HELSB Releases Full List of 3,926 UNZA Student Loan Awardees for 2025/2026 Academic Year

HELSB Releases Full List of 3,926 UNZA Student Loan Awardees for 2025/2026 Academic Year- The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board has confirmed the award of 3,926 student loans to first-year students at the University of Zambia for the 2025/2026 academic year. The announcement follows a detailed review of thousands of applications submitted by learners seeking financial support for their higher education.

The Board received 5,798 applications for sponsorship. Out of these, 4,929 applicants met the eligibility requirements. This represents 85 percent of all submissions. The remaining 869 applicants were ruled ineligible based on several issues including completing Grade 12 before 2020, missing or incorrect documents, being older than the 26-year age limit, having more than 30 points, or already having been awarded support at another university.

The geographic distribution of eligible applicants reflects broad interest across the country. The Board recorded 2,477 eligible applicants from urban areas which represents 43 percent. Another 1,544 applicants came from peri-urban areas which represents 26 percent. Rural areas accounted for 1,777 eligible applicants which represents 31 percent. This distribution guided the Board’s effort to maintain fairness in loan allocation.

The Board also received 29 applications from students with disabilities. After review, 28 applicants were approved for loan support. This reflects the Board’s commitment to inclusive access in higher education.

According to HELSB, loan awards were made after evaluating both academic strength and socio-economic need. Priority was given to applicants who demonstrated financial vulnerability and strong potential for academic success. The Board noted that it aims to reflect provincial balance in each award cycle.

HELSB is currently supporting 17,378 students at the University of Zambia across various levels of study. The Board stated that it remains focused on widening access to higher education, especially for learners from low-income households.

See HELSB UNZA full list in pdf here

The update was issued by Chiselwa Kawanda, Manager Corporate Affairs.