The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has extended the deadline for students to apply for loans for the 2025/2026 academic year to September 14, citing overwhelming demand and the need to give late applicants a fair chance.
As of August 31, the board had received 157,309 applications, reflecting a 5 percent increase compared to 150,530 applications received at the same stage last year.
Officials say the sharp rise underscores the growing reliance on loans among students pursuing higher education.
HESLB also reported a surge in applications for the ‘Samia Scholarship,’ which targets top-performing students.
By the end of August, 960 students had applied, up from 742 in the previous year, marking a 29 percent increase.
“The extension ensures that those who, for various reasons, could not submit their applications before the deadline are not left out,” the board said in its statement released on Sunday.
Applications have been open since June 15 through HESLB’s online system. The board stressed that September 14 will be the final cut-off date, with no further extensions to follow.
The continued rise in loan applications highlights the growing demand for financial support in higher learning institutions, as families increasingly turn to HESLB to ease the burden of tuition and related costs.