Kenyan students who have applied for Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding can track the progress of their applications online through the HELB and Higher Education Financing (HEF) digital platforms.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, HELB has opened applications for first-time undergraduate and TVET loans, scholarships and bursaries, while continuing students can submit subsequent loan applications.
Students can use the online portals to check whether their applications are being processed, whether funding has been allocated and the status of disbursement.
How to Check HELB Loan Status in 2026
Students can check their loan status through the HELB Student Portal.
The process involves:
- Visit the official HELB website or Student Portal.
- Log in using your registered account details.
- Open the Student Portal.
- Select the relevant loan or application section.
- Check your application, allocation or disbursement status.
HELB says its Student Portal gives registered students access to information ranging from loan application to allocation and disbursement status.
Students can also use the official Higher Education Financing application portal to track the processing status of applications submitted through the HEF system.
How to Apply for a HELB Loan in 2026
First-time applicants for undergraduate and TVET funding can register on the Higher Education Financing portal and complete the application online.
According to HELB, applicants can visit the HELB website or HEF portal, select the Student Portal and register for an account. Applicants are required to provide identification details and a valid email address during registration.
Once registered, applicants can log in and complete the relevant loan, scholarship or bursary application.
The application process is paperless. Applicants fill in the required information, provide guarantor and bank details where requested, submit the application online and track its progress through the portal.
HELB 2026/2027 Application Deadline
HELB’s official website currently lists September 8, 2026 as the deadline for first-time undergraduate and TVET loan, scholarship and bursary applications for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Students should check the official HELB website regularly because application deadlines can vary depending on the specific funding programme.
How Continuing Students Apply for HELB
Students who previously received a HELB loan or scholarship can make a subsequent application.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, HELB says subsequent applications are open and continuing students can apply through *642#.
The HELB platform also provides mobile-based services through the USSD system and its mobile application.
What Do HELB Status Messages Mean?
After submitting an application, students may see different stages as HELB processes their funding request.
These may include information indicating that an application is being processed, has been allocated funding or is at the disbursement stage.
Students should regularly log into their accounts and monitor official SMS or other notifications from HELB.
HELB has previously indicated that applicants receive notifications during different stages of the loan cycle, including verification, allocation and disbursement.
How to Check HELB Disbursement Status
Students can check whether their loan has been disbursed through the Student Portal.
The portal provides access to loan allocation and disbursement information, allowing students to monitor the progress of their funding.
Students should ensure that their personal and payment details are correctly updated to avoid problems during processing.
Can You Check HELB Status Using USSD?
Yes. HELB provides services through *642#, particularly for continuing students and other self-service functions.
To access the service, students can dial *642# and follow the instructions displayed on their phones. HELB also advises users to ensure that the mobile number used for relevant transactions is registered in their name and linked to their identification details.
What to Do If Your HELB Application Has Not Been Processed
Students whose applications appear to be pending should first check their account for messages or requests for additional information.
They should also confirm that all required sections of the application were completed before submission.
If the problem persists, students can contact HELB through its official customer service channels. HELB lists its contact centre number as 0711 052 000 and its email as contactcentre@helb.co.ke.
Students can also access HELB services at various Huduma Centres across the country.
Important Reminder to Students
Students should only use official HELB and HEF platforms when applying for loans or checking their application status.
HELB warns applicants not to pay individuals who claim they can process applications on their behalf. Applications should be completed through the official digital platforms.
With the 2026/2027 application cycle underway, students are encouraged to submit their applications before the relevant deadlines and regularly check their accounts for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my HELB loan status in 2026?
Log into the HELB Student Portal or the relevant HEF application portal and check your application, allocation or disbursement status.
Is HELB loan application open for 2026/2027?
Yes. HELB currently lists first-time undergraduate and TVET loan, scholarship and bursary applications as open for the 2026/2027 academic year.
What is the HELB application deadline for 2026/2027?
The official HELB website currently lists September 8, 2026 for first-time undergraduate and TVET loan, scholarship and bursary applications.
How do continuing students apply for HELB?
Continuing students can make subsequent applications through HELB’s available channels, including *642#.
Can I check my HELB status online?
Yes. The HELB Student Portal allows registered students to access loan application, allocation and disbursement information.
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