K5,800 ALLOWANCE COMES TRUE
…UNZA students begin receiving K1,950 top-ups
THE Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) has started processing and paying accommodation allowance top-ups for eligible University of Zambia (UNZA) students, says chief executive officer Dr John Machayi.
Last Saturday, President Hakainde Hichilema announced a significant increment in accommodation allowance for students from K3,900 to K5,850.
Dr Machayi said the payment was for students who were not accommodated at the university hostels.
“The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) wishes to inform the public that it has today commenced processing and payment of the accommodation allowance top-up for eligible University of Zambia [UNZA] students who are not accommodated in university hostels,” he said.
Dr Machayi said the top-up follows the directive issued by Hichilema, increasing the accommodation allowance payable to eligible off-campus students from K3,900 to K5,850.
Dr Machayi said the payment being processed represented the K1,950 top-up, being the difference between the accommodation allowance already paid and the revised amount approved by government.
“The top-up is being paid to eligible HELSB-sponsored UNZA students residing off campus. Following the presidential announcement made on Saturday, 1st August 2026, HELSB immediately commenced the necessary administrative and financial processes to implement the directive. Upon confirmation that the required funds had been credited to the board’s account today, payment processing began immediately,” he said.
Dr Machayi urged eligible beneficiaries to expect the accommodation allowance top-up to begin reflecting in their respective bank accounts in accordance with the normal banking and electronic funds transfer processing timelines.
He commended government for the continued support in enhancing student welfare.
“The HELSB appreciates the continued support of the government in enhancing student welfare and remains committed to the timely and efficient implementation of government policy to ensure that eligible students receive their financial support without undue delay,” Dr Machayi said.
