Universities Offering Bursaries in Zambia: Bursary Opportunities & How to Apply

Universities offering bursaries in Zambia give eligible students several routes to obtain financial assistance for higher education, although an important distinction needs to be made: many universities do not directly award bursaries themselves. Instead, students may receive government student loans, scholarships, corporate sponsorships or other financial assistance that enables them to study at a particular university.

For Zambian students, one of the main sources of higher-education funding is the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB). There are also university-specific and privately sponsored scholarships that become available from time to time.

If you are looking beyond university-specific funding, see our Scholarships in Zambia guide for more scholarship, bursary and financial-aid opportunities.

Universities Offering Bursaries in Zambia

The universities below are among the institutions where students may access government student funding or other scholarship opportunities. However, applicants should always distinguish between funding provided by the university and funding from an external organisation that can be used to study at that university.

University of Zambia (UNZA)

The University of Zambia is one of the main public universities whose eligible undergraduate students can apply for government student loans administered by HELSB.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, HELSB lists UNZA among ten public higher-education institutions covered by its undergraduate student loan scheme. HELSB Zambia

Students should therefore understand that admission to UNZA and receiving government financial support are separate processes. Getting admitted does not automatically mean that you will receive funding.

Check HELSB student loan applications and requirements

UNZA students may also benefit from privately sponsored scholarships when programmes become available. A current example is the Airtel Tech Fellowship, launched in September 2026. The programme provides 50 full undergraduate scholarships over five years, split between 25 students at UNZA and 25 at Copperbelt University, targeting financially disadvantaged students with strong academic potential in ICT and STEM fields. University of Zambia

Read about the Airtel Tech Fellowship at UNZA

This illustrates why students should not limit their search to programmes labelled specifically as “university bursaries.” Corporate scholarships can sometimes provide substantial support to students at particular universities.

Copperbelt University (CBU)

Copperbelt University is another major institution where eligible students can access government student financing.

CBU’s own bursary information makes an important clarification: the university says that it does not itself award bursaries, but admits students who have obtained sponsorship through government or non-governmental organisations. CBU

CBU is also one of the universities included under the HELSB undergraduate student loan scheme. HELSB Zambia

In addition, CBU students studying eligible ICT and STEM programmes are among the potential beneficiaries of the Airtel Tech Fellowship mentioned above. University of Zambia

See CBU’s official student bursary information

Also useful is this Page: Scholarships in Zambia | Complete Guide to Scholarships, Bursaries and Financial Aid Opportunities

Mulungushi University

Mulungushi University is included among the public universities supported under the HELSB undergraduate student loan programme. HELSB Zambia

There is an especially useful lesson here for students searching online for “Mulungushi University bursaries.” The university has previously warned students about fraudsters claiming to offer bursaries for a fee and clarified that eligible first-year students apply for government financing through the relevant government student-funding authority rather than paying individuals claiming to arrange bursaries. Mulungushi University

Always verify current funding opportunities before paying anyone or submitting personal documents.

Kwame Nkrumah University

Kwame Nkrumah University is another institution included in the HELSB student loan scheme for eligible undergraduate students.

For the 2026/2027 funding cycle, HELSB listed Kwame Nkrumah University among its ten supported public institutions. HELSB Zambia

Students admitted to the university should monitor HELSB announcements rather than assuming that university admission automatically includes government sponsorship.

Chalimbana University

Eligible students admitted to Chalimbana University may also apply for government student loans when applications are open.

Chalimbana University appears on HELSB’s current list of supported public universities. HELSB Zambia

Applicants should pay particular attention to the application period because funding deadlines can differ between universities.

Mukuba University

Mukuba University is also included among the universities covered by the HELSB undergraduate student loan programme. HELSB Zambia

Students should first obtain the required admission documentation and then follow the applicable HELSB application procedures when the funding window for Mukuba University opens.

Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU)

Students pursuing eligible programmes at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University may also have access to government student loans.

LMMU is one of the ten institutions included in the HELSB scheme for the 2026/2027 academic year. HELSB Zambia

This can be particularly relevant to students pursuing higher education in medical and health-related fields who may otherwise struggle to meet education costs.

Kapasa Makasa University

Kapasa Makasa University is another institution currently covered by HELSB student loans.

As of September 2026, HELSB lists the application window for Kapasa Makasa University as open, with a closing date of 30 October 2026. Funding windows change, so future applicants should always check the current information rather than relying on an old deadline. HELSB Zambia

Palabana University

Palabana University is also included among the institutions supported through the HELSB undergraduate student loan programme. HELSB Zambia

Again, eligibility for admission does not automatically guarantee funding. Students need to make a separate funding application and satisfy HELSB’s requirements.

Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT)

The Zambia University College of Technology is included in the current HELSB student loan scheme.

As of September 2026, HELSB lists its 2026 application window as open until 30 October 2026. HELSB Zambia

View current HELSB application windows

Which Universities Are Currently Covered by HELSB?

For the 2026/2027 academic year, HELSB identifies ten institutions under its undergraduate student loan programme: HELSB Zambia

• University of Zambia (UNZA)
• Copperbelt University (CBU)
• Mulungushi University
• Kwame Nkrumah University
• Chalimbana University
• Mukuba University
• Palabana University
• Kapasa Makasa University
• Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU)
• Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT)

This list can change as government funding arrangements develop, so students should check the official HELSB information when they are ready to apply.

Types of University Bursaries and Financial Aid in Zambia

The word “bursary” is often used broadly when discussing student funding in Zambia. In practice, there are several different forms of financial assistance.

Government Student Loans

Government student loans are one of the most important forms of university funding available to eligible Zambian students.

Unlike a traditional bursary or scholarship, however, a student loan is repayable.

HELSB says its student loans can provide support for tuition, registration and accommodation as well as allowances for areas such as meals, books and projects. HELSB Zambia

Therefore, students should understand the repayment obligations before accepting financing.

Need-Based Bursaries

Need-based bursaries generally target students who demonstrate financial difficulty or vulnerability.

The exact eligibility criteria depend on the organisation providing the funding. Applicants may be asked to provide information or documentation demonstrating their financial circumstances.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Scholarships may be awarded on the basis of strong academic performance, although some combine academic merit with financial need.

For example, the Airtel Tech Fellowship at UNZA and CBU targets students demonstrating academic promise while also focusing on financially disadvantaged students. University of Zambia

Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships

Companies occasionally establish scholarship programmes for students studying particular subjects.

These opportunities can be especially valuable because some target fields where Zambia needs additional professional and technical skills.

Students studying engineering, ICT, science, agriculture, finance and other professional programmes should therefore monitor scholarship opportunities from major companies as well as universities.

International Scholarships

Zambian students can also pursue international scholarship opportunities.

HELSB provides information about government and international scholarships and currently highlights opportunities associated with countries including China, Algeria, Russia, Morocco, India and the United Kingdom. Availability depends on the individual scholarship cycle. HELSB Zambia

Visit the official HELSB website for loans and scholarships

Who Qualifies for University Financial Aid in Zambia?

There is no single set of requirements covering every bursary and scholarship in Zambia.

Each programme establishes its own eligibility criteria.

For the 2026/2027 HELSB undergraduate student loan scheme, applicants must be Zambian citizens with a valid Green NRC, be 26 years old or younger as of 31 October 2026, meet the specified Grade 12 completion-period requirement and have admission to one of the supported institutions. HELSB Zambia

Private scholarships may have completely different requirements.

Some may consider:

• Academic performance
• Financial need
• Programme of study
• University attended
• Province or community of origin
• Leadership qualities
• Disability or vulnerability
• Extracurricular achievements

Always read the individual scholarship’s eligibility requirements before applying.

Documents You May Need When Applying

The documents required depend on the particular funding programme.

For the 2026/2027 HELSB student loan application, applicants are required to provide documents including an application letter, university admission letter, Grade 12 results or School Certificate and copies of the applicant’s and parent/guardian’s NRCs. HELSB Zambia

Other bursary or scholarship providers may request additional documents such as proof of household income, recommendation letters, academic transcripts or evidence supporting financial vulnerability.

Never assume that requirements for one bursary apply to another.

How to Apply for a University Bursary in Zambia

Step 1: Get Admitted to the University

For many university funding programmes, you will need proof that you have been accepted by an eligible institution.

For example, admission to an eligible university is part of the current HELSB loan eligibility requirements. HELSB Zambia

Step 2: Find Funding Available for Your University

Once admitted, investigate all relevant sources rather than searching only for “bursaries.”

Look for:

• Government student loans
• University scholarships
• Corporate scholarships
• NGO sponsorship
• International scholarships
• Professional association scholarships

This considerably widens your search.

Step 3: Check the Eligibility Requirements

Do not start an application until you know whether you qualify.

Pay particular attention to age limits, nationality requirements, academic results, programme restrictions and financial-need requirements.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the required documents early.

Leaving document preparation until the application deadline can result in an incomplete application, particularly if documents need to be certified or obtained from another institution.

Step 5: Apply Through the Official Channel

Submit your application only through the official application system or procedure identified by the funding organisation.

For government higher-education financing, use the official HELSB application process.

Apply for a HELSB student loan

Step 6: Monitor Your Application

Submitting an application does not necessarily complete the process.

Monitor official announcements and your application portal for updates, additional requirements and award decisions.

When Do University Bursary Applications Open in Zambia?

There is no single opening or closing date for all university bursaries in Zambia.

Different funding organisations establish their own application periods.

Even within HELSB’s 2026/2027 student loan programme, deadlines differ according to institution. For example, the published deadlines range from May through October 2026 depending on the university. HELSB Zambia

Students should therefore start researching funding as soon as they begin applying for university admission rather than waiting until registration.

How Much Can a University Bursary Cover?

This depends entirely on the funding programme.

Some scholarships may cover only tuition, while comprehensive programmes can potentially cover several education-related expenses.

Financial support may include:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Books
• Meals or upkeep
• Research or project expenses
• Equipment
• Other approved education costs

HELSB’s 2026/2027 student loan programme, for example, provides different levels of support—100%, 75%, 50% and 25%—with full support reserved for extremely vulnerable applicants. HELSB also states that funding is limited and the Board determines the final award based on financial need and available capacity. HELSB Zambia

Bursary vs Scholarship vs Student Loan

These terms should not be treated as though they mean exactly the same thing.

This distinction is especially important in Zambia because much of the government financial support available to students at public universities is now provided through student loans, rather than a non-repayable bursary.

What If You Don’t Qualify for a University Bursary?

Not receiving a particular bursary does not necessarily mean that you have exhausted your funding options.

Look for alternative scholarships, corporate sponsorship programmes, international scholarships and other legitimate sources of financial aid.

You should also check whether your institution offers payment arrangements that could make tuition easier to manage.

Most importantly, don’t apply for only one opportunity. Funding is often competitive, and applying for several legitimate programmes for which you genuinely qualify can give you more possibilities.

How to Avoid Fake University Bursaries

Students searching for financial assistance can become targets for scammers.

Be particularly cautious if someone contacts you through WhatsApp, Facebook or another informal channel and promises guaranteed university funding in exchange for money.

Mulungushi University has previously issued an explicit warning after fraudsters purported to offer bursaries to its students for a fee. The university advised students to rely on legitimate government funding procedures rather than such offers. Mulungushi University

A few basic precautions can help:

• Verify the opportunity on the university or sponsor’s official website.
• Check whether the funding organisation actually exists.
• Don’t assume a WhatsApp message bearing a university logo is genuine.
• Be suspicious of guaranteed funding in exchange for payment.
• Confirm application procedures through official channels.
• Never send sensitive personal documents to an unverified individual.

Finding University Bursaries in Zambia

Finding universities offering bursaries in Zambia requires looking beyond the university itself. Government student loans, corporate scholarships, international scholarships and NGO-sponsored programmes can all provide routes to financing a university education.

For students considering public universities, the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board should be one of the first places to check because it administers student loans for eligible students at several Zambian public institutions. HELSB Zambia

At the same time, keep monitoring university announcements for programmes such as the Airtel Tech Fellowship and other privately sponsored scholarships that may become available.

For an even broader range of opportunities, visit our Scholarships in Zambia guide to explore scholarships, bursaries and other financial-aid opportunities available to Zambian students.

FAQs About Universities Offering Bursaries in Zambia

Which universities offer bursaries in Zambia?

Universities offering bursaries in Zambia should be understood to include institutions whose students can access recognised government, corporate or other scholarship funding. For 2026/2027, HELSB’s student loan scheme covers UNZA, CBU, Mulungushi University, Kwame Nkrumah University, Chalimbana University, Mukuba University, Palabana University, Kapasa Makasa University, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University and Zambia University College of Technology. These are student loans rather than traditional non-repayable bursaries. HELSB Zambia

Does UNZA offer bursaries?

Students asking does UNZA offer bursaries should distinguish between direct university funding and external funding available to UNZA students. Eligible UNZA students can apply for HELSB government student loans, while specific privately funded scholarships may also become available. In 2026, for example, the Airtel Tech Fellowship included scholarship places for eligible UNZA students. University of Zambia

Does CBU offer bursaries?

Students asking does CBU offer bursaries should note that CBU’s official bursary information says the university itself does not award bursaries and instead admits students who have obtained sponsorship from government or NGOs. Eligible CBU students can access the HELSB student loan programme and may also qualify for specific external scholarships. CBU

Can I get a bursary to study at a private university in Zambia?

Whether you can get a bursary to study at a private university in Zambia depends on the individual funding programme. The current HELSB undergraduate loan scheme discussed above applies to specified public institutions, but private scholarships and sponsorship programmes can establish their own eligible universities and conditions. HELSB Zambia

Can I apply for a bursary before being accepted by a university?

Whether you can apply for a bursary before being accepted by a university depends on the funding provider. For the current HELSB undergraduate student loan scheme, applicants need admission to an eligible university and must submit their admission letter as part of the application. HELSB Zambia

What is the difference between a bursary and a student loan in Zambia?

The difference between a bursary and a student loan in Zambia is primarily repayment: a bursary is generally financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, while a student loan creates a repayment obligation under the conditions of the loan.

Can a bursary pay all my university fees?

Whether a bursary can pay all your university fees depends on the particular programme. Some scholarships provide full funding while others pay only part of tuition or specified education expenses. Applicants should check exactly what is covered before accepting an award.