By A Special Correspondent
Fifty academically high-performing young Tanzanians from financially disadvantaged families are set to have their university dreams turned into reality after NMB Foundation (NMBF), in partnership with NMB Bank, committed TSh1 billion to support their education and career development during the 2026/27 academic year.
The investment, being made through the Nuru Yangu Scholarship and Mentorship Programme, represents a continued commitment by NMBF to removing financial barriers that prevent talented young Tanzanians from accessing higher education and building productive careers.
The lender said all applications for the new scholarships must be submitted through the NMB Foundation website, foundation.nmbbank.co.tz, from September 3 until September 18, 2026.
The latest cohort will bring the total number of young people supported by the programme to 151, following 101 beneficiaries who were supported during the first two intakes.
NMBF has already invested more than TSh2.1 billion in the first two cohorts, with the additional TSh1 billion allocation bringing its cumulative commitment to more than TSh3.1 billion.
The programme’s broader approach goes beyond paying university tuition. It is designed to give beneficiaries the academic, practical and professional support needed to successfully transition from higher education into the workplace.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, NMBF General Manager Nelson Karumuna said the 50 successful applicants would join the 101 students supported through the programme’s first two intakes.
“The support will cover tuition fees, living expenses, field practical training, compulsory university charges and learning materials, including laptops,” Mr. Karumuna said.
In addition to financial assistance, beneficiaries will receive academic mentorship, leadership development, employment preparation and practical learning opportunities.
The comprehensive package reflects NMBF’s emphasis on developing not only university graduates, but young Tanzanians equipped with the skills, experience and confidence needed to contribute to the country’s economy.
The impact of the programme is already evident among beneficiaries from previous cohorts.
Elia Johnson Kaberege, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2025, said the programme provided the financial support his family was unable to afford, enabling him to pursue and complete his university education.
For Irene John Busorwa, a graduate of Mzumbe University, the scholarship represented an opportunity that had appeared increasingly difficult to achieve because of financial constraints.
Ms. Busorwa said financial difficulties had nearly prevented her from enrolling at university before Nuru Yangu stepped in to support her through three years of study.
She has since graduated and secured employment with an audit firm, demonstrating how targeted investment in education can help young people move from financial vulnerability to professional independence.
Launched on May 19, 2022, the Nuru Yangu Scholarship and Mentorship Programme was established to address one of the major barriers facing academically capable young Tanzanians – lack of financial resources to pursue higher education.
The programme is targeted at students who have demonstrated strong academic performance but whose families face financial difficulties that could prevent them from enrolling in recognised higher learning institutions.
For the 2026/27 intake, applicants must be Tanzanian citizens who completed Form Six in 2026 and obtained Division One with between three and five points. They must also demonstrate financial need and be preparing to join a recognised higher learning institution in Tanzania.
Mr. Karumuna stressed that the application process is completely free and warned prospective applicants and their families against individuals who may attempt to exploit the scholarship opportunity.
“The application process is free and that no individual or organisation has been authorised to sell or facilitate scholarship places. Selection will be based on the published criteria and a detailed verification process intended to ensure the support reaches eligible students,” Mr. Karumuna said.
Applications for the 2026/27 intake are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and should rely only on information provided through the official NMB Foundation platform.
No payment is required to apply, and prospective beneficiaries should be cautious of anyone claiming to have the authority to sell, secure or facilitate scholarship places. With 50 more young Tanzanians now set to join the Nuru Yangu family, NMBF’s growing investment demonstrates how private-sector support for education can help transform academic potential into professional opportunity.
