Students loan application open

The Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board says it has started receiving applications for the 2025/2026 loan cycle.

In a statement shared with The Nation, Loans Board executive director Prince Phwetekere urged all eligible students to apply for the loan, emphasising that only those who apply will receive financial assistance.

He said: “Loans are only given to students who apply and meet the eligibility criteria. All needy students must submit their applications within the specified period.

“And let me take this opportunity to say that late applications will not be considered.”

Phwetekere also clarified that financial assistance is not automatically available to all university students, but applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled or selected for an accredited generic degree programme.

Additionally, he said students from private universities must have at least six credits to qualify for a loan.

“All students can apply for the loan, but only those in need of financial assistance from accredited universities, programmes and colleges are eligible,” explained Phwetekere.

Last year, President Lazarus Chakwera said his administration has delivered its promise by raising university upkeep loans from K350 000 to K560 000 per student per year.

But he called on university graduates who received student loans to pay back the money as soon as they start earning an income.

The President made the call when he attended the inaugural congregation of the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas) in Blantyre.

For students to be considered, applicants must submit the following documents: a copy of their National Identity (ID ) or National Registration Bureau (NRB) form with a system-generated sticker, a copy of their parent/guardian’s ID, a copy of the applicant’s student ID or university/college admission letter, a deposit slip for a non-refundable application fee of K10 000 and a guarantor form.

Students are also advised to apply using the online Students’ Financing Management Information System (SFMIS) on the HESLGB’s website, www.heslgb.mw, or apply directly through sfmis.heslgb.mw.

Additionally, students can apply using the HESLGB app, which will be accessible during the loan application window.

Phwetekere further advised that female students currently receiving support through the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (Save) Project under the open, distance, and e-learning (ODeL) programme to reapply.

“However, new ODeL applicants are not eligible for this funding, as per the project’s guidelines. And students selected by the National Council for Higher Education are also encouraged to apply. Both public and private university students are eligible to apply for the loan,” he said.