Tanzania Students Face Delays in Higher Education Loans

A meeting between Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila and university students revealed that many are struggling to secure higher education loans. The students, from various institutions in Dar es Salaam, gathered at Posta Grounds in Kijitonyama on November 14, 2026, to seek assistance with loan applications that had not been approved despite meeting the requirements. Some students cited missing records on the Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB) system and unsuccessful appeals.

According to Mr. Chalamila, his office receives between 10 and 15 students daily seeking help with university fees. He revealed that the regional office had already paid tuition fees for 53 students and supported others with smaller expenses. However, more than 200 students had submitted their details, but their records could not be traced in the loans board's system, despite being assured that their applications had been submitted.

Some students face unique challenges, such as those who attended private schools through sponsorships from religious organizations, which are no longer available after their sponsors died. These students' educational backgrounds are reportedly affecting their financial assessments, making it harder for them to secure loans. Mr. Chalamila's office will begin visiting universities to engage institutional leaders, refer eligible cases to HESLB, and connect vulnerable students with potential sponsors.

Students shared their emotional experiences, including Haji Alli, a student at the National Institute of Transport (NIT), who was denied a loan despite being an orphan and submitting the required documents. Asera Rweyemamu of the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy shared that her family's financial circumstances had deteriorated after her father became disabled, leaving her mother struggling to care for him and their children.

A female student admitted to Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) emotionally appealed for assistance, having previously secured admission to the University of Dodoma (UDOM) but deferred her studies after failing to obtain a loan. Although subsequently admitted to SUA, she was again left without financial support. Responding to her appeal, Mr. Chalamila pledged to pay her tuition fees immediately.

Dar es Salaam Regional Education Officer Gift Kyando reported that 2,814 students had come forward seeking assistance, including those with loan-record discrepancies, students who had transferred institutions, and applicants from previous academic years. Regional Administrative Secretary Abdul Mhite assured the students that their concerns had been received and would be addressed.

The Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner has taken steps to address the students' concerns, including paying tuition fees for some students and pledging to connect vulnerable students with potential sponsors. The regional office's efforts aim to support students facing financial challenges and ensure they can continue their education.

Key points

• Over 200 students have submitted their details, but their records could not be traced in the loans board's system.
• The Dar es Salaam Regional Office has paid tuition fees for 53 students and supported others with smaller expenses.
• A total of 2,814 students have come forward seeking assistance with loan-related challenges.