Zambia Announces 2026 TEVET Bursaries for Over 15,000 Students
According to the ministry, bursary support has grown significantly over the past six years despite fiscal pressures, guided by the principle of leaving no learner behind.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Technology and Science, has officially announced the 2026 Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) Bursary Awards aimed at expanding access to skills training for vulnerable but deserving students across the country.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, who said the bursary allocation process for the 2026 academic year has been concluded under the TEVET Bursary Support Programme. The initiative is designed to help learners access technical, vocational, professional, and entrepreneurial training, in line with the government’s broader education and skills development agenda.
According to the ministry, bursary support has grown significantly over the past six years despite fiscal pressures, guided by the principle of leaving no learner behind. Special focus continues to be placed on girls and young women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable youths from both rural and urban communities.
The number of beneficiaries is expected to rise from 4,522 students in 2021 — comprising 2,953 males and 1,559 females — to 15,685 students in 2026. Of the 2026 beneficiaries, 7,306 are male and 6,379 are female, reflecting ongoing efforts to close the gender gap, particularly in science and technology-related fields.
The 2026 bursaries are targeted at priority sectors aligned with national development goals. These include engineering and industrial trades, ICT and digital skills, agriculture, health-related sciences, and entrepreneurship-oriented technical programmes.
The ministry also emphasized strengthened measures to ensure inclusive and transparent access. Female applicants, especially in STEM fields, learners from rural districts, and persons with disabilities are being prioritized. The selection process is being supported by an online bursary application system coordinated with social welfare offices under community development and social services structures.
Officials said beneficiaries have been selected from across the country, underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable access to skills development regardless of geographical location. The programme is expected to enhance youth employability, support national digitalisation, and contribute to economic transformation.
The ministry congratulated all successful applicants and urged them to use the opportunity responsibly to gain skills that will drive personal advancement, job creation, and national development.
