How to Apply for Afya Elimu loan

The Higher Education Loans Board, a state agency under the Ministry of Education, was established in July 1995 by the Higher Education Loans Board Act Cap 213 A.

This statutory body offers an incredible loan product known as the HELB Afya Elimu Fund, a public-private partnership initiative aimed at covering the tuition fees of needy college students. Additionally, are you wondering how to apply for this loan and what the disbursement rules are?

Moreover, higher education, including college or university education, can often be financially challenging for students who require assistance with tuition and living expenses.

Furthermore, to address this, governments worldwide have established student loan facilities to support students in financing their higher education.

Specifically, in Kenya, the government offers the Afya Elimu fund through HELB. Curious about the application requirements for this fund?

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What is the HELB Afya Elimu Fund?

The HELB Afya Elimu Fund is a government loan facility designed to support needy students in Kenya who are pursuing higher education. Additionally, this fund is specifically tailored to finance medical training programs.

Moreover, it is a result of a partnership between the USAID-funded FUNZOKenya and Human Resource for Health (HRH) Kenya Projects, implemented by IntraHealth International Inc., HELB, the Ministry of Health, and the private sector through the Kenya Healthcare Federation.

Needy students enrolled in medical training programs at recognized institutions in Kenya, such as the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Faith-Based Organizations (FBO), and other institutions offering diploma and certificate courses in medical fields, can benefit from this fund.

Moreover, the courses covered under this program include Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Nutritionists, Health Records Management and Information Technology, Public Health Officers, Medical and Dental Practitioners, and courses in cadres facing a critical shortage of skilled health workers.

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Afya Elimu Fund: Qualifications and Criteria

To qualify for the Afya Elimu Fund loan application, individuals must meet specific criteria:

1. Enrollment in mid-level medical training colleges or faith-based medical training institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education.
2. Kenyan citizenship with a residential status in Kenya.
3. Demonstration of financial need.
4. Enrollment as a student in the first, second, or third year of study.
5. Submission of copies of required supportive documents.
6. Commitment to serve for a minimum of three years in any county or district, marginalized, or hard-to-reach areas upon completing their studies.
7. Willingness to comply with the bonding mechanism in the loan and scholarship program.
8. Agreement to abide by the loan repayment and monitoring procedures, including providing annual academic progress reports and reference letters from the institution to maintain funding throughout the study period.

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How to Apply for the Afya Elimu Loan and Eligibility

To apply for the Afya Elimu Fund, ensure you have the necessary documents ready, including:

1. A completed Afya Elimu loan application form.
2. KCSE certificate.
3. Second-Generation National Identification Card.
4. School leaving certificate.
5. Recent Training Institution Academic Transcripts/Reports.
6. Current fee statement.
7. Copy of letter of admission.

Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Visit the official HELB Afya Elimu loan portal or use the HELB app downloaded from your phone’s app store.
2. Register on the platform using your national ID and a valid email address.
3. Navigate to the “loan” tab and select the certificate or diploma options.
4. Choose “apply” for the Afya Elimu Fund (AEF) second and subsequent loans.
5. Verify your details by entering your registered mobile phone and national ID numbers.
6. Review financial literacy questions and ensure loan details are accurate.
7. Click “Submit” to complete the application.
8. Receive a confirmation message with your loan serial number.
9. Further communication about the loan will be sent to you via the portal and the contacts provided during registration.

Notably, the Afya Elimu fund application process is paperless, and there’s no need to print any forms. The loan serial number received via SMS serves as confirmation of your application.

It’s crucial to apply for the Afya Elimu Fund loan at the appropriate time and for the specified duration. For example, if you didn’t apply in your first year but are still eligible, you can apply in your second year, but you must do so during the first application window.

The interest rate for the Afya Elimu Fund is 4% per annum, and it begins to accrue immediately after the first disbursement.

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FAQs about Afya Elimu Fund Loan Application

What is the Afya Elimu Fund?

The Afya Elimu Fund is a government loan facility designed to support needy students in Kenya who are pursuing higher education, specifically in medical training programs.

Who qualifies for the Afya Elimu Fund?

To qualify for the Afya Elimu Fund, individuals must be enrolled in mid-level medical training colleges or faith-based medical training institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education. They must also be Kenyan citizens with a residential status in Kenya, demonstrate financial need, and be in their first, second, or third year of study.

What documents are required for the Afya Elimu Fund application?

Required documents include a duly filled Afya Elimu loan application form, KCSE certificate, Second-Generation National Identification Card, school leaving certificate, recent training institution academic transcripts/reports, current fee statement, and a copy of the letter of admission.

How can I apply for the Afya Elimu Fund?

You can apply for the Afya Elimu Fund by visiting the official HELB Afya Elimu loan portal or using the HELB app downloaded from your phone’s app store. Register on the platform, choose the certificate or diploma options, and follow the steps outlined in the application process.

When should I apply for the Afya Elimu Fund?

Applicants must apply for the Afya Elimu Fund during the appropriate application window for their current year of study. For example, if you didn’t apply in your first year but are still eligible, you can apply in your second year during the first application window.

What is the interest rate for the Afya Elimu Fund?

The applicable interest rate for the Afya Elimu Fund is 4% per annum, and it begins to accrue immediately after the first disbursement.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Afya Elimu Fund stands as a crucial lifeline for needy students pursuing medical training in Kenya. Through its accessible application process, reasonable interest rates, and commitment to supporting students throughout their education, the fund plays a vital role in bridging financial gaps and ensuring that aspiring healthcare professionals can achieve their academic dreams.

By following the outlined steps and meeting the eligibility criteria, students can access the support they need to excel in their studies and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector in Kenya.

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