The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has officially announced the names of students selected for the prestigious Samia Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year. This highly competitive and fully-funded scholarship program aims to support top-performing Tanzanian students who excelled in their A-Level national examinations in science combinations.
With a vision to strengthen the country’s expertise in critical fields, the Samia Scholarship offers full financial support to 1,050 outstanding students and 51 students with Functional needs, allowing them to pursue undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine at accredited local universities.
What Is the Samia Scholarship?
The Samia Scholarship, named in honor of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is designed to promote academic excellence and empower future leaders in science and technology. Administered by the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB), the scholarship covers 100% of education-related costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic dreams.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Samia Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Tanzanian Citizenship
- Excellent Academic Performance – First Division with 3 to 5 points in 2025 NECTA A-Level exams, in the following science subject combinations:
- PCM, PCB, CBG, PGM, CBA, PMC, CBN
- Admitted to a Government-Recognized Tanzanian University in one of the priority STEM or medical fields listed under Cluster 1 of the HESLB Guidelines.
- Accurate Online Application submitted via https://olas.heslb.go.tz.
- Official Selection by the Ministry of Education – students must appear on the official eligibility list published at www.moe.go.tz and www.heslb.go.tz.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Samia Scholarship is comprehensive and includes:
- Tuition Fees
- Food and Accommodation Allowance
- Book and Stationery Allowance
- Faculty-Specific Requirements
- Practical Training Support
- Research Costs
- Assistive Devices for Functional Needs Students
- Health Insurance
Duration of Funding
Depending on the degree program, beneficiaries will receive funding for a period ranging from three (3) to five (5) years.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the HESLB system from July 28 to August 31, 2025, through the official portal: https://olas.heslb.go.tz, Only students whose names appear on the published eligibility lists are allowed to apply.
Scholarship Conditions to Remember
Beneficiaries must adhere to the following terms:
- Sign a Funding Agreement with the Ministry.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.8 each academic year.
- Hold a valid bank account for direct fund disbursement.
- Seek written approval before changing academic programs.
- No deferrals unless due to medically verified reasons.
- Notify HESLB in writing if opting out of the scholarship.
Important Notes
- The scholarship is 100% fully funded under HESLB guidelines.
- Lists of selected students are available at www.moe.go.tz and www.heslb.go.tz.
- Students who previously applied for the Samia Scholarship Extended (DS/AI+) are encouraged to apply again for local university placement through the same portal if listed as eligible.
