THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS' LOANS BOARD (HESLB)
Investing in the Future
HESLB OPENS THE 2026/2027 STUDENT LOAN APPLICATION WINDOW
The Executive Director of the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB), Dr. Bill Kiwia, officially opened the student loan application window for the 2026/2027 academic year on June 19, 2026. The loan application process is expected to conclude on August 31, 2026.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Kiwia stated that the opening of the application window coincides with the launch of four (4) guidelines for the provision of loans and scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year.
“These guidelines have been prepared to help applicants understand the eligibility requirements, criteria, and procedures for obtaining loans and scholarships. We strongly encourage students to read and follow all instructions provided before completing their applications through the Online Loan Application and Management System (OLAMS),” said Dr. Bill.
The launched guidelines include those for the provision of loans to Undergraduate students, Diploma students, Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice students, as well as the Samia Scholarship Grant Guidelines.
Dr. Bill further emphasized that applicants must ensure they use the correct Form Four examination index number when applying for a loan, as the same number will also be used when applying for admission to higher learning institutions.
“We remind applicants to verify their birth certificates or their parents’ death certificates (for those who have lost one or both parents) through the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) or the Zanzibar Civil Status Registration Agency (ZCSRA), and obtain verification numbers before submitting their applications to HESLB,” he said.
In addition, he urged applicants aged 18 years and above to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) when filling out loan application forms. He also assured applicants who have not yet reached the age of 18 that they will still be allowed to proceed with their applications even if they do not have a NIN.
Furthermore, HESLB will continue using the National Physical Addressing System (NaPA) in identifying applicants, their parents, and guarantors in order to enhance efficiency and improve the accuracy of submitted information.
Regarding the Samia Scholarship Grants, Dr. Bill stated that 1,000 students who achieve the highest performance in Science combinations in the 2026 Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) will benefit from the Government-sponsored scholarship program.
“As in previous years, the Government will continue recognizing and supporting high-achieving Science students through the Samia Scholarship program,” he said.
HESLB has also assured students of continuous support through its Customer Service Centre, which will be available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the application period.
In conclusion, the Executive Director advised students not to wait until the last minute to submit their applications.
“There is sufficient time to apply for loans. We encourage applicants to make good use of this period by providing accurate information and uploading all required documents to complete their applications within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.
The loan application window for the 2026/2027 academic year will remain open for seventy-three (73) days from today and will officially close on August 31, 2026.