The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) has officially opened applications for undergraduate student loans for the 2026/2027 academic year. This opportunity is available to eligible Zambian students admitted to selected public universities.

If you’re planning to apply, here’s everything you need to know—eligibility, requirements, deadlines, and how to submit your application successfully.

The HELSB student loan scheme provides financial assistance to Zambian students pursuing higher education. However, funding is limited and competitive, and not all applicants will receive full support.

Loans are awarded based on:

• Financial need
• Supporting documentation
• The Board’s available funding capacity

Importantly, admission to university does NOT guarantee a loan.

Levels of Financial Support

HELSB offers different tiers of support depending on a student’s financial situation:

• 100% support (reserved for extremely vulnerable applicants)
• 75% support
• 50% support
• 25% support

Applicants are encouraged to apply honestly based on their level of need, as this can improve their chances of approval.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026/2027 HELSB student loan, applicants must:

• Be a Zambian citizen with a valid NRC
• Have secured admission to one of the following institutions:
  • Mulungushi University
  • Kwame Nkrumah University
  • Chalimbana University
  • Mukuba University
  • Palabana University
  • Copperbelt University
  • University of Zambia
  • Kapasa Makasa University
  • Zambia University College of Technology
  • Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
• Have completed Grade 12 in 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025
• Be 26 years old or younger by 31 October 2026

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload the following:

• Application letter stating the university of admission
• Admission letter (2026/2027 academic year)
• Grade 12 results or certificate
• NRC copy (applicant and parent/guardian)

All documents must:

• Be in PDF format
• Not exceed 5MB per file

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the official HELSB portal:

• https://portal.helsb.gov.zm/

Make sure all documents are clear, complete, and properly uploaded before submission.

Application Deadlines by University

Deadlines vary depending on the institution. Here’s the official schedule:

• Mulungushi University – 30 May 2026
• Palabana University – 30 May 2026
• Kwame Nkrumah University – 30 June 2026
• Chalimbana University – 30 June 2026
• Mukuba University – 30 July 2026
• Copperbelt University – 30 August 2026
• University of Zambia – 30 September 2026
• Kapasa Makasa University – 30 October 2026
• Zambia University College of Technology – 30 October 2026
• Levy Mwanawasa Medical University – 30 October 2026

Late applications are not accepted, so apply early.

Important Notes

• Loans are not automatically granted—selection is competitive
• Supporting documents that demonstrate financial need can strengthen your application
• Full student allowances are payable at all support levels

HELSB Contact Information

For enquiries or assistance, you can reach HELSB through:

• Phone: +260 211 250726 / +260 212 229192
• Website: www.helsb.gov.zm
• Social media: HELSB Zambia

Final Advice

If you meet the criteria, apply as early as possible and ensure your application is complete. Pay close attention to your selected university’s deadline, and provide strong evidence of financial need.

This opportunity can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education—approach the application process carefully and strategically.