Tanzania HESLB Releases TZS 215.3 Billion in Loans and Grants for 66,987 Students

The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has announced the release of the second batch of student loan and grant allocations for the 2025/2026 academic year, totaling TZS 215.3 billion. This amount will benefit 66,987 students across various higher learning institutions in Tanzania, marking another milestone in the government’s continued effort to support access to tertiary education.

According to the statement issued by HESLB, the allocation covers both new and continuing students in public and private universities, technical colleges, and other accredited institutions. Out of the total beneficiaries, 43,562 are first-year undergraduate students and 1,179 are diploma students who have been granted loans amounting to TZS 143.7 billion. In addition, 288 students under the Samia Scholarship Programme have been awarded scholarships worth TZS 575 million, while 230 students from the Law School of Tanzania will receive TZS 1.5 billion in loans.

The statement further highlighted that 21,729 continuing students who successfully passed their previous academic year examinations have also been allocated TZS 69.4 billion in loans and grants to support their ongoing studies.

So far, HESLB has completed loan allocations for 202,227 students nationwide, equivalent to TZS 641.8 billion, out of the TZS 916.7 billion set aside by the government for the current academic year. This effort demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to ensuring equitable access to higher education and reducing financial barriers for Tanzanian students from low-income backgrounds.

Following the completion of this allocation phase, HESLB has also announced that students who were not selected in either of the two allocation rounds, and who have received notifications explaining the reasons for ineligibility, will have the opportunity to appeal. The appeal window will be open from November 10 to November 17, 2025, and all appeal procedures can be accessed through the applicants’ personal accounts on the Student’s Individual Permanent Account (SIPA) system.

HESLB reassured students that the allocation process will continue for continuing students as universities and colleges submit updated academic results. The Board remains committed to transparency and efficiency in loan management and encourages all beneficiaries to use their funds responsibly to achieve academic excellence.

Issued by:

Executive Director

Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB)