Open Loan Application Window HESLB 2026/2026, The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) is a body corporate established under Act No.9 of 2004 (as amended in 2007, 2014 and 2016) with the objective of assisting needy and eligible Tanzania students to access loans and grants for higher education.
HESLB Executive Director Dr. Bill Kiwia today, June 19, 2026, officially opened the loan application window for the 2026/2027 academic year, with the loan application process expected to be completed by August 31, 2026.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Kiwia said that the opening of the window coincides with the launch of four (4) Guidelines for the provision of loans and grants for the 2026/2027 academic year.
“These guidelines have been prepared to help applicants understand the qualifications, criteria and procedures for obtaining loans and grants. We urge students to read and adhere to all the instructions contained therein before starting to fill out application forms through the OLAMS system,” said Dr. Bill.
The guidelines launched include those for the provision of loans to undergraduate, diploma, postgraduate diploma in legal practice students as well as the Samia Scholarship Grants Guidelines.
Dr. Bill further stated that applicants should ensure that they use the correct Form Four examination number when applying for a loan and that the same number will also be used when applying for admission to higher education institutions.
“We remind applicants to verify their parents’ birth or death certificates (for those who have lost their parents) through RITA or ZCSRA and obtain verification numbers before submitting their applications to HESLB,” he said.
He also urged applicants aged 18 and above to submit their National Identification Number (NIN) when filling out loan application forms, and reassured those who have not yet reached that age that they will be allowed to continue with their applications even if they do not have the number.
In another step, HESLB will continue to use the Residential Address Identification (NaPA) system in identifying applicants, their parents and their sponsors to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the information submitted.
Regarding Samia Scholarship Grants, Dr. Bill said 1,000 students who perform best in Science subjects in the 2026 Form Six examinations will benefit from the Government funding.
“As in previous years, the Government will continue to recognize and support students with high performance in Science subjects through the Samia Scholarship program,” he said.
HESLB has also assured students of support services through its Customer Service Center that will be available from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm daily throughout the application period.
Concluding, the CEO urged students not to wait until the last minute to submit their applications.
“The time to apply for a loan is sufficient. We urge applicants to make good use of this period by filling in accurate information and uploading all the required documents to complete their applications within the allotted time,” he said.
The loan application window for the 2026/2027 academic year will be closed for seventy-three (73) days from today and will officially close on August 31, 2026.
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