HESLB: National ID now mandatory for student loans

Dar es Salaam. From the 2025/26 academic year, no student in Tanzania will be eligible for a higher education loan without a National Identification Number (NIN), the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has announced.

HESLB’s move aims to simplify the identification process and improve the efficiency of loan issuance and management for beneficiaries.

According to authorities, any applicant without a NIN will not be able to apply for a loan and will also be barred from accessing other services, including opening bank accounts.

This new rule was announced on Friday, May 16, 2025, during a joint press conference by the HESLB and the National Identification Authority (NIDA).

Following the decision, every applicant must register with NIDA first and obtain a NIN before applying for the loan.

“From now on, it’s a must. Without a NIN, you won’t get a loan,” said HESLB Executive Director, Dr Bill Kiwia.

In previous years, having a NIN was not a strict requirement for loan applicants, as students often used birth certificates for identification during the loan application process.

While NIDA IDs were encouraged, applicants without one were still allowed to apply and could even secure a loan.

What has now changed?

Dr Kiwia said the new directive aims to underline the importance of NIN in verifying every loan applicant.

He noted that the loan application window will open next month (June), giving students enough time to fill in and submit their applications.

Dr Kiwia stressed that the NIN helps confirm the authenticity of a student's information.

“The NIN allows us to access accurate and specific information for every student. It will improve our ability to trace and follow up with loan beneficiaries after graduation,” he said.

He added that NIN also safeguards applicants’ data and prevents the use of fake names or false information.

“We have integrated our systems to verify applicants' details using NIN. ICT (Information and Communications Technology) experts from both HESLB and Nida are working together to ensure the system operates efficiently,” he explained.

He emphasized that starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, having a NIN will be mandatory.

He urged all prospective applicants to secure their NINs early—before or within the application period—to avoid missing out.

Nida Director General James Kaji highlighted the government’s broader goal of ensuring that every Tanzanian aged 18 and above who has completed secondary education is registered and issued a NIN and National ID.

“This step will allow smooth joining in higher learning institutions, apply for study loans, and access other social and economic services,” said Mr Kaji.

He added that Nida has already been visiting various colleges to educate students about registration and identification, and the importance of the NIN and National ID. They also conduct on-site registrations.

“We are pleased that HESLB recognizes and supports our efforts. Their backing will help spread this message to more young people. While we play our part, we also urge students to take responsibility through early registration,” he said.

A-level school leaver from Dodoma, Ms Frida Joseph, welcomed the move: “It’s a good step. Many young people don’t know how important a NIN is until it’s too late,” she said. “I’ll make sure I get mine in time.”

“They should give us more time. Some of us don’t even know where the NIDA offices are,” said Emmanuel John, a student from Mbeya.