NASA wants NSFAF to match fees to course costs

The National African Students’ Association (NASA) has called on the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) to align tuition payments with the actual approved costs of academic programmes, warning that funding shortfalls could leave students struggling with unpaid fees and academic disruption.

In a statement dated 29 October, NASA said courses involving laboratories, specialised equipment, technical resources and practical training often carry higher costs that should be reflected in funding allocations.

The association urged NSFAF to address discrepancies between institutional tuition fees and funding allocations, improve communication with institutions of higher learning and ensure greater transparency in the calculation and disbursement of financial assistance.

NASA warned that students should not be forced to abandon their studies, accumulate unaffordable debt or face academic exclusion because their funding does not adequately cover tuition costs.

The association acknowledged the need for responsible financial management but called for a sustainable funding model that protects eligible students and supports their academic progress.