How to Apply for a HELSB Student Loan in Zambia (2026)

HELSB provides student loans to undergraduates entering public universities in Zambia. The application is done entirely online through the HELSB portal, but knowing the eligibility criteria, required documents, and process before you start saves time and avoids rejected applications.

This guide covers every step from checking your eligibility to tracking your application status. Use our HELSB loan calculator to estimate your total loan based on your university and programme, or calculate your future monthly repayments.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for a HELSB student loan, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a Zambian citizen

• Be 26 years old or younger

• Have been admitted to one of the 10 eligible public universities

• Demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance

• Not be a beneficiary of any other government-funded scholarship or student loan

• Meet the minimum academic requirements set by HELSB

Eligible universities

HELSB currently funds students at the following 10 public universities:

1. University of Zambia

2. Copperbelt University

3. Kapasa Makasa University

4. Mukuba University

5. Mulungushi University

6. Chalimbana University

7. Kwame Nkrumah University

8. Palabana University

9. Levy Mwanawasa Medical University

10. Zambia University College of Technology

Each university has its own application window with different closing dates. Private universities are not covered by HELSB.

Support levels

When applying, you select your desired rate of sponsorship. HELSB reserves the right to determine the final level awarded based on a means test:

Important: Admission to a university does not guarantee a student loan. Loans are awarded according to HELSB's financial capacity. The loan is also not transferable from one university to another.

What the loan covers

HELSB loans are comprehensive, covering both institutional fees and living expenses at the awarded support level:

Institutional fees (paid directly to the university)

• Tuition fees

• Registration fees

• Accommodation fees - students living off-campus are entitled to an accommodation refund in lieu of on-campus placement

Student allowances (paid to the student)

• Meal allowance - monthly allowance for daily meals

• Book allowance - for study materials

• Project allowance - for project-related expenses

Required documents

Prepare these before starting your online application:

1. Passport-size photo

2. National Registration Card (NRC) - certified copy

3. Guardian's NRC - certified copy

4. Grade 12 Statement of Results or School Certificate - certified copy

5. Admission letter from one of the 10 eligible universities

6. Disability Card (if applicable)

You also need to upload a single PDF containing your supporting documents:

• Student's application letter

• Guardian's recommendation letter

• Recommendation letter from last school attended (optional)

• Church recommendation letter (optional)

• Community leader's recommendation letter (optional)

• Death certificates (if applicant is an orphan)

• Proof of financial need (Affidavit of means)

Step-by-step application process

Step 1: Create an account

Go to the HELSB ePortal and click "Create an account." Enter your NRC number, name, phone number, email, and create a 6-digit access PIN. Select "New Student" as your account type.

Step 2: Verify your account

HELSB will send verification codes to your email and phone number. Enter both codes on the portal to activate your account. You cannot proceed to registration or application without verification.

Step 3: Complete registration

Fill in four sections: personal details, education background, guardian or next of kin details, and upload your attachments (documents listed above).

Step 4: Apply for a loan

Navigate to Application > Apply for Loan in the menu. Select the university you are applying under, enter your programme, student number, and desired support level. Upload your admission letter (PDF) and supporting documents (PDF). Complete the application payment through the portal - a mobile money prompt will be sent to your phone.

Step 5: Track your application

Under Application > Track Applications, you can monitor your status. The progress moves through four stages:

Application deadlines

Each university has its own application window. Windows open at different times throughout the year and close on different dates. Check the HELSB loans page for current opening and closing dates. You can also set a reminder on the portal to be notified when application windows open.

After your loan is awarded

Once awarded, HELSB pays institutional fees directly to your university. Student allowances (meals, books, projects) are disbursed to you. Remember that your loan carries a 10% annual interest rate and repayment begins 12 months after graduation. All loans are insured - if a student dies, the insurance settles the remaining balance.

To estimate your total loan and future repayments based on your university and sponsorship level, use our HELSB loan calculator. For details on how repayment works, read How HELSB loan repayment works. To see how repayments affect your salary, see HELSB repayment and your take-home pay.

Sources

• HELSB - Student Loans

• HELSB - Loan Application Guidelines (PDF)

• HELSB ePortal

• HELSB Act No. 31 of 2016