How to Apply for a Higher Education Student Loan from HESLGB

The Higher Education Students Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) provides loans to help financially needy students access higher education at accredited institutions. To receive financial assistance, you must apply during the announced application window and meet the Board’s eligibility criteria.⁹

When to apply

HESLGB opens applications for each loan cycle at specific times. The Board is currently receiving applications for the 2025/2026 loan cycle.⁹ You must submit your application within the specified period, as late applications will not be considered.⁹

What you need to do

Provide complete and accurate information when you apply.⁷ The Board uses the Students Financing Management Information System (SFMIS) to identify needy and deserving students, and incomplete or incorrect information often results in students being excluded from the provisional list or experiencing delays in loan disbursement.⁷

After you apply

Once you submit your application, the Board will review it and create a provisional list of approved students.¹⁰ If you are selected, you will be required to go through a vetting and bonding process, which is carried out jointly by HESLGB and your university or college administrators.¹⁰ During bonding, you will sign a contract confirming your acceptance of the loan and agreement to its terms and conditions.¹¹ Only after completing the bonding process will your loan funds be disbursed.¹¹

Who can apply

Students at accredited higher education institutions may apply if they are eligible and meet the Board’s requirements.⁴ The Board particularly considers vulnerable students and those with disabilities.⁴