Assessment of the Student’s Perceptions on Applying and Repayment of Educational Loans in Tanzania - A Case of Higher Education Students Loans Board.

Mardobole, Reuben Rashidi (2025) Assessment of the Student’s Perceptions on Applying and Repayment of Educational Loans in Tanzania - A Case of Higher Education Students Loans Board. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study aimed to assess students’ perceptions of the application and repayment of educational loans, focusing on the Higher Education Students Loans Board (HESLB) in Zanzibar. A purposive sample of 80 respondents was selected, with data collected through questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The research explored key reasons why undergraduate students apply for Higher Education Student’s Loan Board loans. The findings revealed the factors including financial constraints, ease of application, financial literacy, flexible repayment terms, and peer influence. It also examined how students allocate loan funds covering tuition, academic materials, living expenses, and discretionary spending and their understanding of loan management and repayment responsibilities. In addition, challenges identified include misconceptions of loans as non-repayable aid, viewing repayment as a burden, weak repayment tracking systems, and limited awareness of the process. Some students also anticipate loan forgiveness, further complicating repayment efforts. Students generally use the funds responsibly, many struggle with the concept of repayment, often perceiving the loans as aid rather than debt. To address these issues, the study recommends enhancing financial literacy, improving communication on repayment obligations, strengthening tracking mechanisms, and shifting perceptions of loans from support to responsibility. Additionally, reviewing loan forgiveness policies and offering flexible repayment options could ease the burden on graduates and improve repayment rates. KEY WORDS: Education Loan, Loan Repayment, Higher Education Student Loans Board and students

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