IMELDA AMBONO
The government has confirmed the implementation of a subsidised tertiary education funding model, aimed at widening access to tertiary education starting in 2026.
This tertiary education funding only applies to first time undergraduates.
According to Minister Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, “The Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model was extended to include private institutions to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusiveness across the whole tertiary education sector.”
The subsidised funding model will cover tuition and registration fees for undergraduate students at public and private higher education institutions, as well as vocational training centres.
This decision was officially announced by the minister of education after the president made her announcement on the 24th of April 2025 saying “I am pleased to announce that from the next Academic Year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100 percent subsidized by the Government. That means, no registration fees and no tuition fees at all public Universities and Technical & Vocational Education Centres. While this will be a gradual, phased-in approach, your contribution as families and students for now will be towards accommodation and other related costs. We have heard your cries; the Fees have Fallen”
“The need was identified to ensure that needy students are covered in terms of providing non-tuition fees as loans through means-testing to enhance access through a holistic approach to student funding,” said Steenkamp.
Eligible categories include: All undergraduate students (first primary qualification at NQF Level 5 up to Level 8, including Honours) at public and private higher education institutions, ll trainees for the first primary trade (NQF Levels 1 up to Level 6) at TVET centres, students pursuing courses abroad in priority fields of study, but such courses are not offered by tertiary education institutions in Namibia
“The funding model excludes students pursuing second or more qualifications at the same or lower NQF level, repeating students, non-Namibian citizens, and students enrolled at institutions and/or in programmes not meeting legal and quality standard requirements,” said Steenkamp.
Non-tuition fees will be provided as loans through means-testing, with a combined parental or guardian income threshold of N$100,000.00. The non-tuition fee will be at an amount of N$17,000.00 per annum.
“The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) will be responsible for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the subsidized tertiary education funding model,” said Steenkamp.
NSFAF will ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, award non-tuition loans through means-testing, and recover student loans due to the Fund.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture will provide strategic oversight and coordination, monitor and brief Cabinet on the implementation of Subsidized Tertiary Education, and disburse funds for non-tuition loans and to institutions for students eligible under the Subsidized Tertiary Education Funding Model.
COMMENTS