STAFF WRITER
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) says the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has disbursed about N$2.15 billion in tuition and non-tuition support to students for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The funds were disposed of in the period from 1 April 2026 until 30 September 2026.
The ministry’s executive director Mbumba haitengela said the investment reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring that no eligible Namibian student is left behind in accessing higher and vocational education.
He said the the support extends to students enrolled at public, private, vocational
and international institutions, as well as scholarship beneficiaries and other
approved funding categories.
“NSFAF has paid tuition fees amounting to N$891.18 million for more than 33,490 of the 43,512 invoiced continuing students. In addition, approximately 37,677 of the 43,512 continuing students have received non-tuition allowances totalling N$ 473.65 million for the period from April 2026 to September 2026,” Haitengela said.
Haitengela said the Ministry and NSFAF engaged institutions of higher learning and agreed on an advanced payment to cover registration fees at the start of the academic year to make sure students access school without disturbances.
“A total of N$651.16 million was paid to institutions of higher learning for new students,including advance payments, tuition fees and registration fees. Of the 39,528 applicants approved for funding, 35,122 students have been invoiced, while the remaining 4,406 students are awaiting invoicing by their respective Institutions of higher learning. Of the invoiced students, 24,870 have received tuition payments,” Haitengela said.
He said 17,732 of the 35,122 invoiced new students have received non-tuition allowances amounting to N$132.28 million.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns raised by students regarding outstanding payments. The Ministry recognizes the hardships that delayed allowances and tuition payments can cause, and sincerely regrets any inconvenience experienced.
In addition, 11,929 applications are currently being assessed, and applicants will be informed of the outcomes through the NSFAF portal,” he said.
He said NSFAF has identified students and trainees who have not yet fulfilled all the requirements for their 2026 funding.
“The Fund therefore encourages all affected students and trainees to log in to their respective student portals and submit the required information or documentation by 31 October 2026 to avoid delays in the payment process,” Haitengela said.
Haitengela said students who have not yet received their bank account details are encouraged to visit any Bank Windhoek branch countrywide or NSFAF Head Office for assistance.
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