The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) has officially announced that it has approved student loans for 2,145 first-year students who will be studying at Mulungushi University in the 2025/2026 academic year. The development comes as a welcome relief to many families across Zambia, especially those struggling with the cost of tertiary education.
According to the HELSB Corporate Communications and Customer Services Manager, Ms. Chiselwa Kawanda, the board received a total of 6,262 student loan applications from prospective first-year students intending to enroll at Mulungushi University. Out of this total, 5,671 applicants were considered eligible for the student loan scheme after meeting the required criteria. However, 591 applications were rejected for failing to meet the stipulated eligibility requirements.
During her statement, Ms. Kawanda explained that HELSB remains committed to ensuring equal access to higher education for all Zambians, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged students, in line with the government’s broader agenda of promoting inclusive education. She revealed that of the 2,145 approved student loan beneficiaries, 1,114 are male students, representing 52 percent of the total number, while 1,031 are female students, making up 48 percent. This gender distribution demonstrates HELSB’s consistent efforts to promote gender equality in the provision of higher education opportunities.
In a remarkable demonstration of its dedication to inclusive education, HELSB has also approved all 22 applications received from students living with disabilities. Ms. Kawanda emphasized that the board remains committed to supporting disadvantaged students to enable them to access quality higher education and improve their socio-economic prospects. She stated that no student living with a disability was left behind, adding that the decision underscores the institution’s policy of ensuring no one is excluded from receiving education purely on account of their physical or social condition.
Ms. Kawanda stated that several of the rejected applications were disqualified for various reasons, including the applicants having completed Grade 12 before the year 2020. Other applications were found to contain incomplete or inaccurate information, while a number of applicants exceeded the maximum age limit of 26 years set by the loan policy. In addition, some applicants failed to meet the required academic performance threshold, having scored above the 30-point limit. HELSB clarified that such rules are in place to ensure that the available financial resources are directed to the most deserving applicants who fall within the defined criteria.
She further encouraged prospective applicants to always ensure that they carefully read the eligibility requirements and provide accurate and complete information to avoid disappointment in future application cycles. “We urge all students who intend to apply in upcoming intakes to pay close attention to the requirements and ensure that their documentation is correct and complete. We remain committed to helping as many deserving students as possible, but our policy guidelines must be followed,” she said.
The announcement has been welcomed by many parents and students across the country, as the high cost of university education continues to be a serious challenge for most households. Mulungushi University is one of Zambia’s leading public universities and attracts thousands of applicants every year due to its diverse academic programmes and its reputation for providing quality education.
Stakeholders in the education sector have also applauded HELSB for its continued dedication to helping vulnerable and disadvantaged learners. Many observers point to the fact that year after year, the board continues to expand the number of beneficiaries, thereby empowering thousands of young Zambians to pursue higher education and contribute to national development. Education experts are also optimistic that the improved access to tertiary education will help produce a skilled workforce capable of driving the country’s economic growth.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Kawanda reaffirmed HELSB’s unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable learners through the student loan scheme, stressing that education remains a key instrument for alleviating poverty and promoting equality. She reassured the nation that the board will continue to work diligently to expand the loan programme so that more deserving Zambian students can access higher education regardless of their socio-economic background.
Meanwhile, the general public has been advised that the full list of successful applicants for the 2025/2026 academic year will be published on the official HELSB website and other relevant platforms. Successful applicants are therefore urged to check their names and further instructions regarding the next steps of the loan process. HELSB also advised all approved beneficiaries to carefully read the loan agreement terms and conditions before accepting the offer.
This announcement by HELSB comes at a time when the government is placing more attention on the education sector with a focus on creating equitable access across all provinces. The Ministry of Education has emphasized the importance of supporting students from rural and low-income households who often face the biggest challenges when it comes to financing their university studies. HELSB’s student loan scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring that national development is inclusive and leaves no one behind.
Members of the public are also encouraged to support students who are beneficiaries of the loan scheme by providing them with the necessary moral and emotional support as they transition into university. Community leaders and parents have been urged to motivate students to work hard in their studies, as the funding provided through HELSB must be used responsibly to achieve the intended results.
As the 2025/2026 academic year approaches, Mulungushi University is preparing to welcome its new cohort of first-year students. For more than two thousand of these students, the financial assistance provided by HELSB will make a significant difference and allow them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. Many newly admitted students have already expressed their gratitude to HELSB and have committed to making good use of the opportunity to secure their future.
With this development, HELSB has once again demonstrated its critical role in supporting higher education in Zambia. The institution continues to stand as a beacon of hope for many young people who aspire to further their studies but are held back by financial constraints. Through the continued provision of loans and scholarships, HELSB is helping to build a better, more educated, and more prosperous Zambia.
