Afya Elimu Loans Applications For Both First Time and Subsequent Loans are now open for the 2024/2025 circle!
The journey to becoming a healthcare professional in Kenya can be financially demanding. Fortunately, the Afya Elimu Loan—offered under the Higher Education Fund (HEF), formerly known as the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)—continues to provide much-needed financial relief to eligible medical students across the country. As of 2025, applications for the 2024/2025 Afya Elimu Loan cycle are now open, giving thousands of aspiring health workers a chance to fund their education and achieve their goals
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about Afya Elimu Loans in 2025: who can apply, eligibility criteria, loan amounts and interest rates, the application process, and more.
What is Afya Elimu Loan?
The Afya Elimu Loan Programme (AELP) is a revolving loan fund established to offer affordable loans to students pursuing healthcare-related training in Kenya. It was launched through a partnership between the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) (now HEF), FUNZOKenya, and the Ministry of Health (MoH), and is now supported by IntraHealth International and other stakeholders in the healthcare and education sectors.
The core goal of Afya Elimu is to build the capacity of Kenya’s health workforce by supporting financially needy students undertaking medical, nursing, clinical medicine, and other health-related training at accredited institutions. It enables these students to pursue their education without the heavy burden of tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other related expenses.
Who Can Apply for Afya Elimu Loans?
Afya Elimu Loans are exclusively available to Kenyan students who are enrolled in medical and health-related courses. These students must be studying at recognized institutions such as:
- Medical Training Colleges (e.g., Kenya Medical Training College – KMTC)
- Faith-based and mission health training institutions
- Other Ministry of Health approved training institutions
The loan targets students pursuing diploma and certificate programs in disciplines such as:
- Nursing
- Clinical Medicine
- Laboratory Technology
- Radiography
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Environmental Health
- Community Health
- Pharmacy
- Public Health
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
Both new and continuing students in these institutions are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility for Afya Elimu Loans
To qualify for the Afya Elimu Loan in 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Nationality
- Must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National ID.
2. Enrollment Status
- Must be a registered and active student in an approved institution.
- Must be enrolled in a health-related diploma or certificate course.
3. Academic Progress
- Must demonstrate satisfactory academic performance and progression.
4. Financial Need
- Priority is given to students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
5. Proof of Admission
- Must provide a valid admission letter from an approved health training institution.
6. Commitment to Serve
- AELP targets students willing to work in underserved areas and rural health facilities upon graduation.
7. Application Requirements
- Complete application form
- National ID copy
- Admission letter
- Parent/guardian ID copy
- Recent passport photos
- Copy of previous HELB/Afya Elimu loan statements (for continuing beneficiaries)
Afya Elimu Loans Amount and Interest Rates
One of the most attractive features of the Afya Elimu Loan is its affordability. The program is designed to minimize the financial burden on students, both during their studies and upon graduation.
Loan Amount
- Students can receive up to KES 40,000 per academic year depending on:
- The course being pursued
- Year of study
- Level of financial need
- Availability of funds
Interest Rate
- Low interest rate of 4% per annum
- This is significantly lower than traditional education loans.
Repayment Period
- Repayment begins one year after completion of studies or upon securing employment, whichever comes first.
- A grace period of 12 months is usually provided.
Loan Disbursement
- Funds are disbursed directly to the institution for tuition fees.
- Some cases may include a portion for upkeep deposited into the student’s bank account.
Institutions Eligible for Afya Elimu Loans
The Afya Elimu Loan is only available to students enrolled in approved health training institutions across Kenya. These include:
1. Public Institutions
- Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) – all 70+ campuses across Kenya
2. Faith-Based Institutions
- Nursing and medical schools under the umbrella of:
- Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK)
- Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB)
- Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM)
3. Private Accredited Institutions
- Medical training institutions accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and recognized by the Ministry of Health and HEF/HELB.
Note: A complete list of eligible institutions is available on the HEF/HELB portal.
How to Apply for Afya Elimu Loans (2024/2025)
The application process for the Afya Elimu Loan is fully online through the HEF (formerly HELB) Student Portal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
- Visit the HEF Portal:
- Go to www.hef.co.ke or www.helb.co.ke
- Create an Account:
- For new users, register using your ID number, email, and phone number.
- Returning users can log in directly.
- Select Loan Application:
- Choose Afya Elimu Loan Application Form (2024/2025).
- Fill in Personal and Academic Information:
- Provide accurate details including your school, course, year of study, etc.
- Attach Required Documents:
- National ID
- Admission letter
- Parent/guardian ID
- Passport-size photo
- Academic transcripts (if continuing)
- Fee structure
- Submit Online Application:
- Confirm all details and submit.
- Print and Sign the Application Form:
- After submission, print the loan application form and sign.
- Submit Hard Copy (If Required):
- Submit the signed copy to your institution’s administration or to the HEF/HELB office if requested.
Applications Deadline : 24th June 2025 . Late applications will not be considered!
How to Check Afya Elimu Loan Status
Once you have submitted your application, you can track its progress online through the HEF Student Portal.
Steps to Check Loan Status
- Log in to your HEF/HELB student portal.
- Navigate to the Loan Application Status section.
- You will see the status as:
- “Submitted”
- “Under Review”
- “Approved”
- “Disbursed”
You can also check your disbursement history, loan balance, and repayment schedule under your account dashboard.
Afya Elimu Loans Customer Support
For assistance during the application process or for any Afya Elimu Loan queries, students can contact the HEF Customer Care Team via the following channels:
1. Contact Numbers
- HEF/HELB Call Centre: 0711 052 000 / 020 2278000
2. Email
3. Social Media
- Facebook: HELB Kenya
- Twitter/X: @HELBpage
4. Physical Address
- Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi – 19th Floor
5. KMTC Liaison Desks
- Most KMTC campuses have liaison desks or designated officers to assist students with the loan application and follow-up process.
Afya Elimu HELB Loans 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who funds Afya Elimu Loans?
The program is funded through a public-private partnership involving HEF/HELB, IntraHealth, USAID, and other development partners.
Q2: Can continuing students apply?
Yes. Both new and continuing students can apply each academic year.
Q3: Can I apply for Afya Elimu and other HELB loans together?
No. You can only receive one HELB/HEF loan per academic year. Afya Elimu is exclusive for medical and health students.
Q4: Can I defer repayment after graduation?
You are allowed a 12-month grace period post-graduation before repayment starts. However, you are encouraged to start repaying early if employed.
Q5: What happens if I default on repayment?
Loan defaulters are subject to penalties and may have their names listed with CRB (Credit Reference Bureau). Legal action may also be taken.
Q6: What is the deadline to apply for the 2024/2025 Afya Elimu Loan?
Exact deadlines vary, but applications usually close in July or August each year. Always confirm on the official HEF website.
Q7: What if my institution is not listed?
You must be studying in a recognized and approved institution to qualify. If your school is not listed, contact HEF for clarification.
Conclusion
The Afya Elimu Loan 2025 offers a golden opportunity for financially needy students pursuing careers in healthcare to fund their education affordably. As Kenya continues to invest in strengthening its health workforce, programs like AELP are instrumental in promoting access, equity, and sustainability in health education.
If you are an eligible student, do not miss this chance to apply for the 2024/2025 Afya Elimu Loan. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents early, and follow the application steps carefully.
For more updates, always refer to www.helb.co.ke or www.hef.co.ke.