The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) provides financial assistance to Tanzanian students who meet the eligibility criteria for higher education loans. New applicants are required to follow specific procedures to ensure their applications are complete and successful. Below is a step-by-step guide for first-time (new) beneficiaries:
1. Read the Loan Application Guidelines
Before starting the application, applicants must carefully read the HESLB Loan Application Guidelines for the relevant academic year. The guidelines, available on the official HESLB website (www.heslb.go.tz), provide detailed information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, supporting documents, and deadlines.
2. Create an Account on the OLAS System
All applications are submitted online through the Online Loan Application and Management System (OLAS).
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Visit https://olas.heslb.go.tz
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Register as a new applicant using your National Identification Number (NIN) and a valid email address.
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Create a secure password and log in to your personal OLAS account.
3. Fill Out the Online Application Form
After creating an account, fill out the online application form accurately. You will need to provide information on:
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Personal details
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Educational background
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Family and financial information
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Details of your chosen higher learning institution and program
Ensure all information entered is correct and corresponds to the supporting documents you will upload.
4. Upload Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must scan and upload all required documents as stated in the guidelines. These may include:
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Birth certificate or affidavit
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National Identification Card (NIDA)
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Form Four and Form Six certificates or equivalent qualifications
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Admission letter from an accredited higher learning institution
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Parent or guardian’s identification and income evidence
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Recent passport-size photograph
Ensure documents are clear, complete, and correctly labeled before uploading.
5. Review and Submit the Application
Once you have filled in all required fields and uploaded documents, review your application carefully. Confirm that all information is accurate, then submit your application through the OLAS portal.
After submission, print the Application Summary Form, sign it, and attach the required documents as specified in the guidelines.
6. Send the Hard Copy to HESLB
Applicants are required to send the signed Application Summary Form along with the supporting documents to the nearest HESLB Zonal Office or to the address indicated in the guidelines. Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be processed.
7. Track Your Application Status
After submission, applicants can log in to their OLAS accounts to track the progress of their applications. Updates on verification, allocation, and disbursement will be communicated through the same portal and official HESLB announcements.
Important Notes
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Applicants must ensure they use accurate and truthful information; false statements may lead to disqualification.
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Deadlines must be strictly observed. Late applications are not accepted.
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Keep a copy of all submitted documents for personal records.
To Conclude
Applying for a HESLB loan as a new beneficiary requires careful preparation, accuracy, and attention to detail. By following the official guidelines and using the OLAS system properly, eligible students can successfully secure financial assistance to pursue their higher education dreams in Tanzania.
