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How to get a student loan in Liberia

June 27, 2025

Chibugo Ohanyiri

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Higher education in Liberia is still a privilege because most simply can’t afford it. Every year, thousands of students graduate from high school with big dreams. But when it’s time to move forward, the costs attached to those dreams stop them in their tracks. Tuition fees, acceptance costs, books, accommodation, transport, it all adds up fast. And for many families, even the first semester feels out of reach.

The truth is, financing tertiary education in Liberia is a long-standing problem, and not much has changed in the last decade. The country spends just around 7% of its national budget on education, significantly lower than the global benchmark of 20% recommended by UNESCO. This limited funding affects everything from overcrowded lecture halls and underpaid lecturers to outdated curriculum materials and poor infrastructure in public universities. Students are often left to figure things out on their own.

The private sector helps fill some of the gaps, but not nearly enough. Private universities and tutoring centers charge fees that most working-class families cannot consistently afford. Remittances from relatives abroad and occasional NGO scholarships offer some support, but these are unpredictable and often limited to a small number of beneficiaries. Many students either defer admission, drop out mid-program, or abandon their academic goals entirely because the money simply isn’t there.

While the concept of student loans is well-established in many countries, Liberia is still catching up. There are no large-scale government-backed student loan schemes, and banks or microfinance institutions rarely provide education loans, and when they do, the terms are usually not student-friendly. They often require collateral, proof of formal income, or a guarantor, conditions that most young applicants can’t meet. As a result, the student loan market in Liberia remains extremely underdeveloped.

Some Liberian students are looking beyond borders. A growing number are applying to international universities and seeking education financing through platforms that offer student loans to Africans studying abroad without requiring collateral or a co-signer. But these options are only accessible if you already have an offer from a recognized university overseas, which again brings us back to opportunity gaps.

So, where does that leave you, a Liberian student hoping to fund your education today?

This guide lays it all out. We’ll walk through the current student loan options in Liberia, including local institutions, informal routes, international alternatives, and realistic ways to manage borrowing without drowning in debt. You’ll learn how to prepare, how to apply, and how to position yourself financially and academically to get the support you need.

Because while the system may not be perfect, understanding how it works gives you the power to navigate it better. And for many students, that knowledge can be the difference between giving up and getting in.

Understanding student loans

Before applying for a student loan, it’s important to clearly understand what it is and how it’s different from other forms of financial support.

A student loan is borrowed money that helps you pay for your education. It can be used to cover tuition, textbooks, school supplies, and in some cases, living expenses such as accommodation and transportation. But unlike scholarships or grants, which are given freely and don’t require repayment, a student loan must be paid back, often with interest.

That means when you accept a loan, you’re not just solving a short-term problem; you’re entering a financial agreement that could follow you well after graduation. And the decisions you make now, like how much you borrow or how well you understand the repayment terms, can have long-term effects on your financial future.

In Liberia, the student loan system is still developing. The Liberia Student Loan Board (LSLB) is currently the main institution offering loans to students pursuing tertiary education. These loans are intended to reduce the financial burden on students, particularly in public universities and technical institutions.

Depending on availability and approval, an LSLB loan may cover:

Your tuition fees, which are usually the biggest cost for university students.
Learning materials, such as textbooks, laboratory equipment, and stationery;
And in some limited cases, living expenses like transportation and accommodation, especially for students living far from campus.

Unlike scholarships, which are awarded based on academic performance or special qualifications, student loans are more widely available but they come with strings attached. They need to be repaid, and they often include an interest rate, which is the extra amount added to the original sum you borrowed. Over time, this interest increases the total amount you’ll have to pay back.

Unfortunately, detailed information about loan terms like interest rates, grace periods (the time after graduation before repayment begins), and penalties for missed payments is not always easy to find in Liberia. This lack of transparency can lead to confusion and hardship later on. That’s why it’s important to ask questions before signing any loan agreement. Some important questions you should be asking include:

What is the interest rate on this loan?
When will I need to start repaying it?
How often will I need to make payments; monthly, quarterly, or annually?
What happens if I can’t repay on time? Are there penalties or legal consequences?

It’s tempting to focus only on the immediate benefit, getting the money you need to register or stay in school. Being informed from the start gives you a better chance of managing your debt well and building a stable future once you graduate.

Where to find student loans in Liberia

The Liberia Student Loan Board (LSLB) remains the most prominent and accessible source of student loans for those pursuing higher education within Liberia. Backed by the government, the LSLB provides financial support to students enrolled in accredited universities, polytechnics, and vocational institutions. Unlike many private lending options, its programs are specifically designed for the local context, focusing on affordability, national development goals, and support for students with limited financial means. For thousands of Liberians, especially those studying at home, the LSLB is the most practical and realistic route to financing a university education.

However, for students aiming to pursue postgraduate education abroad, private international lenders have stepped in to fill the gap. Two standout options are MPower Financing and Prodigy Finance, both known for offering student loans to African students, including Liberians, without the usual barriers like collateral or a cosigner. MPower supports undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. and Canada, offering loans based on academic performance and future income potential, while Prodigy focuses mainly on master’s programs in high-impact fields such as Business, STEM, Public Policy, and Health Sciences.

While these international lenders provide flexible and accessible funding options for studying abroad, they are geared toward students with confirmed admission to foreign universities. For local study in Liberia, the LSLB remains the most relevant and widely available option.

Who qualifies for a student loan in Liberia?

Student loans in Liberia aren’t available to just anyone, and that’s not a bad thing. Like in many countries, loan eligibility is tied to both academic readiness and financial need. The goal is to ensure that funding goes to students who are most likely to complete their education and use their skills to contribute meaningfully to national development. The Liberia Student Loan Board (LSLB), the body responsible for administering most student loans locally, has outlined specific criteria that applicants must meet. While some requirements are standard (like proof of enrollment), others are shaped by Liberia’s unique economic and educational context. Here’s what typically determines whether you qualify:

Educational background

At a minimum, you must have completed lower primary education and obtained the necessary qualifications for tertiary-level study. Most applicants are either finishing secondary school or are already enrolled in a university or technical college. The LSLB uses your academic background to assess your preparedness for higher education and to ensure you’re pursuing a course that leads to a recognized credential.

Admission into an accredited institution

You need to be formally admitted into a registered and accredited tertiary institution within Liberia. This includes public and private universities, polytechnics, vocational training institutes, and other specialized colleges. Admission letters, fee schedules, and enrollment confirmation documents are usually required during the application process. If you’re applying for a loan while still waiting for university admission, your application will likely be considered incomplete until that’s resolved.

Approved program of study

Not every course or program is automatically eligible for LSLB loans. The Board tends to prioritize fields of study that align with Liberia’s national development goals, areas like health sciences, education, agriculture, engineering, and ICT. These are seen as high-impact fields that address skills gaps in the country. So if you’re pursuing a degree in these sectors, your application may carry more weight. It’s important to confirm that your course of study is on the list of approved programs before applying.

Demonstrated financial need

While financial need isn’t always explicitly listed as a formal requirement, in practice, it plays a huge role. The LSLB was created to support students who would otherwise have no means of funding their education. If you can demonstrate that you or your family are unable to afford tuition and related costs through income statements, letters of support, or your general circumstances, your chances of being approved increase. In some cases, students from rural areas or low-income households may be prioritized.

A credit-worthy guarantor

Because many student applicants don’t have a formal credit history or stable income, the LSLB often requires a guarantor, typically a parent, guardian, or relative who can vouch for your ability and commitment to repay the loan. This person may be asked to provide employment or income verification, and in some cases, may be held responsible if the student defaults. It’s a way for the Board to minimize risk, but it also means applicants must find someone who is both willing and financially credible.

Step-by-step guide on loan application process

Applying for a student loan in Liberia requires planning, accuracy, and good timing. Since opportunities for funding are limited and the process is still largely manual, it’s important to know what’s expected of you and prepare well in advance.

Step 1: Watch for the LSLB loan announcement

The first step is simply to stay informed. The LSLB officially announces its student loan application cycle in national newspapers usually toward the end of the calendar year. You’ll often find these announcements in publications like the Liberian Observer or through notices posted by the Ministry of Education. Some schools may also notify students when the application window opens.

Since there’s no confirmed or consistently updated LSLB website as of 2025, this offline method remains the main way students are informed. So if you’re serious about getting a loan, start checking regularly by October or November, and keep in touch with your school’s bursary or admissions office to avoid missing the deadline.

Step 2: Obtain the application form

Once the application window opens, your next step is to get the official loan form. This typically means visiting the LSLB office in person, since the process is still paper-based. Forms may also be distributed through some tertiary institutions, especially public universities or regional Ministry of Education offices. If you’re unsure where to go, your school’s registrar or financial aid office can usually point you in the right direction.

Be prepared to provide basic identification before receiving the form, and don’t wait too long; these forms are usually limited and processed on a rolling basis.

Step 3: Carefully fill out the application form

Once you have the form, take your time filling it out. Any mistake could delay your application or result in rejection. The form will typically ask for:

Your personal details, such as full name, address, date of birth, and contact information
Academic information, including your school, department, year of study, and admission status
Financial information, such as your household income level and the number of dependents in your family

If you already have a guarantor in mind, you may also need to fill out a section with their personal and employment details. Double-check everything. Spelling errors, inconsistent data, or missing fields can cause serious delays. If you’re unsure how to fill out a particular part, ask a school official or visit the LSLB office for guidance.

Step 4: Prepare your supporting documents

Your application isn’t complete without the required documents, and gathering them can take time, especially if you’re applying from outside Monrovia or need help from a guarantor. Typical documents include:

A valid Social Security Number to confirm your identity
A signed guarantor’s endorsement form, showing who will be legally responsible if you default
Bank account details in your name, where funds will be disbursed if your loan is approved
An institutional endorsement form, completed and stamped by your school to prove you’re a currently enrolled student
A recent admission letter from your institution, confirming your program and level of study
A student ID card issued by your university or college
A couple of passport-sized photographs for your application profile and records

Make photocopies of all documents and keep the originals safe. If possible, scan everything and store digital versions on your phone or email; they might come in handy later.

Step 5: Submit your application

Once your form is filled out and your documents are ready, submit your full application before the stated deadline, which typically falls around January 1st. If the LSLB introduces an online portal in the future, it’s best to use that for faster processing. But for now, physical submission is the most reliable route.

Submit your application directly to the LSLB office, or through your institution’s bursary office if they are assisting with the collection. If mailing is your only option, be aware that posted applications can take 4 to 6 weeks to reach and be logged, so mail early. After submission, always ask for a receipt or confirmation of some sort. It’s your proof that you applied, in case your file gets misplaced or delayed.

Step 6: Wait for the evaluation process

Once the LSLB receives your application, it goes through two stages. First, the Operations Unit checks your file for completeness; they’ll confirm that all documents are attached and that your form is filled properly. If something’s missing or unclear, you might receive a call, SMS, or email asking for clarification.

Next, if your file passes that stage, it’s sent to the Loan Selection Committee, who make final decisions based on eligibility, academic focus, financial need, and available funding. Students who are selected will be listed in newspapers and official announcements from the Ministry of Education. This process can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the number of applicants and internal reviews.

Step 7: Sign the loan agreement and receive your funds

If your application is approved, congratulations, but you’re not done yet. You’ll be invited to sign a formal loan agreement, which outlines:

How much have you been awarded
What the repayment terms are (duration, interest, grace period, etc.)
Your responsibilities as a borrower
What happens in the case of default

Make sure you read the loan agreement carefully. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand, especially around interest rates and repayment dates. Once the agreement is signed, your loan funds will be disbursed. In most cases, tuition fees are sent directly to your school, while any approved living expense allowance may be deposited into your bank account. Disbursements typically occur after the academic session begins, so don’t rely on the loan to cover pre-registration costs unless confirmed.

Interest rates and repayment

Unfortunately, in Liberia, student loan terms aren’t always easy to find or publicly documented, especially for the government-issued loans under the Liberia Student Loan Board (LSLB). But based on what’s available and what similar programs look like across Africa, here’s what you can realistically expect and what you need to be cautious about.

What do we know about interest rates?

Student loans are typically designed to be more “forgiving” than commercial loans; that is, they tend to have lower interest rates to make repayment more manageable. The idea is that you’re investing in your education, not taking out a car loan or starting a business. So the government offers some leniency to help students succeed.

That said, in Liberia’s case, the LSLB has not published a fixed interest rate. This lack of transparency can be frustrating, especially for first-time borrowers trying to make informed decisions. However, anecdotal reports and interviews from past recipients suggest that:

Interest is charged, but at a rate significantly lower than what you’d find with a personal loan from a bank.
The rate may be influenced by the financial credibility of your guarantor; for instance, a stable-income parent or civil servant might secure you better terms.
Interest may be fixed (a flat rate over the loan period) or simple interest, rather than compound, but again, that varies and must be confirmed in the actual loan agreement.

So, while we can’t give a specific number, say 5% or 10% we can say this: you should never sign a loan agreement until the interest rate is clearly stated, and you understand exactly how it works.

When does repayment start?

The good news is that you don’t start paying immediately. Most student loans under the LSLB offer what’s called a grace period, a set number of months after you graduate before repayment begins. This is meant to give you some breathing room to settle into the workforce and find your footing. Based on current patterns, you can expect:

Repayment begins 6 to 12 months after graduation, though this can vary based on your specific loan terms.
If you’re unable to find a job during the grace period, you may be able to request a deferral or an extension, but this must be done formally and may not always be granted.

It’s important to plan early; start thinking about repayment even before you graduate. The more prepared you are, the less pressure you’ll feel when it’s time to start making payments.

How long do you have to repay?

Loan repayment typically stretches over a period of several years, depending on how much you borrowed and what terms you agreed to. While some LSLB loans cover a full 2- to 4-year program, you’ll likely have an equal or longer period to pay back the loan. Let’s break this down:

If your loan covered a 3-year program, your repayment plan might allow you 5 to 7 years to complete payment.
Monthly payments are expected once repayment kicks in, although the exact amount will depend on the size of your loan, the interest rate, and the repayment schedule negotiated in your agreement.

Again, review the loan document in detail; it’s the only place that clearly outlines how long you’ll have to repay and what happens if you miss a payment.

Can you repay early?

This is something worth asking the LSLB directly. In many loan systems, early repayment is allowed and even encouraged because it reduces your interest burden over time. If you land a well-paying job right after school, it might be smart to start repaying immediately, even if your grace period hasn’t expired.

Some programs may even offer discounts or incentives for early repayment, though that’s not officially confirmed for LSLB. Still, being proactive with your payments is never a bad idea.

Why you should understand this before signing

Too many students focus only on the short-term goal: getting into school, registering for courses, and avoiding the embarrassment of being sent home for unpaid fees. But the real impact of a loan is felt after graduation, when the emails, calls, or letters about repayment begin. If you don’t fully understand the repayment terms:

You may over-borrow and struggle later with high monthly payments.
Accumulate penalties for late payments or defaults.
Find it hard to qualify for other loans (like a housing or car loan) until this one is cleared.

Taking the time now to ask the right questions and getting clear answers from the LSLB will save you years of stress down the line.

Closing the gap between ambition and access

Higher education in Liberia still demands more persistence than it should, but it is no longer an all-or-nothing bet. You now know where the doors are: the paper forms at LSLB, the seasonal newspaper adverts, the government-backed program for local study, and the two collateral-free lenders opening global classrooms to Liberians. None of these paths is effortless; each one asks for paperwork, patience, and a plan. Yet each one also shifts the odds in your favour.

So treat this article as a working map, not a pep talk. Mark the deadlines on your calendar, line up your guarantor early, and read every clause before you sign. Then go back to your books. The country’s loan system is still evolving, and every well-prepared borrower nudges it toward something fairer and more transparent. If you do your part, apply cleanly, study hard, and repay on time, you’ll help prove that financing Liberian talent is worth the risk