The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) is inviting eligible Zambian nationals to apply for fifteen scholarships under the Mauritius–Africa Scholarships Scheme (MASS) for the 2026 academic year.
The scheme offers opportunities for Undergraduate Diploma, Undergraduate Degree, MPhil, MPhil/PhD, and PhD studies at public Higher Education Institutions in Mauritius. The scholarships aim to support outstanding students pursuing quality education while strengthening regional academic collaboration between Zambia and Mauritius.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Undergraduate (Diploma and Degree)
- Applicants must be above 18 years and below 26 years of age by 1st January 2027.
- Must have successfully completed Grade 12 (School Certificate) with:
- Diploma programmes: Grades 1–5 in English, Mathematics, and subjects relevant to the intended field of study.
- Undergraduate degree programmes: At least 21 points at A-Level in three principal subjects (A+ = 10, A = 9, B = 8, C = 7, D = 6), or an equivalent average of 60% (12/20).
- Candidates already holding an undergraduate degree are not eligible.
- Proof of English Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) is required if the previous qualification was not taught in English.
MPhil, MPhil/PhD and PhD
- Applicants must be below 40 years of age by 1st January 2027.
- Must hold a recognized undergraduate degree with at least a Merit or Upper Second Class (≥ 60%), and for PhD applicants, a Master’s degree.
- MPhil and PhD applicants must include a research proposal/plan and a written acceptance from a potential supervisor in Mauritius.
SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition fees and a monthly living allowance.
- A return air ticket (Zambia–Mauritius–Zambia) by the most economical route upon completion of studies.
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Note:
- Successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Travel expenses to and from the airport; and
- Any other costs not covered by the scholarship.
STUDY DURATION
| Programme | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Diploma | 3 years |
| Undergraduate Degree | 4 years |
| MPhil | 2 years + 6 months for thesis defence |
| MPhil/PhD | 3 years + 6 months for transfer approval + 1 year 6 months for thesis defence |
| PhD | 3 years + 6 months for thesis defence |
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply for Mauritius–Africa Scholarships Scheme 2026 Zambia a full-time, on-campus programme at a public Higher Education Institution in Mauritius listed in Section 8 of the Guidelines for Applicants (available on the Mauritius Ministry of Tertiary Education website).
Complete the official Mauritius–Africa Scholarships Scheme 2026 Zambia Application Form electronically before printing: https://tertiaryeducation.govmu.org/te/index.php/mass/
Attach the following supporting documents:
o A typed application letter clearly stating the field of study, age, and active mobile phone number.
o Certified Copy of Applicant’s Birth Certificate
o A Curriculum Vitae, photocopies of educational certificates, transcripts/statements of results, and NRC.
o A study plan or synopsis explaining how the intended course of study will contribute to Zambia’s development:
● 200 words (Undergraduate)
● 400 words (Master’s)
● 600 words (PhD)
o Employer’s recommendation (for Master’s/PhD applicants in employment).
o Supporting statement from a named supervisor (for MPhil/PhD applicants).
Pay a non-refundable application fee of ZMW 100 at any NATSAVE branch and attach a copy of the deposit slip.
o Note: No cash payments will be accepted at HELSB offices.
Submit the completed application and all supporting documents through HELSB.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
Applications should be addressed to: or Hand delivered to:
The Chief Executive Officer
Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board
P.O. Box 320298,
LUSAKA
The Reception
Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board
2nd Floor United Church House,
No. 8 Mosi-oa-Tunya Road,
Woodlands, LUSAKA.
Or The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board, C4 Copperbelt University Riverside Campus, Kitwe.
Or The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board, Mulungushi University, P.O Box 80415, Town campus, Kabwe.
Or The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board, Stand No 6711 Mberere Road Olympia Park Extension, Lusaka.
DEADLINE
Closing date for applications: Friday, 16th January 2026
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CONTACT DETAILS
+260 – 211-250726
+260 – 212 – 229192
+260 968058811
