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HELSB Student Loan Calculator
Estimate your total loan from university fees or calculate repayment on an existing HELSB loan.
Select your programme
Pick a university and programme to estimate your HELSB loan and repayment.
HELSB Student Loans
Eligible Public Universities
| University | Status |
|---|---|
| University of Zambia (UNZA) | Eligible |
| Copperbelt University (CBU) | Eligible |
| Kapasa Makasa University (KMU) | Eligible |
| Mukuba University (MKU) | Eligible |
| Mulungushi University (MU) | Eligible |
| Chalimbana University (CHAU) | Eligible |
| Kwame Nkrumah University (KNU) | Eligible |
| Palabana University (PU) | Eligible |
| Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) | Eligible |
| Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT) | Eligible |
HELSB Loan Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HELSB?
The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) is a government institution that provides student loans and scholarships to Zambian citizens pursuing tertiary education at 10 public universities. You can estimate your total loan using our calculator by selecting your university, programme, and sponsorship level.
What is the HELSB loan interest rate?
The interest rate is 10% per annum, reduced from 15% effective 1 January 2024. If you repay your full loan balance within the 1-year grace period after graduation, no interest is charged.
When do I start repaying my HELSB loan?
Repayment starts within 1 year of completing your studies. You have a grace period of 12 months after graduation. If you settle in full during this grace period, no interest is charged.
How is the monthly repayment calculated?
HELSB uses amortisation to calculate monthly payments. Your total loan amount is spread over up to 120 months (10 years) at 10% annual interest, with equal monthly instalments covering both principal and interest.
Can I pay off my HELSB loan early?
Yes. You can settle in a single instalment (Offset Method) and only pay interest accrued up to that month. You can also make ad hoc payments on top of your monthly instalments - these are applied directly to the principal with no extra interest.
What does the HELSB loan cover?
The loan covers tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation (on-campus or off-campus allowance), meal allowance (K25/day), book allowance (once per year), and project allowance (final year). Support levels are 100%, 75%, 50%, or 25%.
How is the HELSB loan repayment calculated? Show me an example.
Example: Your total loan is K75,000 over 120 months at 10% interest. Monthly payment = K991.12. Total repayable = K118,934. Total interest = K43,934. You can reduce interest by choosing a shorter term or making ad hoc payments.
How can I estimate my HELSB loan before I start university?
Use the Estimate mode on this calculator. Select your university, programme type, sponsorship level (100%, 75%, 50%, or 25%), and programme duration. It estimates your total loan based on published fee schedules and shows what you would repay at 10% interest.
Get notified when HELSB loan rates change.
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Learn
All postsHow HELSB Loan Repayment Works in Zambia (2026)
Everything you need to know about repaying your HELSB student loan - interest rate, grace period, monthly instalments, and how to calculate what you owe.
How to Apply for a HELSB Student Loan in Zambia (2026)
Step-by-step guide to applying for a HELSB student loan - eligibility, required documents, the online portal, support levels, and application deadlines.
HELSB Repayment and Your Take-Home Pay in Zambia
How HELSB loan repayments affect your salary after PAYE, NAPSA, and NHIMA. See worked examples at common graduate salary levels.
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Sources
Zamcalc results are estimates only. Figures are based on rates published by official sources. Verify with the relevant authority or a licensed professional before taking any action. Zamcalc is not liable for decisions based on these figures.