The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has explained why some students under the old university funding model are yet to receive their 2026/27 academic year funds, with course duration emerging as a key factor.
The clarification comes as students raise concerns over delayed batch numbers and uncertainty about whether their loans will eventually be deposited into their accounts.
Students who have exceeded their course duration should seek institutional confirmation promptly to improve their chances of receiving pending HELB funds.
HELB Cites Four-Year Course Limit
HELB said some students may not receive further disbursements after reaching the maximum funding period corresponding to their official course duration.
In one case, a student complained that more than a month had passed without a batch number being generated and sought clarification on whether funds were still available.
Responding to the student, HELB said its records showed that the student's course had a duration of four years and that the maximum period had already been reached.
The Board therefore indicated that the student was expected to have completed the course by that point.
Students Taking Longer to Complete Studies Can Seek Funding
However, reaching the official course duration does not necessarily mean an affected student has no avenue to have their funding considered.
HELB said students who are still actively enrolled and have extended their studies can provide additional documentation confirming their continued studies.
The Board specifically asked affected students to obtain a letter from their Dean confirming that they remain enrolled and are continuing with their studies.
The documentation can then be submitted to HELB to enable the Board to initiate the disbursement process.
Why Some Students Have No Batch Numbers
The clarification provides an explanation for some students who have been waiting for batch numbers as HELB begins processing funds for the 2026/27 academic year.
Students who have exceeded the standard duration of their courses may encounter delays if the Board's records indicate that their maximum funding period has already been reached.
This means the absence of a batch number does not necessarily indicate that funds have been permanently cancelled.
However, students whose studies have extended beyond the approved course period may need to prove that they remain actively enrolled before further processing can take place.
Students Urged to Contact Their Institutions
Affected students have been advised to approach their respective universities or colleges and obtain confirmation of their continued studies.
A letter from the Dean could provide HELB with the evidence required to establish that a student has not completed their studies despite reaching the standard course duration.
The requirement is particularly important for students who have taken longer than expected to complete their programmes and remain dependent on government-backed education financing.
Old Funding Model Students Face Uncertainty
The clarification comes as students under the old funding model continue monitoring their HELB accounts for batch numbers and disbursement updates.
While the Board has started disbursing funds for the 2026/27 academic year, students whose records show that they have exhausted their standard funding period may face additional verification.
For students still pursuing their studies, securing institutional confirmation could therefore be critical in determining whether HELB can process their pending disbursements.
