Issued by: Izukanji Namonje
Acting Manager – Corporate Affairs
Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB)
Date: 16 January 2026
The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) is pleased to announce the commencement of student loan support to Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) for the 2026 academic year. This marks the first time that LMMU students will benefit from HELSB financing, reflecting the Government’s commitment to expanding equitable access to higher education in the health and medical sciences.
For the 2026 academic year, HELSB received 533 applications from prospective first-year students in science-based programmes. Following a rigorous assessment against the approved eligibility criteria, a total of 452 students were approved to receive student loan support. This includes students who met standard eligibility requirements as well as a small number of students with disabilities, demonstrating HELSB’s commitment to inclusiveness and equity.
The profile of the beneficiaries reflects key national priorities:
▪ 100 percent of the students are enrolled in STEM programmes, aligned with Zambia’s health workforce needs.
▪ 72 percent are female students, demonstrating progress in gender inclusion.
▪ 69 percent come from rural areas, highlighting the Government’s focus on supporting underserved communities.
Applications that were unsuccessful did not meet one or more of HELSB’s eligibility requirements. Common reasons for ineligibility included:
▪ Applicants already holding a student loan at another institution for the same academic year
▪ Completion of Grade 12 prior to 2021
▪ Exceeding the maximum age limit of 26 years
▪ Submission of incomplete or incorrect documentation
▪ Post-first-year student status
▪ Total entry points exceeding 30
HELSB emphasizes that the student loan award process for LMMU was conducted in a transparent, fair, and accountable manner, in line with the Board’s mandate to broaden access to tertiary education and support Zambia’s health sector development.
The Board encourages all beneficiaries to remain focused and disciplined in their studies and to honor their obligation to repay the loans once employed, ensuring that future generations of students can also benefit from this scheme.
Members of the public and stakeholders are advised to rely solely on official HELSB communication channels for verified information.
- Website: www.helsb.gov.zm
- Facebook: HELSB Official Page
Link to the LMMU list: [LEVY MWANAWASA 2025_2026 AWARDS PDF.pdf – Google Drive]
Editor’s Note
HELSB provides student loans to eligible school leavers who completed Grade 12 between 2021 and 2024 and who hold valid admission letters to public higher education institutions for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.