By Burnett Munthali
The Higher Education Student Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) has called on students in Malawi’s tertiary institutions to take advantage of the ongoing loan application process to ease the financial burden of their education.
The initiative is part of HESLGB’s commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to lack of tuition fees.
According to the board, the loan application window opened on 1 April 2025 and will remain open until 30 May 2025.
This gives students a two-month period to complete and submit their applications for financial support for the upcoming academic year.
Speaking in an interview with Capital FM, HESLGB Communications Manager Millie Kasunda said that the loan process has been simplified to ensure greater accessibility.
Kasunda explained that students can now apply for the loan through a user-friendly mobile application designed to make the process easier, faster, and more transparent.
She emphasized that this digital platform allows students to avoid long queues and paperwork, giving them the flexibility to apply from wherever they are.
For first-time applicants, the procedure begins with downloading the mobile app and registering to create a personal profile.
Once the profile is created, new users can then proceed to fill in and submit their loan application forms directly through the app.
Kasunda added that for students who have previously used the service, the process is even more straightforward.
Returning users are only required to log in to the app using their existing credentials and update or submit their applications accordingly.
She noted that this innovation is a critical step in modernizing the student financing process in Malawi.
The board believes that the digitization of loan services will significantly reduce delays in processing and improve the overall experience for beneficiaries.
HESLGB has also undertaken efforts to raise awareness about the loan window by using various communication channels, including radio, social media, and campus notices.
Kasunda encouraged students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, to apply without fear, noting that the board is committed to supporting as many eligible applicants as possible.
She also highlighted that the board works with academic institutions to ensure that successful applicants are duly enrolled and supported.
As the cost of higher education continues to rise, HESLGB’s role in bridging the financial gap is more critical than ever.
Many students who have benefited from these loans in the past have gone on to graduate and secure employment, repaying their loans to enable the board to support future cohorts.
In light of the upcoming deadline, students have been urged not to wait until the last minute to apply.
Kasunda warned that late submissions will not be accepted, and technical issues are best resolved early in the process.
The board remains confident that the new system will empower more students to pursue their academic dreams without the burden of financial constraints.
With the May 30 deadline fast approaching, HESLGB has reiterated its commitment to supporting education as a pillar for national development and personal advancement.
