contract with a minor.
Interest charged on Helb loans
The interest is currently 4% per annum for direct entry students and 12% for all salaried applicants. The interest will start to accrue immediately after the first disbursement
This is what will happen if you discontinued your studies
Yes, once you are awarded a HELB loan, you will be required to fully repay the amount in accordance with the terms & conditions as well as the interest accrued thereafter and penalties incurred (if any)
How to pay helb loan if you live abroad
Credit card or Direct Transfer to HELB account number 300 040 012, Citibank Nairobi. Swift code CITIKENA
How to repay your helb loan
- By depositing cash or cheque into the HELB collection accounts
2.By direct debit
3.By credit card
4.By a standing order through your credit card
5.Via Mpesa pay bill number 200800
Note: Details on how to execute the above can be obtained from the loan repayment information section of the HELB website
Helb contacts Kenya
Head Office
Anniversary Towers, 19th Floor
P.O Box 69489-00400
Nairobi
Student Service Centre
Mezzanine One (M1) Floor
Anniversary Towers
Operating Hours:
8.00am – 5.00pm
Service Offered:
Loan Disbursement Enquiries
Customer Experience Centre
Ground Floor
Anniversary Towers
Operating Hours:
8.00am – 5.00pm
Service Offered:
Loan Repayment, Compliance & Clearance and HELB Jielimishe Loan Enquiries.
Cash Office
18th Floor, South Wing
Anniversary Towers
Operating Hours:
8.00am – 5.00pm
Service Offered:
Cheque receiving & receipting
Contact Centre
TEL: 0711052000
Twitter: @HELBpage
Facebook: @HELBpage
Operating Hours:
8.00am – 5.00pm
Service Offered:
All Enquires
HELB LOAN SCHOLARSHIPS
HELB POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
HELB awards partial scholarships to Kenyans pursuing postgraduate programmes (Masters or Doctoral) in local Public or Private Universities recognized by the
Commission for University Education [CUE]. The value of the scholarship award is Kshs.200,000 and Kshs.450,000 for Masters and PhD programmes respectively, tenable for 2 years in respect of the Master’s Programme and 3 years for the PhD.
Eligibility:
- Letter of Admission into a full or part time program
- Minimum of Second Class Upper Division.
- Reporting for 1st year of study
- Preference will be given to applicants undertaking Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and programmes which will directly contribute to the “Big Four Agenda”
- If HELB loan beneficiary, the applicant MUST be repaying his/her loan or has cleared the same.
The HELB Postgraduate Scholarship application form is accessible from the Student Portal upon registration. The application runs from May-July every year. The applicant is required to correctly fill in his/her details, print two copies of the application form, appropriately have it duly signed and stamped by the relevant authorities and attach all the necessary documents as indicated on the checklist.
Submit one copy of the form at HELB Student Service Centre, Anniversary Towers and select Huduma Centres. Applicant should retain one copy of the duly filled form for their records.
Note:
- Geographical distribution and gender is considered during the Scholarship Award.
- Applicants from marginalized regions are highly encouraged to apply.
- A non-refundable application fee of Kshs.3,000 is to paid directly to HELB Operations A/C NO 1104823047 KCB University Way Branch
- Do not pay any individual to process your HELB Scholarship Application.
Apply here: https://www.helb.co.ke/product/postgraduate-scholarships/
VISA OSHWAL AID
About Visa Oshwal
- The Visa Oshwal scholarship is a partnership between HELB & Visa Oshwal
- The scholarship funds twenty(20) students per year for total tenure of study.
- Only government sponsored students have access to the scholarship.
- The scholarship is up to a maximum of 100,000 per annum
Application Requirements
- Be a Kenyan citizen with a residential status in Kenya;
- Have sat for the KCSE or equivalent level not more than one year prior to the application;
- Have obtained a mean grade of B+ or above, with at least B plain in English and Mathematics.
- Demonstrate need for financial aid;
- Demonstrate leadership qualities, community service/spirit, concern for others, talent, concern.
- Provide reference letters from two referees, one of whom must be the secondary school head teacher.
- Provide a hand-written personal statement of at least 300 words giving reasons why you deserve the scholarship.
Note
- Show proof of placement at a university before the scholarship is awarded
- Expected to provide academic progress reports and reference letters from the university on a yearly basis to maintain funding for the ongoing period of study.
- The scholarship is paid directly by the funder to student and applicant.
This scholarship finances the following courses
- Business Studies and Management
- Fine Arts
- Political Science
- Law
- Architecture
- Information systems and technology
- Environmental Studies
- Agriculture
- Economics
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Engineering
How to apply
- Applicants should access Visa Oshwal Scholarship
- Application Form [LAF] from the HELB website www.helb.co.ke.
- Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form.
- Have the printed form appropriately filled, signed and stamped by the relevant authorities and referees.
- Sign the form and attach all the necessary documents as indicated in the checklist appearing on
- the last page of the LAF.
- Present the one copy of the LAF to HELB. Retain one copy of the duly filled LAF.
Apply here: https://www.helb.co.ke/product/visa-oshwal-aid/
CONSTITUENCY EDUCATION FUND
HELB has partnered with various Constituencies to manage their bursary schemes and set up a revolving fund.
Below are the constituencies on board, eligibility and Terms & Conditions
| Constituency | Eligibility | Terms and Conditions |
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Apply here: https://www.helb.co.ke/product/constituency-education-fund/
Helb loan repayment methods
LOAN REPAYMENT METHODS
HELB offers various loan repayment methods as follows:
Local Repayment Methods
Mobile Payment Services: M-PESA
Using M-PESA (Safaricom) Money Transfer:
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Note: The transaction reflects in your statement immediately after the transaction.
Bank Deposit
All payments are payable to Higher Education Loans Board, by crossed cheque, bankers draft, direct transfer/standing order/EFT or cash deposit to HELB collection A/C in any of the following banks:
| Bank | Account Number | Branch | Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) |
| Kenya Commercial Bank | 1103 266 314 | University-way | SWIFT CODE : KCBLKENX |
| Family Bank | 035 000 024 971 | Family Bank Towers | SWIFT CODE : FABLKENAXXX |
| Co-operative Bank | 011290 612 228 00 | University-way | SWIFT CODE : KCOOKENA |
| Barclays bank | 077 501 8216 | Barclays Plaza | SWIFT CODE : BARCKENX |
| Standard chartered Bank | 010 801 826 4700 | Koinange street | SWIFT CODE : SCBLKENX |
| Equity bank | 055 029 357 3408 | Equity Center | SWIFT CODE : EQBLKENA |
| National Bank of Kenya | 010 016 039 1100 | Harambee Avenue | SWIFT CODE :NBKEKENX |
| Citibank | 300 040 012 | Nairobi | SWIFT CODE : CITIKENA |
| SBM Bank | 0332 084 215 001 | Delta House | SWIFT CODE : SBMKENA |
| NCBA Bank Kenya | 1002 247 638 | NIC House | SWIFT CODE : CBAFKENX |
| Jamii Bora Bank | 1174 852 7001 | Koinange street | SWIFT CODE : CIFIKENAXXX |
Diaspora Repayment Methods
Wave
- You can make payments instantly from the US and Canada through Wave via KCB account number 1103266314.
- Go to www.sendwave.com to update/download the app and then make transfers immediately.
- Please forward the wave email notification as well as your ID NUMBER to [email protected]
World Remit
- Log in to www.worldremit.com
- Select the ‘Bank Deposit’ service from the blue ‘Send to’ box on this page
- Choose whether to make the transfer to a Kenyan shilling (KES) or US dollar (USD) account
- Enter the amount you want to transfer
- We’ll show you the highly competitive exchange rate you’ll receive and any fees upfront
- Enter recipient’s details KCB ACCOUNT NUMBER 1103266314
- Pay online using a credit or debit card
- Use your ID number as the reference
- You and your recipient will receive SMS and email notification once the transfer is complete
- Please forward the wave email notification as well as your ID NUMBER to [email protected]
