The Executive Director of the Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB), Dr. Bill Kiwia, officially opened the loan application window for the 2026/2027 academic year today, June 19, 2026. The application process is expected to close on August 31, 2026.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Kiwia said that the opening of the application window coincides with the launch of four (4) guidelines for the provision of loans and grants for the 2026/2027 academic year.
"These guidelines have been prepared to help applicants understand the eligibility requirements, criteria, and procedures for obtaining loans and grants. We emphasize that students should carefully read and follow all instructions contained in the guidelines before filling out application forms through the Online Loan Application and Management System (OLAMS)," said Dr. Bill.
BOFYA HAPA KUAPPLY | HESLB APPLICATION 2026/2027
The launched guidelines include those for loan issuance to Undergraduate Degree students, Diploma students, Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice students, as well as the Samia Scholarship Grants Guidelines.
Dr. Bill further noted that applicants must ensure they use the correct Form Four examination index number when applying for a loan, and that the same examination number should also be used when applying for admission to higher education institutions.
"We remind applicants to verify birth certificates or parents' death certificates (for those who have lost their parents) through RITA or ZCSRA and obtain verification numbers before submitting their loan applications to HESLB," he said.
He also advised applicants aged 18 years and above to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) when filling out loan application forms. Those who have not yet reached the age of 18 should not worry, as they will still be allowed to proceed with their applications even if they do not have a NIN.
Additionally, HESLB will continue using the National Addressing System (NaPA) to identify applicants, their parents, and guarantors in order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the information submitted.
BOFYA HAPA KUAPPLY | HESLB APPLICATION 2026/2027
Regarding the Samia Scholarship Grants, Dr. Bill stated that 1,000 students who achieve the highest performance in Science subjects in the 2026 Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (Form Six) will benefit from this government-sponsored program.
"As in previous years, the Government will continue to recognize and support high-performing Science students through the Samia Scholarship program," he said.
HESLB also assured students that support services will be available through its Customer Service Centre, which will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the application period.
In conclusion, the Executive Director urged students not to wait until the last minute to submit their applications.
"There is sufficient time to apply for a loan. We encourage applicants to make good use of this period by providing accurate information and uploading all required documents to complete their applications within the stipulated timeframe," he said.
The loan application window for the 2026/2027 academic year will remain open for seventy-three (73) days from today and will officially close on August 31, 2026.
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