You got HELB last year. That does not mean you have it this year.

Every year, students get caught by the exact same assumption — that once you're funded, you stay funded automatically. You don't.

MYTH: "Once you're placed and funded, HELB and scholarships continue automatically."

REALITY: HELB opened its Subsequent Loan Application for the 2026/2027 academic year specifically for continuing students. Not new applicants — students who already received HELB before. You dial *642# and reapply. Every single year. No reapplication, no loan.

The Universities Fund runs the identical system. Scholarships for continuing students reopen as a completely separate annual application — not a one-time approval that quietly follows you to graduation.

How This Actually Catches Students

You got placed as a fresher. You got your first HELB disbursement. You assumed it just "continues." Second year rolls around, fee balance builds up, and suddenly you're barred from registering for your CATs — not because you didn't qualify, but because you never dialled *642# to reapply.

This happens to thousands of continuing students every single year. Not because they're irresponsible. Because nobody told them funding requires annual renewal.

What You Actually Need To Do

✓ Mark your calendar for HELB's subsequent loan window — opens June each year for continuing students ✓ Dial *642# and complete your application the moment it opens — don't wait until fee deadlines are already looming ✓ Check the Universities Fund portal separately — it's not the same application as HELB ✓ Confirm your application status before every semester starts, not after you're already blocked from registration

Placement gets you in. Funding does not follow you automatically after that. It's an annual responsibility you carry every single year you're enrolled — and missing the window doesn't pause your fees, it just leaves you to cover them yourself.

Visit studoke.com for funding deadline tracking and reminders.

Did you know you had to reapply every year, or did this catch you off guard too? Drop below.