Official Announcement: 2026/2027 HELSB Student Loan Applications for Public Universities Now Open

Applications are officially invited from suitably qualified Zambians who meet the minimum requirements to apply for Undergraduate GRZ Student Loans for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. These loans are available for students admitted to Ten Public Universities under the Student Loan Scheme. HELSB emphasizes that while admission to a university is required, it does not automatically guarantee a GRZ student loan, as loans are limited and awarded based on the Board’s financial capacity.

To be considered for a student loan, applicants must meet specific criteria. You must be a Zambian citizen with a valid Green National Registration Card (NRC). You must be a school leaver who has been admitted to one of the designated public institutions for the 2026/2027 intake. Additionally, you must have completed your Grade 12 in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025. Finally, applicants must be 26 years old or younger as of 31st October 2026.

The student loan scheme for this cycle covers the following ten institutions: Mulungushi University, Kwame Nkrumah University, Chalimbana University, Mukuba University, Palabana University, Copperbelt University (CBU), University of Zambia (UNZA), Kapasa Makasa University, Zambia University College of Technology, and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU).

Applications must be submitted online through the HELSB portal at https://portal.helsb.gov.zm/. Applicants are required to upload the following documents in PDF format, with a maximum file size of 5MB per document: An application letter responding to the advertisement clearly indicating the University of admission, a photocopy of the 2026/2027 Admission Letter from the university of interest, a photocopy of the Grade 12 Statement of Results or Certificate, and photocopies of both the applicant’s NRC and the Parent or Guardian’s NRC.

For a detailed copy of the official advertisement and the list of covered institutions and guidelines, you can download the document directly from this link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4sdvgznaflqlfl3lw9k0h/pdf24_converted.pdf?rlkey=hvzr6w185zc3d6vk7ytz7azow&dl=1 Please ensure you have read all the instructions in the document before starting your online application.

Loans are scaled according to the level of financial support required, and applicants must indicate their requested level in the application. The available levels are 100 percent, 75 percent, 50 percent, and 25 percent support. Please note that 100 percent support is strictly reserved for extremely vulnerable applicants. However, it is important to note that full student allowances are payable to all successful applicants regardless of their awarded level of tuition support (from 25 percent up to 100 percent).

Applicants must submit their applications well before the closing dates as late submissions will not be accepted. The deadlines are as follows: Mulungushi University and Palabana University close on 30th May 2026. Kwame Nkrumah University and Chalimbana University close on 30th June 2026. Mukuba University closes on 30th July 2026. Copperbelt University (CBU) closes on 30th August 2026. The University of Zambia (UNZA) closes on 30th September 2026. Finally, Kapasa Makasa University, Zambia University College of Technology, and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University all close on 30th October 2026.

For enquiries, you can visit HELSB offices in Lusaka at the 2nd Floor United Church House on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road or at Stand No. 6711 in Olympia Park Extension. In Kitwe, offices are located at C4 Copperbelt University Riverside Campus, and in Kabwe at Mulungushi University Town Campus. You can also contact them via phone at +260 211 250726, WhatsApp at +260 968058811, or follow their official social media handles on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter) at HELSB-Zambia.