Students regularly ask HELB for their “batch number” and why tuition arrived but upkeep did not. Here is what HELB has said.
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.
Where HELB announces batches
HELB posts batch updates on its X page. On 8 October 2026 it announced that batches HELB-007139, 007145, 007147, 007146 and 007132 had been processed and disbursed to institutions, and on 12 October 2026 it posted a “Disbursement report” poster listing further batches. Check the latest posters on @HELBpage for newer batches.
Tuition and upkeep are separate payments
Tuition goes to your institution; upkeep goes to your HELB mobile wallet. HELB has replied that the upkeep element is processed separately “but just like the tuition it will be paid and a notification sent”. In one case HELB clarified that a student’s tuition was not in the batch they had assumed and had not yet been paid.
Earlier examples HELB gave: tuition batch 7022 was paid on 11 August 2026; 2025/26 semester 1 tuition for some students was paid under batch 6874.
After the SMS: withdrawing upkeep
When upkeep is paid, HELB says you will get a confirmation SMS; then dial *642# and follow the prompts to withdraw from your Mwallet account. If it says “insufficient funds”, see HELB Mwallet, PIN and phone number problems.
Tuition paid to the institution – what next?
If HELB tells you tuition was paid under a batch, follow up with your institution’s student finance office using that batch number – that is what HELB itself advises in its replies.
Frequently asked questions
What is a HELB batch number?
It is the reference HELB uses for a group of payments sent to institutions or students. HELB lists processed batches in posts and disbursement-report posters on its X page.
Why did I get tuition but not upkeep?
They are processed separately. HELB has said upkeep is processed on its own track and a notification is sent when it is paid.
How do I get my upkeep after the SMS?
Dial *642# and follow the prompts to withdraw from your HELB Mwallet, per HELB.
Related: How to check your HELB loan status · HELB loan repayment calculator · HELB help hub
