The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has officially opened the loan application window for the 2026/2027 academic year, providing eligible Tanzanian students with an opportunity to apply for financial assistance to support their higher education studies.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on June 19, 2026, HESLB Executive Director, Dr. Bill Kiwia, announced that the application exercise will run for 73 days and is scheduled to close on August 31, 2026.
New Guidelines Released
According to Dr. Kiwia, the opening of the application window is accompanied by the release of the 2026/2027 Loans and Scholarships Guidelines. The guidelines outline eligibility requirements, application procedures, and criteria for the allocation of loans and scholarships.
He urged prospective applicants to carefully review the guidelines before submitting their applications through the Online Loan Application and Management System (OLAMS).
“The guidelines have been prepared to help applicants understand the qualifications, requirements, and procedures for obtaining loans and scholarships. Applicants should ensure they follow all instructions before completing their applications through OLAMS,” said Dr. Kiwia.
Programmes Covered
The guidelines apply to students pursuing:
- Certificate programmes
- Diploma programmes
- Undergraduate degree programmes
- Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice programmes
- Samia Scholarship Programme
Important Requirements for Applicants
Dr. Kiwia emphasized that applicants must use the correct Form Four examination index number when applying for loans. The same examination number will also be required during admission to higher learning institutions.
Additionally, applicants aged 18 years and above are required to use their National Identification Number (NIN) during the application process. However, students who have attained the required age but have not yet obtained a NIN will still be allowed to continue with their applications.
Samia Scholarship to Benefit 1,000 Students
Regarding the Samia Scholarship Programme, Dr. Kiwia announced that 1,000 outstanding science students who perform exceptionally well in the 2026 Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) will qualify for the scholarship.
The initiative aims to promote academic excellence and support talented students pursuing science-related fields.
HESLB Help Desk Available
To assist applicants throughout the application period, HESLB has established a dedicated help desk service that will operate daily from 2:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The support service is intended to help students resolve any challenges they may encounter while completing their applications.
Application Deadline
Students interested in obtaining financial support for the 2026/2027 academic year are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute difficulties. The application window opened on June 19, 2026, and will officially close on August 31, 2026. Applicants are advised to complete all requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.
