How much does HELB give for upkeep is a major consideration for those joining colleges and universities. Higher education can be expensive, especially considering the extra costs required for food, rent, stationeries, pocket money, and much more. Knowing how much money HELB gives for upkeep can help you plan your college expenses appropriately. But on average, money for upkeep ranges from Ksh. 60,000 to Ksh. 50,000.

How much does HELB give for upkeep for different students?

HELB gives money for upkeep depending on the band where a student belongs. There are five bands. Your band will be determined once you apply for the HELB loan for the first time.

1. Band One, the neediest group, consists of a family whose income is at most Sh5,995. Under this category, the government scholarship will cover 70 percent of the fees, while the loan will cover 25 percent, making the total support 95 percent. The family will pay 5 percent of the fees, and the student will receive an upkeep loan from HELB of Sh60,000.
2. In-Band Two, the government has grouped families whose income does not surpass Sh23,670 but is above Sh5,995. In this category, the government scholarship will cover 60 percent, while the loan will cover 30 percent. The family will pay 10 percent of the fees. Under this category, the student will receive an upkeep loan of Sh55,000.
3. In-Band Three, the government has classified families whose family income does not exceed Sh70,000 but is above Sh23,670. In this category, the government scholarship will cover 50 percent, while the loan will cover 30 percent. The family will contribute 20 percent of the fees supposed to be paid. Students in the category will receive an upkeep loan of Sh50,000.
4. In-Band Four, the government has grouped families whose income does not exceed Sh120,000 but is above Sh70,000. In this group, the government scholarship will cover 40 percent, while the loan will cover 30 percent. The family will pay 30 percent of the fees.
5. In Band 5, the government has grouped families that earn more than Sh120,000. In this category, families will pay 30 percent of fees. They will receive 30 percent of the fees as a loan, while their families will be required to pay 40 percent of the fees.

Final word

Money for upkeep is an important aspect for students in colleges and universities. Consequently, the question, “How much does HELB give for upkeep?” is a popular question among tertiary education students. If you are looking for an answer to this question, on average, money put in your wallet for upkeep ranges from Ksh. 60,000 to Ksh. 50,000.