More students to benefit from loans
The Tanzanian government has increased its budget for higher education loans and grants for the 2026/27 academic year. This expansion aims to support over 290,000 students, an increase from the previous year's figures.
Why it matters
Increased funding for student loans is a critical policy lever for improving access to higher education and human capital development in developing economies.
DAR ES SALAAM: THE number of students expected to benefit from higher education loans and grants is set to increase to 292,463 in the 2026/27 academic year, up from 252,773 in 2025/26.
The first batch of 165,775 students has already been allocated 535.7bn/-.
This follows the increase in budget for higher education loans and grants to 1.06tri/- for the 2026/27 academic year, up from 916.7bn/- in the previous year aimed at expanding access to higher education.
Speaking to journalists yesterday while announcing the first batch of allocations, Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) Executive Director Dr Bill Kiwia said the increased funding will enable the board to support more students.
Dr Kiwia said the first batch covers 165,775 beneficiaries, including first-year and continuing undergraduate and diploma students, as well as recipients of the Samia Scholarship.
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