How To Apply For The 2025/2026 HELB Loans Using KCSE Certificate (For Students Without National IDs)

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially announced the opening of the 2025/2026 loan applications for First Time and Subsequent Applicants. This applies to undergraduate and TVET students who are placed by KUCCPS in various institutions across Kenya.

Importantly, for the first time, students without National ID cards can now apply for HELB loans using their KCSE certificate details and admission information. This move is aimed at ensuring that lack of an ID does not hinder access to higher education financing.

In this article, we break down:

• Who can apply
• Requirements and qualifications
• Step-by-step guide on how to apply without a national ID
• HELB customer care contacts
• Application deadline
• Frequently asked questions

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Who Can Apply for HELB 2025/2026 Loans?

You are eligible to apply for a HELB loan or scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year if:

• You are a Kenyan student placed by KUCCPS to join a TVET institution or University.
• You are a first-time applicant OR a subsequent applicant (continuing student).
• You have a valid KCSE certificate.
• You have received an admission letter to a recognized institution.
• You do not have a National ID card, but you have your KCSE Index Number and other key details.

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Requirements and Qualifications

Here’s what you’ll need to have ready before starting the application:

For Applicants Without National IDs:

• KCSE Exam Year and Index Number
• Admission letter from your institution (to get your KCCPS Programme Code)
• Valid email address
• Mobile phone number (for verification and communication)
• Your birth certificate number
• Your personal and family details including:
  • Full names
  • Date of birth
  • Parents’ or guardians’ details
• Your residential address
• Your academic background: primary and secondary schools
• Bank account or M-PESA number for disbursement
• Guarantor’s details

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Step-by-Step Guide: How To Apply Without National ID

Follow this simple guide to apply for the HELB loan using your KCSE details:

Step 1: Create an Account

1. Go to the HELB website or HEF portal
2. Click on “Student Portal”
3. Click “Register”
4. Select the option: “I don’t have a National ID”
5. Enter your:
   • KCSE Exam Year
   • KCSE Index Number
   • KCCPS Programme Code (found in your admission letter)
6. Click “Validate”

Step 2: Register Your Account

7. Provide a valid email address and confirm it
8. Choose a password and confirm it
9. Enter the CAPTCHA/word displayed to confirm you’re human
10. Click “Register”
11. A message will pop up confirming account creation
12. Check your email inbox for an activation link
13. Click the link to activate your account

Step 3: Login to Your Account

14. Go back to the portal
15. Enter your email address and password
16. Click “Login”

Step 4: Phone Verification

17. Enter your mobile phone number
18. Enter the verification code sent via SMS

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

19. Fill in your personal details and BioData
    • Full name, KCSE index, birth certificate number, date of birth, marital status, religion, gender, etc.
20. Consent to data collection (check the box)
21. Provide residential address details
    • Nearest primary school, estate/village, town/city, county, sub-location, etc.
22. Click “Save and Continue”

Step 6: Add Education & Family Background

23. Fill in:
    • Primary school attended
    • Secondary school attended
    • Your college/university name and details
24. Provide parents’ or guardian’s details
25. Accept loan terms and conditions

Step 7: Guarantor & Bank Details

26. Fill in your guarantor information
27. Provide payment details (bank or M-PESA)

Step 8: Final Submission

28. Choose both “HELB STUDENT LOAN” and “SCHOLARSHIP” options
29. Carefully review the entire application
30. Click “Submit”

⚠️ Note: Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.

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HELB Customer Care Contacts

If you encounter any issues or have questions during the application process, reach out to HELB via:

• Phone:
  • 0711052000
  • 0711052555
• Email:
  • contactcentre@helb.co.ke
• Website: www.helb.co.ke
• Social Media:
  • Twitter: @HELBpage
  • Facebook: HELB

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Application Deadline

Deadline: 31st August 2025

All students—first-time and continuing—must submit their applications on or before 31/08/2025. No applications will be accepted past the deadline.

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FAQ for HELB 2025/2026 Applications

1. Can I apply without a National ID?

Yes. For the 2025/2026 cycle, HELB allows first-time applicants to use their KCSE Index Number and admission details instead of a National ID.

2. What is the KCCPS Programme Code?

It is the code assigned to your course during KUCCPS placement. It is usually found in your admission letter.

3. What happens after I submit my application?

HELB will review your application and communicate via email or SMS. You may later be required to upload additional documents or attend a verification.

4. Can I edit my application after submitting it?

No. Once you hit “Submit”, the application is locked. Make sure to review everything carefully before submission.

5. Can continuing students without IDs also apply?

No. The ID-exempt option is only available for first-time undergraduate and TVET students. Continuing students must use their National ID.

6. How much loan will I receive?

It depends on your financial need assessment, institution, and program. HELB offers loans ranging from KES 37,000 to KES 60,000 per year.

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Final Thoughts

This initiative by HELB to allow students without National ID cards to apply is a big step towards inclusive access to education financing in Kenya. Ensure you follow the outlined steps carefully, use accurate details, and submit your application before the deadline.

For updates, visit www.helb.co.ke regularly or follow HELB on social media.

Let nothing stop your education journey in 2025!