Are you planning to apply for a higher education loan for the academic year 2024/2025 in Tanzania? Whether you’re a student, parent, or guardian, understanding the application process is essential. HESLB Loan Application FAQs – 2025 Complete Guide The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has outlined a comprehensive guide to help applicants secure financial support for their studies.
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When and How to Apply
Applications for higher education loans are submitted once every academic year. For the 2024/2025 intake, applications will be made online through the HESLB system between June 1 and August 31, 2024 via the Online Loan Application and Management System (OLAMS): olas.heslb.go.tz, HESLB Loan Application FAQs – 2025 Complete Guide
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a loan, applicants must meet the following:
- Be a Tanzanian citizen.
- Apply through the official HESLB online portal.
- Have secured admission to a government-recognized institution.
- Not be under any other scholarship or financial aid program.
- Thoroughly review the Loan Issuance Guidelines 2024/2025 on www.heslb.go.tz
Required Documents
Make sure you prepare the following:
- Verified Birth Certificate or RITA verification code (or ZCSRA for Zanzibar).
- Diploma Certificate for applicants upgrading to a degree.
- Death Certificate of parent(s), verified by RITA or ZCSRA (if applicable).
- Guarantor ID – Acceptable forms include NIDA, voter ID, driver’s license, passport, or Zanzibar resident ID.
- Sponsor Form, signed and filled if sponsored in previous education levels.
- Disability Confirmation Form, signed by the District or Regional Medical Officer (if applicable).
- Passport-sized photos of both applicant and guarantor.
Important Verification
All certificates must be verified before uploading to the system. Contact RITA or ZCSRA for proper guidance on verification procedures.
Loan Allocation Criteria
HESLB uses the Means Testing Tool to assess the applicant’s financial need. Priority is given to:
- Orphans.
- Applicants with disabilities or those with disabled parents.
- Students previously sponsored due to financial hardship.
How to Apply Online
- Read the loan guide from www.heslb.go.tz.
- Register at olas.heslb.go.tz using your O-Level exam index number.
- Use the same exam number used during your university admission.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of TZS 30,000 using the control number issued in your OLAMS account.
Tip: Avoid using mobile phones when filling out the application. Use a computer for accurate attachment uploads.
Application Assistance
Applicants may seek help at Internet Cafés, but are responsible for ensuring all information and attachments are correct and complete.
Relationship Between TCU and HESLB
- TCU handles student admissions.
- HESLB provides loans to admitted students.
- For Diploma students, admission is verified by NACTVET.
Bank Account and NIDA Requirements
- Open a bank account in your name (matching your O-Level certificate).
- NIDA number is recommended, but not mandatory for loan application.
Reapplying for a Loan
If you previously received a loan but dropped out, failed, or were discontinued, you must repay at least 25% of your old loan before reapplying.
Low-Income Families
Applicants from economically disadvantaged families must provide verification from TASAF or similar authorities.
Missed Out Last Year?
You can reapply this year, whether you’re a new or continuing student (2nd/3rd year). Just follow the current guidelines and eligibility criteria.
Submission of Application Forms
- Forms must be completed and submitted online only.
- Print a copy for personal use — do not mail physical forms to HESLB.
How to Check Loan Status
After submission:
- Updates will be available via the HESLB website and media.
- Applicants can also check their Student’s Individual Permanent Account (SIPA) for real-time updates.
Monitoring Progress
Use your SIPA account throughout your studies to track loan status and communications.
JKT Students and Loan Access
Students enrolled in JKT training camps can still apply online within the 90-day window (June 1–August 31, 2024).
What the Loan Covers
Loans can cover:
- Tuition Fees
- Meals and Accommodation
- Books and Stationery
- Special Faculty Requirements
- Research
- Field/Practical Training
Age Limit and Academic History
- Diploma and Degree applicants must be 35 years old or younger.
- Must have completed their previous education level between 2020 and 2024.
Loans for Private Universities
Yes. Loans are available for students enrolled in both public and private institutions recognized by the government.
Academic Performance Requirement
- First-year students are awarded based on need and eligibility.
- From second year onward, students must pass their previous exams to continue receiving loans.
Diploma Loan Applicants
From 2023/2024, the government offers loans to students enrolling in priority science diploma programs. Details are available on www.heslb.go.tz
Samia Scholarship Program
This prestigious 100% scholarship is available to top-performing science students who:
- Are Tanzanian citizens.
- Excelled in A-Level NECTA exams (2024).
- Got admission into recognized science, tech, engineering, math, or medical programs.
- Apply correctly via the announced procedures.
Scholarship recipients will be listed on www.moe.go.tz and www.heslb.go.tz after NECTA results are released.
Final Words
These 25 frequently asked questions have been tailored to simplify the HESLB loan application process for the 2024/2025 academic year. For detailed instructions and updates, visit the official HESLB site at www.heslb.go.tz.
