UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA (UNZA) – APPEALS ONLY
2025/2026 ACADEMIC YEAR
Issued by: Izukanji Namonje
Acting Corporate Affairs Manager
For and on behalf of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB)
Date: 23rd December 2025
The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) wishes to inform the public that it has successfully concluded the student loan award process for appeals submitted by first-year students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.
Following a comprehensive and transparent assessment process, 897 first-year students have been awarded student loans under the UNZA appeals window.
Applications and Assessment
HELSB received a total of 1,404 appeals from UNZA applicants. All submissions were thoroughly evaluated in line with the Board’s eligibility criteria. Loans were awarded strictly to applicants who fully met the prescribed requirements.
Common reasons for ineligibility included:
- Applicants already awarded a loan at another institution for the same academic year
- Completion of Grade 12 prior to 2021
- Exceeding the age limit of 26 years
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Applicants not in first year
- Total points exceeding 30
Demographics and Programme Distribution
- Gender: Female applicants accounted for 57% of successful appeals
- Programme distribution:
- 32% STEM programmes
- 68% Arts-based programmes
- Equity and inclusion: The majority of beneficiaries are from rural areas, and students with disabilities were duly considered and supported
HELSB reiterates its commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in expanding access to higher education.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Members of the public are advised to rely only on official HELSB communication channels for accurate updates:
- Website: www.helsb.gov.zm
- Facebook: HELSB Official Page
Editor’s Note:
HELSB advertised student loans for school leavers who completed Grade 12 in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and who held valid acceptance letters from UNZA for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.