Application questions peak from August to September. These are HELB’s own answers for the 2026/27 cycle.
Based on questions students and loanees sent to HELB’s official X account (@HELBpage) and HELB’s own replies, checked on 14 October 2026. Questions are paraphrased.
2026/27 deadlines HELB announced
HELB said first-time loan and scholarship applications would close on 31 August 2026. It then extended the subsequent (continuing students) deadline to 21 September 2026. On 21 September its “last day” post addressed both first-time applicants (via the HEF portal) and subsequent applicants (via *642#). On 25 September HELB confirmed the undergraduate and TVET application was closed.
How to apply
First-time: online via the HEF portal. Subsequent: *642#, the HELB app or WhatsApp 0711 052 000, per HELB.
The most common mistake: applying in the wrong category
Several continuing students found no 2026/27 record because they applied as first-time undergraduates instead of subsequent. HELB told others it had simply not received a 2026/27 subsequent application. HELB has not said publicly whether late corrections will be accepted after the window closed.
“It says not applied” but I got an email
HELB repeatedly confirmed that first-time loan and scholarship applications were received and were pending verification and allocation, after which they show on the student portal.
Loan and scholarship
Students placed by KUCCPS in a public university can apply for both loan and scholarship. For scholarship disbursement queries, HELB refers students to the University Funding Board.
Frequently asked questions
When did HELB 2026/27 applications close?
First-time was announced to close on 31 August 2026; the subsequent deadline was extended to 21 September 2026. HELB said on 25 September that undergraduate and TVET applications were closed.
I applied as first-time but I am a continuing student. What now?
HELB told such students it had not received a subsequent application.
Why does the portal say I have not applied?
For first-time applicants HELB said applications were received and pending verification/allocation; they appear on the portal after allocation.
Who handles scholarship payments?
HELB refers scholarship disbursement questions to the University Funding Board.
Related: How to check your HELB loan status · HELB loan repayment calculator · HELB help hub
