Lusaka, Zambia (16th January 2026) Government, through the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), has commenced the provision of student loan support to Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU), effective from the 2026 academic year.
Speaking during a press briefing held this morning, Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, announced that 452 first year students at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University will benefit from the HELSB Student Loan Scheme.
Mr. Syakalima described the development as a historic milestone in Government’s ongoing efforts to expand equitable access to higher education, particularly in the fields of medicine and health sciences. He noted that the move is both strategic and critical to Zambia’s human capital development and the strengthening of the country’s national health system.
The Minister explained that HELSB received a total of 533 loan applications from prospective first year students admitted to LMMU, all of whom are enrolled in science based programmes. Following a thorough, transparent, and merit-based assessment against approved eligibility criteria, 435 students were initially recommended for loan support. He added that the selected group includes students who met the standard eligibility requirements, as well as a limited number of students with disabilities, in line with Government’s policy on equity, inclusiveness, and equal opportunity in access to higher education.
Dr. Syakalima further stated that the selection process also took into account the unique developmental circumstances of Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, as this marks its inaugural inclusion under the student loan scheme.
“By accommodating all eligible applicants and making provision for additional students within the available resources, Government has ensured that more Zambians are given the opportunity to pursue tertiary education in the health sector,” he said. “I am therefore pleased to confirm that a total of 452 first-year students at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University will benefit from the HELSB Student Loan Scheme for the 2026 academic year. The profile of the beneficiaries clearly reflects Government’s key national priorities. One hundred percent of the beneficiaries are enrolled in STEM programmes that directly support Zambia’s health workforce needs. Seventy-two percent are female students, demonstrating steady progress in advancing gender inclusion in higher education, while sixty-nine percent originate from rural areas, underscoring Government’s commitment to supporting learners from underserved communities,” Dr. Syakalima added.
Meanwhile, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Sekelani Banda, welcomed the development, describing it as a landmark moment in the University’s history. He noted that this is the first time LMMU students have been included under a government student loan scheme.
Professor Banda expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for extending the facility to Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, stating that the support will significantly ease the financial burden on parents and guardians. He disclosed that the University currently has a student population of over 8,500 and emphasized that the move represents a major milestone in national human capital development, particularly in the health sector.
Issued by:
Public Relations Office
Levy Mwanawasa Medical University