A new door has swung open for aspiring health professionals.
The government has officially rolled out student loan support at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, marking a major shift in how Zambia invests in its future doctors, nurses, and health specialists.
Education Minister Douglas Syakalima says the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) will begin supporting students at the institution starting with the 2026 academic year.
Out of 533 applications submitted for the 2026 intake, 452 first-year students have been shortlisted to benefit from the scheme.
Mr. Syakalima told journalists in Lusaka that the selection process looked not only at eligibility requirements but also at the individual circumstances of applicants - a move meant to ensure that deserving students are not left behind.
He described the milestone as historic, saying it broadens fair access to higher education in critical fields such as medicine and health sciences.
According to the Minister, this investment is directly linked to Zambia’s long-term plan to strengthen its health workforce and build a resilient national health system.
Levy Mwanawasa Medical University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sekelani Banda welcomed the development, calling it a significant step toward advancing human capital in the health sector.
HELSB Deputy Director of Finance Floyd Ndabulula added that the Board is fully committed to working with the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders to ensure the programme rolls out smoothly.
Just to Unlock Your Mind
This move is more than financial aid - it’s a strategic push to fill Zambia’s chronic shortage of health professionals. By financing students at a dedicated medical university, the government is betting on long-term national strength: more trained doctors, better-equipped hospitals, and a system that relies less on external support.
For many young Zambians, this loan scheme might be the single bridge between ambition and opportunity.
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