Now Open: 2025/2026 First-Time Applications for Undergraduate and TVET Loans, Scholarships & Bursaries.
We are pleased to announce that applications for the 2025/2026 academic year are now open for first-time applicants seeking Undergraduate or TVET Loans, Scholarships, and Bursaries. Application Deadline: 31-August-2025.
A HELB Scholarship application or helb bursary application is financial aid provided by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) in Kenya to support students who excel academically or meet specific eligibility criteria. Unlike a loan, it does not require repayment, making it a preferred option for many learners. Scholarships are designed to help students focus on studies without the burden of debt.
HELB offers various scholarships targeting different groups, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and TVET students. These awards can be merit-based, need-based, or tied to specific fields of study. Each scholarship has its own eligibility rules, application process, and funding limits.
The key difference between HELB scholarship application and loans is that loans must be repaid after graduation, while scholarships are a grant that you keep. This makes scholarships highly competitive, and applicants must meet all requirements to be considered.
HELB Bursary vs Scholarship vs Grant
A HELB bursary is a small financial award aimed at covering essential learning needs for students facing financial hardships. It is typically lower in value than a scholarship but is easier to qualify for. The bursary application process is straightforward, often requiring proof of need.
The HELB grant (helb grant for students) is another form of aid, often linked to special programs or donors. Grants are usually given for specific purposes such as research, disability support, or regional development projects. Like scholarships, grants do not require repayment.
To summarize, scholarships reward academic or talent-based merit, bursaries address financial need, and grants target specific funding goals. All three can be accessed through the HELB Student Portal, but eligibility and application requirements differ.
| Scholarship Type | Description |
|---|
| HELB Scholarship for Undergraduate | Financial aid for undergraduate students in Kenyan universities, covering tuition and maintenance costs. |
| HELB Scholarship for Master’s | Funding support for master’s students pursuing postgraduate studies in accredited Kenyan or foreign universities. |
| HELB TVET Scholarship | Scholarship for students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions across Kenya. |
| HELB Special Needs Scholarship | Targeted support for students with disabilities to cover tuition and other learning expenses. |
📌 How to Apply for HELB Scholarship or Bursary
Applying for a HELB scholarship or bursary is done entirely online through the HELB and Scholarship Portal. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Visit the HELB and Scholarship Portal
Go to portal.helb.co.ke on your browser. If you don’t have an account yet, click “Register” and complete the sign-up process. Returning users can log in directly with their registered email and password.
2. Select the Scholarship or Bursary Option
Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard and click on the “helb Scholarship Application& helb bursary form” section. This area lists all available scholarships, bursaries, and grants offered by HELB.
3. Choose the Specific Program You Qualify For
Read the description of each program carefully to understand the eligibility criteria. For example, some scholarships are merit-based, while others are reserved for specific courses, regions, or income levels. Select the one that applies to you.
4. Fill Out the Online Application Form
Enter your personal details (name, ID number, contacts), academic details (institution, course, year of study), and financial background. Make sure all information matches your official documents to avoid rejection.
5. Upload Required Documents
Attach clear scanned copies of the required documents, which may include:
- National ID card or birth certificate
- Admission letter from your institution
- Academic transcripts or report forms
- Guarantor form (if required)
- Proof of need (for bursary applicants)
6. Review Your Application
Before submitting, double-check every field and document. Errors or missing details can delay or cancel your application.
7. Submit the Application Online
Click “Submit” to send your application to HELB for review. You should see an on-screen confirmation message indicating successful submission.
8. Download the Acknowledgment Slip
After submission, download and save the acknowledgment slip. This is your proof of application and may be required for follow-ups.
9. Track Your Application Status
Log in regularly to check the status of your scholarship or bursary. The portal will show whether your application is pending, approved, or declined, along with any feedback or additional document requests.
Accessing the HELB and Scholarship Portal
The HELB and Scholarship Portal login is accessible via the main HELB website. Use your registered email and password to sign in. If you forget your password, use the “Reset Password” link to recover your account.
Statements & Payment Records
Accessing your HELB statements and payment records is quick and fully online through the HELB Portal. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process:
How to Download HELB Statement
You can easily download your HELB statement by logging into the HELB Student Portal and selecting “Loan & Scholarship Statements.” From there, choose the academic year or funding type you want to view.
The statement shows a breakdown of disbursements, repayment records (if applicable), and scholarship amounts received. This is useful for financial planning and confirming that all payments have been made correctly.
Keeping an updated copy of your HELB statement is important for audits, graduation clearance, and job applications that require proof of funding.
HELB Payment Receipts & Transaction History
HELB payment receipts can be accessed under the “Payment Records” section of your portal account. These receipts confirm the amount disbursed or refunded to your account or institution.
They are often needed for clearance processes, especially when applying for a HELB compliance certificate. Receipts can also help identify any errors in disbursements or deductions.
Always download and store copies of your payment records for future reference, as they may be required for audits or refund requests.
Refunds & Account Closure Procedures
Requesting a HELB refund or closing your account can be done online or via HELB offices. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process:
Requesting a HELB Refund
If you have overpaid your loan or received duplicate deductions, you can submit a HELB refund request online. This is done through the HELB portal by filling out the refund form and attaching proof of payment.
Common refund cases include payroll errors, excess repayments, or funds sent to the wrong account. HELB verifies each request before processing the refund.
Ensure you provide correct bank details and valid supporting documents to avoid delays in your refund process.
Processing HELB Overpayment Refunds
Eligibility for an overpayment refund requires proof that you have paid more than your loan balance or that funds were wrongly deducted. HELB may request your loan statement and official employer confirmation in payroll-related cases.
Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on verification speed. Refunds are issued directly to the claimant’s bank account.
To speed up processing, submit all required documents together and follow up regularly with the HELB customer care team.
How to Close Your HELB Account
Closing your HELB account is possible after full repayment of loans and final settlement of obligations. First, request a HELB clearance certificate to confirm zero balance.
Next, contact HELB through their portal or office to submit an account closure request. Provide your ID, clearance certificate, and any final refund requests.
Once the account is closed, HELB will confirm in writing. Keep a copy of this confirmation for future reference.
Tracking Scholarship Application Status
Tracking the progress of your HELB scholarship application is simple through the HELB portal. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process
Checking HELB Student Portal Status
To check your HELB student portal status, log in to your account and go to the “Application Status” section. This shows whether your scholarship, bursary, or loan is pending, approved, or declined.
You can also see disbursement schedules and reasons for application delays. This helps you follow up promptly if action is needed.
Tracking your status regularly ensures you don’t miss important updates or additional document requests from HELB.
HELB Portal Errors & Solutions
Common portal issues include login errors, missing documents, or delayed status updates. If you encounter login problems, reset your password or try a different browser.
For document upload errors, ensure files meet size and format requirements. If the application page freezes, clear your cache and try again.
When issues persist, contact HELB through their customer support channels for immediate assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a HELB scholarship or bursary?
HELB scholarships and bursaries are generally awarded to Kenyan students in recognized institutions who demonstrate financial need. Some schemes may have additional criteria such as academic performance or specific courses of study.
How can I apply for a HELB bursary online?
Applications are made through the official HELB portal or the Scholarship Portal. You must create or log into your HELB account, select the bursary/scholarship option, fill in the required details, upload supporting documents, and submit the application before the deadline.
Can I apply for both a HELB loan and a bursary at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for both, but each application will be assessed separately based on eligibility and available funds.
How do I know if my HELB bursary or scholarship application was successful?
You can track your application status by logging into your HELB account and checking the “Scholarship Application Status” section. HELB will also notify successful applicants through SMS or email.
What happens if I want to close my HELB account after repayment?
You need to request account closure by submitting a formal application via the HELB portal or visiting a HELB office. Ensure you have cleared all outstanding balances and obtained a compliance or clearance certificate.
How can I get my HELB statement or payment record?
Log in to your HELB portal, navigate to the “Statements & Payment Records” section, and download the PDF for your records. This can be useful for loan repayment tracking or clearance processes.
Final Thoughts
HELB offers scholarships, bursaries, and grants to make higher education more accessible in Kenya. These funding options help students complete their studies without overwhelming financial burdens.
To benefit fully, always apply through the official HELB and Scholarship Portal, meet deadlines, and keep your documents updated. This ensures a smooth application, payment, and refund process.
Whether you’re applying for funding, tracking your status, or closing your account, the HELB portal is your main tool for managing your education finances efficiently.
