Tanzania's higher education loan programme will support 292,463 students in the 2026/27 academic year, up from 252,773 the previous year. The Higher Education Students' Loans Board has allocated 1.06 trillion shillings for the coming year, an increase from 916.7 billion shillings in 2025/26. The first batch of beneficiaries, numbering 165,775 students, has already been allocated 535.7 billion shillings, according to HESLB Executive Director Dr Bill Kiwia.
The initial allocations include 74,769 first-year undergraduate students receiving 246.88 billion shillings and 8,538 diploma students receiving 22.9 billion shillings. A further 79,115 continuing undergraduate students have been allocated 252.4 billion shillings. Loan amounts typically range from 3 million to 3.6 million shillings per student, depending on their circumstances and needs.
Dr Kiwia said additional batches of allocations will be announced as higher learning institutions continue admitting students. He stressed that admission to a recognised institution is essential before loans can be allocated, and urged successful applicants to complete registration procedures promptly, including providing bank details and telephone numbers to facilitate fund disbursement.
The HESLB director emphasised that financing higher education remains a shared responsibility between government, families and students. He reminded parents and guardians that they also have a role in supporting education costs alongside the government's contribution.