Funding higher education in Malawi through the HESLGB
In Malawi, student loans come mainly from the Higher Education Students' Loans and Grants Board, which grants tuition, upkeep and distance learning loans as well as grants, repayable once the graduate is in employment.
The HESLGB, the public gateway to student finance
The Higher Education Students' Loans and Grants Board exists to provide accessible loans and grants to deserving students in Malawian higher education. It reports more than 634,000 beneficiaries in total and 25 billion kwacha disbursed so far.
Four products for Malawian students
The board offers a tuition loan paid to the institution, an upkeep loan for accommodation and food, a loan dedicated to open and distance learning, and non-repayable grants for the most vulnerable students who meet its criteria.
Universities and colleges covered by the HESLGB
Students at public universities such as the University of Malawi in Zomba, MUBAS in Blantyre, LUANAR near Lilongwe, Mzuzu University, MUST or KUHeS are the main beneficiaries, and some accredited private institutions may also qualify.
Need and merit criteria
Awards take into account the family's financial situation, admission to a recognised programme and academic progress. An incomplete application or inaccurate family information can lead to rejection or to the withdrawal of a loan already granted.
Applying through the online portal
Applications go through the HESLGB online information system, where students create an account, upload their documents and track the progress of their file. Application windows are announced at the start of each academic year.
Guarantor and repayment commitment
The student signs a loan agreement and usually names a guarantor, such as a parent or guardian, who can be reached in case of default. This document sets out the obligation to repay once studies are finished and a job has been found.
Repaying through salary deductions
After graduating and starting work, repayments are in principle made through salary deductions, and employers are required to cooperate with the HESLGB. Graduates who move abroad still remain liable for the full amount of their debt.
What the loan does not always cover
The upkeep amount can fall short given rents in Blantyre or Zomba and inflation close to 24% in 2026. Laptops, transport and other costs often remain the responsibility of the student's family to fund.
Private and organisational bursaries
Companies, foundations and faith-based organisations also fund Malawian students, often in health, engineering or agriculture courses, in exchange for a commitment to work for the sponsor after graduation or to achieve minimum academic results.
Banks and loans to parents
As far as we know, Malawian banks do not offer a true standalone student loan. Salaried parents therefore borrow against their own salary from their bank or a SACCO, as described in our page on school fee loans in Malawi.
Studying in South Africa or Zambia
Some young Malawians go to study in South Africa, Zambia or Tanzania. The HESLGB focuses first on studies in Malawi, so going abroad usually depends on foreign scholarships or family funds to cover tuition and living costs.
Student loans within the credit system
An unpaid HESLGB loan can complicate a graduate's financial life, especially when applying later for a payroll loan. How lenders work overall is explained in our overview of lending in Malawi for every type of borrower.
Applying to the HESLGB step by step
- Secure admission to a recognised higher education institution and keep the admission letter safe.
- Create an account on the HESLGB online portal during the announced application period.
- Enter family, financial and academic details, then upload every document requested.
- Name a guarantor, sign the loan agreement and follow the award decision on the portal.
- Update your file every year and check that fees have been paid to your institution.
HESLGB loans and grants at a glance
| Product | Purpose | Repayment |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition loan | Institution's academic fees | Yes, after entering employment |
| Upkeep loan | Accommodation, food, daily expenses | Yes, under the signed agreement |
| Distance learning loan | Open and distance programmes | Yes, under the signed agreement |
| Grant | Most vulnerable students | Not repayable |
Documents to upload on the student portal
- Student's national identity card
- Admission letter from the university or college
- Transcripts and MSCE certificate
- Proof of parents' income or circumstances
- Letter from the village head or an official confirming the family situation
- Guarantor's identity and contact details
Mistakes that cost a student loan in Malawi
- Applying after the annual HESLGB window has closed and losing an entire year of funding as a result.
- Giving inaccurate family information, which can lead to the loan being withdrawn and immediate repayment being demanded.
- Ignoring repayment obligations after graduation in the belief that the debt disappears with a job abroad.
- Paying a fake agent who claims to be able to put a name on the HESLGB beneficiary list for a sum in kwacha.
University funding in Malawi: your questions
Does the HESLGB loan cover private universities?
Public institutions come first, but some accredited private institutions may be eligible. Check the list of institutions and programmes published by the HESLGB for each academic year before you apply for funding.
When does a Malawian graduate repay the HESLGB?
Repayment normally starts once the graduate is employed, often through salary deductions. The exact terms, including any interest, are set out in the loan agreement signed by the student and the guarantor.
Does a HESLGB grant have to be repaid?
No, the grant is direct support reserved for the neediest students. It can, however, be combined with a loan to cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses during the course of study.
Can a distance learning student in Malawi benefit?
Yes, the HESLGB offers a specific loan for open and distance learning programmes. Check its conditions and the partner institutions each time a new call for applications is published by the board.