Sifa za Kupata Mkopo wa Diploma HESLB 2026/2027

The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has established specific eligibility criteria for students applying for a Diploma Loan in the 2026/2027 academic year.

Applicants must meet both the general eligibility requirements and, where applicable, the priority criteria used during loan allocation.

APPLICATION WINDOW

The loan application window for the academic year 2026/2027 will be opened by considering SEPTEMBER and MARCH intakes.

The September intake application window opens on 19th June, 2026 to 31st August, 2026 and that of March intake will be announced once due. These Guidelines are available on www.heslb.go.tz.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

In accordance with the HESLB Act, the Board has set general and specific eligibility criteria for loan applicants.

General Criteria

Must be a Tanzanian not older than 35 years at the time of application
Must have admission into an accredited tertiary education institution in Tanzania
Must have a complete and correct application made through OLAMS
Must not have income from employment or an established contract in either the public or private sector
Should not be a beneficiary of other form of sponsorship or financial assistance, and
Must have completed CSEE, Certificate, ACSEE, or other EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS (enabling the applicant to secure admission into a tertiary education institution) within five (5) years, i.e.2022 2026 inclusive.

Specific Criteria for First-Time Continuing Applicants (FTCA)

In addition to the general eligibility criteria mentioned in item 3.1, continuing students must: –

Have passed examinations of the previous academic year
Ensure exam results have been submitted to HESLB through the tertiary education institution loan desk officer, and
In case of resumption, he/she must have submitted a resumption letter to HESLB through the institutions loan desk officer.

Priority Categories for Loan Allocation

Since HESLB loans are awarded based on available funds and need, priority is generally given to applicants who fall into one or more of the following categories:

Orphans (one or both parents deceased).
Students from poor or vulnerable households, including beneficiaries of TASAF.
Applicants with disabilities.
Applicants whose parents have disabilities.
Students from economically disadvantaged families.
Applicants enrolled in programmes identified by the Government as priority fields.

LOAN APPLICATION FEE

Applicants must pay a non-refundable, one-off application fee of TZS 20,000 using system- generated control number vide bank or mobile money networks. For details, visit: www.heslb.go.tz