Need money for your second, third, or fourth year of college? Learning how to apply for a subsequent HELB loan is way easier than your first application. No more HEF portal headaches – you’ve got three simple ways to get the funding you need.
Also see: How to Fuliza: Best Guide for 2025
What is a Subsequent HELB Loan?
A subsequent loan is just HELB’s fancy way of saying “your second loan and beyond.” If you got HELB money before, this is what you apply for next.
Here’s how it works: You can get as many loans as your course has years. Four-year degree? Four loans. Five-year program? Five loans. Simple. The official HELB website confirms that students can apply for subsequent loans each academic year.
Can You Apply? (Check These First)
Before you start, make sure you tick these boxes:
- You’re still registered at your college/university
- You got a HELB loan before
- Your school is recognized by the government
- You’re not failing all your units (maintain decent grades)
Got all four? You’re good to go.
Three Ways to Apply for A Subsequent HELB Loan (Pick What Works for You)
Option 1: HELB Mobile App (Most Popular)
This is what most students use because it’s fast and works on any smartphone. The official HELB website confirms you can apply for subsequent applications by downloading the HELB Mobile App from Google Play store.
Here’s exactly what to do:
- Get the app: Go to Google Play Store, search “HELB” and download the official HELB mobile app
- Set up your account: Use your phone number (must be registered under your name) to create a PIN
- Fill in your details: Enter your first name exactly as it appears on your ID, ID number, and email
- Accept the terms: Just click yes on the agreement stuff
- Do the financial literacy part: Answer some basic money questions (takes 2 minutes)
- Choose your loan type:
- University students: Tap “loans” → “Degree” → “Undergraduate Subsequent Loan”
- TVET students: Tap “Certificate/Diploma” → “TVET Second and Subsequent Loan”
- Verify yourself: Enter your phone number and ID number again
- Pick how you want to get paid: Choose M-Pesa or bank transfer
- Submit: Hit submit and save that confirmation message with your loan serial number
Pro tip: Keep that confirmation SMS. It’s your proof of application.
Option 2: USSD Code (*642#) (For Basic Phones)
Don’t have a smartphone? No problem. The official HELB site confirms you can apply for subsequent applications by dialing *642# on your mobile phone.
Steps:
- Dial *642# from your phone
- Log in with your PIN
- Select loan application
- Pick your level (Degree, Diploma, or Certificate)
- Choose your academic year
- Follow the prompts to finish
Option 3: HEF Portal (If You Love Computers)
Some people prefer doing things on their laptop. The HEF portal is the official online platform for HELB applications.
- Go to portal.hef.co.ke
- Log into your existing account
- Find the HELB section under Loan Application Tab
- Select subsequent loan application
- Fill out and submit the form
What You Need Ready
Before you start any of these methods, have these ready:
- Phone number registered under your name (this is super important)
- National ID number
- Email address that you actually check
- Your college details
- Bank account info or M-Pesa number for payment
How You’ll Get Your Money
HELB gives you options for getting your loan:
- M-Pesa: Money goes straight to your phone
- Bank account: Direct deposit to your account
- Mobile wallet: Through M-Pesa Mini App
Pick whatever works best for you.
You may also like this guide about How to Increase Your Fuliza Limit: The Only Guide That Actually Works
Things You Need to Know
No papers needed: Don’t print anything. Don’t submit physical forms. Everything is done online/mobile. That confirmation SMS is all you need.
It’s completely free: HELB doesn’t charge you anything to apply. If someone asks for money, they’re trying to scam you. Report them.
Your phone number matters: Your number MUST be registered under your name. If it’s under your mom’s name or someone else’s, it won’t work.
Deadlines exist: Keep an eye on HELB’s official website for when applications open. The HEF FAQ confirms that “second and subsequent applications are done annually whenever the next application window is open.” Missing the deadline means waiting for the next window.
After You Apply Subsequent HELB Loan
Once you submit your application:
- Save that confirmation SMS (seriously, don’t delete it)
- Check your application status using the same method you applied with through the HELB student portal
- Wait for HELB to tell you if you got the loan
- Contact HELB at ContactCentre@helb.co.ke or 0711052000 if you need help
Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Can’t log into the app? Make sure your phone number is registered under your name and you’re using the right PIN.
USSD not working? Try the mobile app or website instead.
App keeps crashing? Contact HELB customer care – they’re actually helpful.
Forgot your PIN? You can reset it through the app or by calling customer service.
Why This Guide Helps You Apply for Subsequent HELB Loans
Getting your next HELB loan doesn’t have to stress you out. The process is actually designed to be simple – way simpler than your first application. You don’t need to deal with guarantors, income certificates, or any of that paperwork drama.
Most students finish their subsequent HELB loan application in under 10 minutes using the mobile app. The important part is usually just making sure your phone number is properly registered under your name.
The government has streamlined how to apply subsequent HELB loan to make it accessible through multiple platforms, ensuring students can continue their education without financial barriers.
Share This with Your Friends
Your classmates are probably stressing about HELB applications too. Send them this guide – it’ll save them hours of confusion and frustration. The more students who know about these three easy methods to apply subsequent HELB loan, the fewer people will fall for scams or miss application deadlines.
Learning how to apply subsequent HELB loan is straightforward if you know what you’re doing. Pick the method that works for you, have your details ready, and submit your application. Your future self will thank you when that loan hits your account and you can focus on your studies instead of worrying about school fees.
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