By Arnold Tutu
The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board –HELSB- has announced a major change to the student loan application process, saying applications for all ten public universities will open at the same time for the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a press statement issued to ZNBC news by Corporate Affairs Manager CHISELWA KAWANDA, the Board said the new system is intended to improve efficiency, fairness and transparency in the allocation of student loans across the country.
Ms. KAWANDA said under the revised arrangement, applicants will have more time to prepare and submit their applications.
She said the system will also allow candidates to submit additional or corrected documents if requested during the shortlisting process, a move that will support a more thorough assessment of applications.
Ms. KAWANDA said synchronising the application process will align loan awards with the national budget cycle while reducing the risk of duplicate allocations.
She said the initiative has been developed in collaboration with Zambia’s ten public universities, including University of Zambia and Copperbelt University.
Ms. KAWANDA further said the HELSB is also working with the institutions to harmonise academic calendars, ensuring that loan processing and disbursement take place within a common time-frame.
Speaking on the development, HELSB Chief Executive Officer JOHN MACHAYI said the change is part of efforts to improve the administration of student financing.
“Opening student loan applications simultaneously for all public universities will improve efficiency, fairness and transparency in the allocation of student loans,” said Dr. MACHAYI. “It will also give applicants enough time to submit complete applications while enabling HELSB to carry out a more detailed assessment process.”
The Board has urged prospective applicants to pay close attention to application deadlines for their chosen institutions.
Other universities included in the synchronised application process are Mulungushi University, Kwame Nkrumah University, Chalimbana University, Mukuba University, Palabana University, Kapasa Makasa University, Zambia University College of Technology and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University.
HELSB says the move is expected to improve loan administration and promote a more transparent and fair process for students seeking financial support in higher education.
