The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has opened the 2026–27 subsequent loan application window for continuing university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students.
The latest funding window allows eligible continuing students to apply for financial support for the new academic year as they continue with their degree or diploma programmes.
HELB has encouraged students who qualify for the funding to submit their applications early to avoid possible delays in loan processing and disbursement.
The subsequent loan application exercise is targeting continuing students who were placed in universities and TVET institutions through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
At the same time, the application window is running alongside first-time funding applications for newly placed degree and diploma students expected to join higher education institutions during the 2026–27 academic year.
HELB Subsequent Loan Application 2026–27
Continuing students seeking financial assistance can submit their subsequent loan applications through the Higher Education Fund (HEF) platform using the USSD service *642#.
The USSD option provides students with a convenient way of accessing HELB services using a mobile phone. However, applicants need to ensure that they meet the identification and registration requirements before beginning the process.
HELB has advised eligible students not to wait until the last minute before submitting their applications. According to the board, loan applications are processed in phases, meaning students who apply early may have a better chance of having their applications processed earlier.
Early application can therefore help students avoid unnecessary uncertainty as they prepare for the new academic year.
Requirements for Subsequent HELB Loan Application
Students intending to apply for subsequent HELB funding should have a Safaricom mobile line registered in their own name and a valid Kenyan national identity card.
The requirement for a national ID is particularly important for students who previously applied using their KCSE index numbers because they had not yet obtained identity cards.
Such students are required to update their personal information on the Higher Education Fund portal.
Keeping personal details updated is important because incorrect or outdated information may create difficulties when an application is being processed or when funds are being disbursed.
Students are therefore encouraged to check their details before submitting their applications.
How to Apply for a Subsequent HELB Loan Through *642#
Continuing university and TVET students can follow these steps to submit their subsequent loan applications:
1. Dial *642# using a Safaricom line registered in your name.
2. Select Register if you have not registered for the service.
3. Enter your National ID serial number when prompted.
4. Enter your National ID number.
5. Create a four-digit PIN that you will use to access HELB services.
6. Return to the main menu and log in using your details.
7. Select the Subsequent Application option.
8. Choose the appropriate funding product based on your programme:
– Degree – Undergraduate students
– Diploma – TVET students
9. Confirm your institution details.
10. Read and accept the applicable terms and conditions.
11. Select Request Loan.
12. Choose your preferred payment method, either Mobile Money or Bank Account.
13. Enter your four-digit PIN to complete the application.
Applicants should carefully review the information they provide before completing the process to reduce the possibility of errors that could affect loan processing.
How to Know If Your HELB Application Was Submitted Successfully
Students should not assume that an application has been completed simply because they have gone through the various steps on the USSD platform.
According to HELB, a successful application is confirmed through a pop-up message beginning with the word “Bravo…”
Applicants are advised to keep the confirmation message safely for future reference. The message may be useful when following up on the status of the application or resolving any issues that may arise during the funding process.
Students should also ensure that they provide accurate personal and institutional information when applying.
What Students Should Do If They Experience Problems
Some students may encounter challenges while registering, updating their details or submitting their subsequent loan applications.
Students facing difficulties have been advised to seek assistance through HELB’s official customer care channels or visit the nearest HELB service centre for support.
Applicants should also avoid waiting until the final stages of the application window before seeking help. Addressing problems early can give the student more time to correct errors or update missing information.
The opening of the 2026–27 HELB subsequent loan application window is therefore an important opportunity for continuing university and TVET students who depend on government-backed higher education funding.
Eligible students are encouraged to complete their applications early, verify their personal details and retain their confirmation messages after successfully submitting their requests.
With applications for continuing students running alongside first-time applications for newly placed learners, students are advised to regularly check official HELB and Higher Education Fund communication for any updates concerning the application and disbursement process.
