Bayport Financial Services Scholarships 2026/2027 (UNZA & HELSB) – Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship for University of Zambia School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Overview & Description

If you are an academically exceptional Zambian school leaver from a vulnerable background or rural community, securing tuition and university expenses to study at the University of Zambia (UNZA) can present a major financial challenge. High university costs often prevent talented young leaders from government schools from pursuing higher education. Bayport Financial Services Limited (BFSL), in partnership with the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), bridges that exact gap—offering undergraduate scholarships for eligible UNZA humanities students for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Quick Summary: Bayport Financial Services Limited (BFSL) and the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) are accepting applications for the Bayport Financial Services Scholarships 2026/2027. This initiative provides undergraduate scholarships for Zambian school leavers admitted to the University of Zambia (UNZA) in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Overview / What This Opportunity Entails

The Bayport Financial Services Scholarship Scheme is designed to support high-achieving, vulnerable Zambian youth in accessing university education. Administered in collaboration with HELSB, the scholarship targets high-performing school leavers who have been accepted into UNZA’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The facility focuses on empowering students from government schools, rural areas, and low-income backgrounds, enabling them to pursue their Bachelor’s degree studies without financial hardship. Note that this award is non-transferable from one university or program to another.

Core Details & Key Responsibilities / Benefits

Selected Bayport Scholars receive educational support to pursue their degree program at UNZA:

• Undergraduate Degree Coverage: Financial sponsorship for Bachelor’s degree studies in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at UNZA.
• Empowerment Focus: Priority support dedicated to vulnerable youth, rural residents, and graduates of government secondary schools.
• Digital Application Portal: Streamlined, fully online application process managed through the official HELSB portal.

Self-Qualification: Do You Match the Profile?

Review these strict eligibility criteria before beginning your online application:

• Citizenship: Must be a Zambian citizen with a Green National Registration Card (NRC).
• Admission Status: Must be a school leaver admitted to the University of Zambia (UNZA) to undertake a Bachelor’s degree program in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences for the 2026/2027 academic year.
• Graduation Year: Must be a school leaver who completed Grade 12 in 2024 or 2025.
• Age Limit: Must be 18 years old or below by January 2027.
• Academic Merit: Must possess a full Grade 12 School Certificate with a maximum of 10 points inclusive of English, Mathematics, and any other 3 subjects relevant to the program of study.
• School Type: Must have attended a government secondary school.
• Vulnerability Focus: Applicants from vulnerable backgrounds and those residing in rural areas are strongly encouraged to apply.

AI Application Prompts (Use ChatGPT / Claude)

Copy and paste these custom AI prompts to draft your motivation letter and structure your scholarship documents:

• Prompt 1: Draft My Motivation Letter for Bayport & HELSB“Act as an academic scholarship advisor in Zambia. I am applying for the Bayport Financial Services Scholarship for UNZA’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Based on my background and Grade 12 points pasted below, write a compelling, tailored motivation letter outlining my academic aspirations, personal financial circumstances, career goals, and my drive to succeed:\n\n[PASTE YOUR GRADE 12 RESULTS & PERSONAL/FINANCIAL BACKGROUND HERE]”
• Prompt 2: Structure My Application Letter Response“Act as a student mentor. Draft a formal application letter responding to the Bayport Financial Services / HELSB scholarship advertisement for the 2026/2027 academic year at UNZA. Include clear placeholders for my admission details, NRC number, secondary school background, and contact details:\n\n[PASTE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS HERE]”

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Applications are conducted strictly online. Do not send or hand-deliver physical application documents to any office or university.

1. Gather Required Application Documents

Prepare clear scanned copies of the following documents:

1. Application letter responding to the advertisement.
2. Photocopy of the 2026/2027 academic year UNZA admission letter.
3. Photocopy of Grade 12 statement of results or certificate (maximum 10 points).
4. Photocopy of the candidate’s NRC.
5. Photocopy of the candidate’s parent’s/guardian’s NRC.
6. One (01) recent passport-size photo of the candidate.
7. Recommendation letter from the secondary school within the residential address, confirming the applicant’s residential address and attendance at the stated school.
8. Vulnerability status letter/report issued by either the Social Welfare Department in the applicant’s district of residence or the applicant’s secondary school (must be uploaded under ‘Supporting Documents’ on the portal).
9. Motivation letter outlining academic aspirations, personal circumstances, career goals, and motivation for applying.

2. Submit Online via the HELSB Portal

• Access the official portal at [https://portal.helsb.gov.zm/](https://portal.helsb.gov.zm/)
• Complete all candidate details, upload your required document scans, and submit online before 30th September 2026.

Contact & Support Information

• HELSB Head Office: 2nd Floor United Church of Zambia House, Mosi-o-Tunya Road, Woodlands, Lusaka
• Copperbelt Office: C4 Copperbelt University Riverside Campus, Kitwe
• Kabwe Office: Mulungushi University Town Campus, Kabwe
• Telephone: +260 211 447 110
• Bayport Toll-Free Line: +260-211-257243 / 7878
• Website: www.helsb.gov.zm

How to Submit Your Application

Click the Apply Now button below to access the official HELSB portal and submit your details directly.