PROF. MKENDA LAUNCHES GUIDELINES FOR ISSUANCE OF LOANS AND GRANTS FOR 2024/2025

Online application window will be open for 90 days

Students are advised to read the guidelines before applying for loan

Minister of Education, Science and Technology Prof. Adolf Mkenda, today (Monday, May 27^th, 2024) has launched the guidelines for issuance of loans and  grants for the academic year 2024/2025 and reminded students to study hard to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government through loans and grants.

The launched guidelines are for ‘Samia Grants for the year 2024-2025’; ‘Guidelines for Issuance of Loans to Bachelor Degree Students for 2024-2025’; ‘Guidelines for Issuance of Loans to Diploma Students for 2024-2025’; ‘Guidelines for Issuance of Loans to Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice for 2024-2025’ and ‘Guidelines for Issuance of Loans to Students admitted to pursue Masters and PhD Studies for 2024-2025’.

The guidelines were launched at the Popatlal Secondary School grounds in Tanga City in an event where Prof. Mkenda also officiated the National Week of Education, Skills and Innovation (NWESI) – a platform that attracts education stakeholders to display research works, exchange knowledge and engage with members of the public.

Elaborating on the importance of studying hard, Prof. Mkenda has urged students studying science combinations to pull up their sox in order to benefit from the Samia Scholarship which is targeting 700 students majoring in science with high performance in their form six National examination.

“Samia Scholarship is not a loan, the Government will cover the costs for all living expenses, tuition fees, accomodation expenses, study materials… if you pursue degrees in science, medical science, IT, mathematics and continue with the good academic performance throughout your university studies,” said Prof. Mkenda

Speaking at the sidelines of the launching ceremony, HESLB Executive Director, Dr. Bill Kiwia confirmed readiness of the HESLB in managing loans application saying the launched guidelines and popular versions will be available on HESLB and MoEST websites (www.heslb.go.tz and www.moe.go.tz) from tomorrow (Tuesday, May 28th, 2024) for public to access before online application window is opened.

“The online loan application window will be open for 90 days from June 1st to August 31st, 2024 to give loan applicants sufficient time to prepare and apply timely,” clarified Dr. Kiwia and advised loan applicants, internet café operators and the general public to consider reading and internilising the guidelines before embarking on actual application.

“In the financial year 2024/2025, the Government has set aside TZS 787 billion which will be allocated to 252,245 eligible needy students who will pursue degree and diploma programmes in various Higher Education Institutions”, said Dr. Kiwia.

On regular updates for applicants, Dr. Kiwia said from today, May 27th, 2024, HESLB verified social media platforms will be loaded with weekly loan application updates. The platforms include Instagram, X, Facebook (HESLB Tanzania) and YouTube (HESLB TV).