Complete Guide To Scholarships, Bursaries & Students Loans In Zambia
Do you need information on Scholarships, Bursaries and Student Loans in Zambia?
In this article, we provide lots of useful information for those interested in applying for Bursaries, Scholarships and/or Student Loans in Zambia. We also outline the role of the Bursaries Committee in Zambia in administering Bursaries, Scholarships and Student Loans in Zambia.
Section 1 – What is the Bursaries Committee?
Section 2 – When and How to Apply for a Bursary in Zambia
Section 3 – Scholarships in Zambia
Section 4 – Student Loans
Section 5 – How to contact the Bursaries Committee in Zambia
Section 6 – International Scholarships
What is the Bursaries Committee?
The Bursaries Committee was established through a statutory instrument, No. 182 of the 1973 Education Act of the Laws of Zambia. The Bursaries Committee administers Bursaries, Scholarships, Student Loans and Fellowships for tertiary education in Zambia and abroad.
Functions of the Bursaries Committee include:
- Assess eligible Zambian students to tertiary (University) Education locally and abroad.
- Process and administer GRZ bursaries and loans for students at the University of Zambia and the Copperbelt of Zambia.
- Process and administer scholarships and fellowships offered by co-operating partners and/ or agencies for Zambian students to study abroad.
- Facilitate clearance for self-sponsored students to study abroad.
- Process applications for Student Loans in Zambia.
Section 2 – When and How to Apply for a Bursary in Zambia
When can I apply for a Bursary?
Applications are usually invited from suitably qualified Zambians to contest for these scholarships by way of adverts in the media around February/March and September each year.
How do I apply for a Bursary?
You will be required to send the following:
- A letter of application to the Bursaries Committee responding to the advert in the media, clearly stating the field of study desired, age, daytime telephone number, fax, and e-mail address for easy communication.
- Certified Photostat copies of Education Certificates, Transcripts and Curriculum Vitae.
- A study plan of details outlining a preferred course and how the intended course of study will enhance one’s contributions to Zambia’s development (200 and 400 words for Undergraduates and Postgraduates, respectively).
- For those in employment, a letter of recommendation from the employers confirming granting of study leave upon offer of the scholarship.
Section 3 – Scholarships in Zambia
The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Bursaries Committee facilitates and processes scholarship and fellowship awards offered to Zambia by several cooperating partners and/or agencies for Zambian students to study abroad at either Undergraduate or Postgraduate degree levels.
Some of the cooperating partners/countries include Algeria, Canada, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Russia, and Turkey.
What are the requirements for undergraduate scholarships?
In general, countries (Algeria, China, Cuba, India, and Russia) that offer undergraduate scholarships have the following requirements for applicants:
- Zambian citizen
- School Leaver
- Grades 1-4 in Science subjects including Mathematics
- Maximum age – 25 years
- Postgraduate Scholarship
The general minimum requirements for Postgraduate scholarships to study in China, Canada, India, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are:
- Zambian citizen
- Distinction or Merit at first degree level for Masters program
- Maximum age – 35 years for Masters and 40 for PhD
For certain Commonwealth scholarships, the following are demanded:
- Results of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Where offers of admission have been obtained from the University, these should be included with the applications.
General Conditions of the Scholarships
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate candidates should meet own cost towards:
- Expenses to and from the Airport;
- Departure fees;
- Any shortfall not adequately covered by the scholarship
Section 4 – Student Loans
Students at the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University are permitted to apply for Student Loans.
How do I apply for a Student Loan?
- Handwritten application letter, stating loan category
- Bursaries Committee Application Form
- Certified copy of admission letter to the University
- Certified copies of applicant’s.
- National Registration Card (NRC)
- Parent’s/Guardian’s National Registration Card
- Grade 12 Statement of Results
- 2 recent Passport size photographs
- Any other information to support the application.
Who is eligible for a Student Loan?
To be eligible for a student loan an individual must be:
- Zambian citizen
- School leaver up to 3 years prior to commencement of the program
- Admitted into a degree program at one of the local public universities.
- Student Loan Package
What does the loan package include?
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation fees
- Cost of books (Book allowance)
- Project and equipment expenses
- Student upkeep
Loan Categories
In administering the loan scheme, students are availed the following loan options:
- 100% funding level
- 75% funding level
- 50% funding level
- 25% funding level
Please note that only vulnerable Zambians need to apply for 100% loan and are expected to attach all necessary documents in support of their vulnerability. The actual funding levels are determined by the Government through the Bursaries Committee in consultation with the universities and other relevant stakeholders.
Conditions of the Loan
The loan is determined by the Bursaries Committee and is not negotiable by the students’ union. The loan is only valid for one academic year/semester but may be renewable on the application on the production of satisfactory academic results. Part of the loan due to the student is paid to the beneficiary through a commercial bank as funds become available. Candidates awarded a Student Loan are expected to meet any shortfall not covered by the loan.
Section 5 – How do I contact the Bursaries Committee in Zambia?
To contact the Bursaries Committee in Zambia you can use the information provided below:
The Secretary
Bursaries Committee
P.O. Box 50093,
LUSAKA.
Phone: 250726
Tel/Fax: 254720
e-mail: [email protected]
The Secretariat of the Bursaries Committee is located at Maxwell House Annex Building, Los Angeles Boulevard, Longacres, Lusaka.