HELSB Releases First Year List of Successful Student Loan Beneficiaries for Copperbelt University 2025/2026 - In a significant boost to higher education financing, the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) Zambia has awarded 4,683 student loans to first-year students at Copperbelt University (CBU) for the 2025/2026 academic year. This strategic allocation underscores the board’s commitment to fostering academic growth while addressing socio-economic disparities. The awards were carefully considered to ensure a balanced distribution across schools, with priority given to students demonstrating both academic merit and high socio-economic vulnerability. This dual focus highlights HELSB's holistic approach to educational support, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented individuals from pursuing their academic dreams.
The selection process was highly competitive, reflecting the pressing demand for financial assistance among Zambian students. A total of 11,329 applications were received for sponsorship at CBU, with 10,192 applicants (90%) meeting the stringent eligibility criteria. The remaining 1,137 applicants (10%) were declared ineligible for various reasons, including already being awarded a student loan at another university, completion of Grade 12 before 2021, submission of incomplete or incorrect documentation, exceeding the maximum age of 26 years, and admission to unsupported study modes, such as evening learning. These criteria ensure that resources are channeled to those most in need and aligned with national educational priorities.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of this year’s allocation is its geographic representation, demonstrating a concerted effort to achieve nationwide educational equity. The geographic distribution of eligible applicants reveals a thoughtful balance: rural districts accounted for 2,727 applicants (24%), urban districts for 4,444 (39%), and peri-urban districts for 4,158 (37%). This breakdown ensures that students from all residential backgrounds have a fair chance at accessing tertiary education. Furthermore, HELSB demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity by processing applications from students with disabilities. Out of 28 such applications received, 27 were granted loans. The one unsuccessful applicant was ineligible solely because they had already received funding at Mulungushi University, underscoring the board's rule against dual sponsorship.
HELSB remains steadfastly committed to ensuring equitable access to higher education for students from all backgrounds, including those from underserved rural areas and students with disabilities. The board’s policies are deliberately designed to level the academic playing field and unlock potential across every segment of society. This latest financial aid deployment means that a total of 13,010 students at Copperbelt University are now supported by HELSB, further reinforcing its mandate to promote access to tertiary education across Zambia. This sustained investment in human capital is crucial for national development, creating a pipeline of skilled graduates ready to contribute to Zambia's growing economy and social fabric.
The list is shared on the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) website
.png)
0 Comments