By Kenneth Zindondo,  

Blantyre, June 6, Mana:  Higher Education Students' Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) has received 34,587 applications for the 2025/2026 loan cycle, surpassing its initial target of 33,000 applicants by 1,587 applications, board Communication Manager, Millie Kasunda disclosed on Friday.

She said this does not mean that, HESLGB will fail to support the applicants in their pursuit of tertiary education in various university colleges.

“The board will use money from recoveries to support the applicants," she added, saying that, the provisional loan list will be released by August, after evaluation of all applications submitted through the Student Financing Management Information System (SFMIS) between April 1 and May 30, 2025. 

Director of the Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC), Benedicto Kondowe said an increase in student’s loan applications was a clear testimony of growing demand for higher education and rising awareness of available financial support.

“While this is encouraging, it also raises concerns about the sustainability of the loan scheme. Without increased funding and improved loan recovery, the system may struggle to meet future demand, risking exclusion for many deserving students" he added.

Kondowe said rising trend in students applying for loans calls for inclusive policy and financial reforms to safeguard both equity and sustainability in Malawi’s higher education sector.

A beneficiary of the students’ loan, Oscar Masanga from University of Malawi expressed gratitude over the HESLGB support.

“This loan has helped many students to pursue higher education, it is a lifeline that enabled many to continue with education without worrying of tuition fees and other expenses,” he added

He therefore urged the Authority to continue funding the programme to accommodate increasing number of students that aspire for higher education.