HESLB: Note reasons for deadline extension
MWANZA: THE Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has said delays by some applicants in obtaining required information and documents from relevant authorities, as well as the involvement of others in national service training, prompted the extension of the loan application deadline.
HESLB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bill Kiwia, said the deadline, which was initially set for August 31, 2026, had been extended by 14 days to September 14. He said some prospective applicants had faced challenges in obtaining information required to complete their applications, while others attending national service training had found themselves running out of time.
“The deadline was August 31 this year, but we have provided an additional 14 days. Applicants should understand that there will be no further extension after these two weeks,” Dr Kiwia said.
He said the Board had projected to receive about 160,000 applications and had so far received 149,000. Prospective higher education students in Mwanza have welcomed the extension but called for closer collaboration among relevant authorities to address delays in obtaining essential documents.
The students said prolonged delays in obtaining birth certificates, National Identification Authority (NIDA) cards and other required information had affected their ability to complete loan applications on time. A prospective student at the University of Dodoma, who requested anonymity, said government institutions should establish special arrangements to handle urgent cases, particularly at the beginning of a new academic year.
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“I thought online applications for various government services would make the process easier, but after the system accepted my request, I was told to wait at least seven days. Unfortunately, the process has taken much longer,” said the Buswelu resident in Ilemela District.
“Some public servants claim they cannot see anything on my online account and simply tell me to come back tomorrow. This has happened every day I visit their offices,” the student lamented.
Another prospective student, who is expected to join the University of Dar es Salaam, shared similar concerns, saying delays by relevant authorities had prevented some students from completing their applications on time. The resident of Mbugani Ward in Nyamagana District said she had encountered difficulties obtaining information about her home address and postcode required during the application process.
“My parents have visited the local government office several times seeking assistance to obtain the house number, but without success,” she said.
A Mwanza City vegetable vendor, Ms Elana Innocent, called for intensified public education on loan application procedures, particularly in rural areas. She recalled the difficulties experienced by her grandchild in Isandula Village, Magu District, who struggled to complete a loan application last year before eventually succeeding after several attempts.
