The Government has set aside more than TZS 1.27 trillion to support higher education financing for the 2026/2027 academic year, a major investment expected to benefit over 200,000 students across Tanzania as the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board begins its new application cycle.
The announcement was made on June 19, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during the official launch of the 2026/2027 loan application window by the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) Executive Director, Dr. Bill Kiwia.
The launch also introduced four key operational guidelines that will govern the issuance of loans and grants for undergraduate students, diploma learners, postgraduate legal practice trainees, and beneficiaries of the national scholarship initiative.
Dr. Kiwia said the application window is now open for 73 days and will close on August 31, 2026, urging students to submit applications early and ensure all required information is accurate to avoid delays or disqualification.
He said the government’s allocation of TZS 1.27 trillion demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding access to higher education and strengthening human capital development in line with national development priorities.
Applications will be submitted through the Online Loan Application and Management System (OLAMS), which is used for registration, submission, and tracking of student loan applications. Dr. Kiwia urged applicants to carefully read the newly issued guidelines before applying.
He explained that the guidelines outline eligibility criteria, required documentation, and verification procedures aimed at improving efficiency and reducing application errors.
Applicants were also advised to ensure the accuracy of key personal details, especially the Form Four examination number, which is used for academic verification and admission linkage. Errors in this information may affect eligibility and delay processing.
For applicants aged 18 years and above, the National Identification Number (NIN) is required during application to support identity verification, although those below 18 years are still allowed to apply without it.
Dr. Kiwia also highlighted the Government’s continued investment in the Samia Scholarship Programme, under which 1,000 top-performing science students from the 2026 ACSEE examinations will receive scholarships.
The programme aims to strengthen skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
He said the scholarship initiative complements the student loan scheme by promoting academic excellence while ensuring equal access to higher education opportunities.
HESLB has also strengthened its customer service system to support applicants throughout the 73-day window.
The Customer Service Centre will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to assist with technical issues and application guidance.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the opening of the loan window, describing it as a key step in expanding access to higher education and supporting national development through increased investment in human capital.
The 2026/2027 application cycle is expected to attract thousands of applicants nationwide as HESLB continues to ensure that no qualified student is denied higher education due to financial constraints.
