Africazine:
Namibia is significantly investing in its education sector to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Minister of Education announced funding disbursements totaling N1 million to the University of Namibia, N6 million to NUST, N million to NAMCOL, and N million to the National Training Authority. Additionally, 20 percent of the N4 million claimed by private institutions will be released pending verification.
Namibia’s Commitment to Student Funding
The government is prioritizing student support through a needs-based funding model. This model aims to ensure that financial assistance reaches those who truly need it, particularly students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Minister emphasized that this approach is not just about distributing funds but investing in the future of Namibia.
With over 41,000 applications for the 2025 academic year, the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) awarded financial assistance of N.1 billion to 30,138 Namibian students. This funding covers both tuition and non-tuition support, reflecting a comprehensive approach to education financing.
Key Features of the Funding Model
The introduction of a 100 percent subsidized tertiary education funding model has removed significant financial barriers for students. The removal of the parental threshold for tuition fees is a notable change that enhances accessibility to higher education.
NSFAF will continue to provide non-tuition fee loans through a robust means-testing process, ensuring that students receive the necessary support for their living and learning needs. The responsibility for loan recovery will remain in place to maintain the sustainability of the funding scheme for future generations.
Next Steps for Namibia’s Education Funding
- Verification of claims from private institutions for funding release.
- Implementation of national minimum standards across tertiary institutions.
- Launch of the new 2026 application system for subsidized education.
Namibia is taking bold steps to enhance educational access and support for its students.
