HELB Finally Speaks- How Continuing Students Can Apply For 2026/2027 Loans Using Phone Only

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced good news for continuing students across the country.

HELB has officially opened the 2026/2027 Subsequent Loan Application window and detailed how students can apply without visiting cyber cafes.

In a notice shared on its official platforms, HELB said the window is open from 1st June 2026 for all continuing students in universities and TVET colleges.

“The HELB Subsequent Loan Application for 2026/2027 is officially open from 1st June 2026. All Continuing students can now apply via USSD *642#,” HELB said.

According to the Board, eligible students can now apply easily through their phones by dialling *642# and following the prompts. The service is also available on the HELB Mobile App.

The application is open to continuing degree and diploma students who were placed through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and had benefited from HELB before.

HELB has urged students to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute rush and to allow timely processing and disbursement of funds before the new academic year begins.

The subsequent loan window is running concurrently with first-time applications for new students joining university and TVETs in September.

More than 400,000 continuing students are expected to benefit from the subsequent loans and scholarships this academic year.

Students who encounter challenges have been advised to contact HELB through its official social media pages or visit the nearest Huduma Centre for assistance.