Students worried over eviction risk amid NSFAF rejections

Several students say they risk eviction from their lodgings after having their Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) funding applications rejected, raising concerns about rising dropout rates.

Some say the situation is already critical.

One student, who spoke anonymously, said his application submitted in early February was rejected, leaving him unable to pay tuition fees despite having already registered.

“I can’t stay home. I want to finish my Level 4, but I don’t have the money to pay,” the International University of Management student said.

Affected students say they have no immediate means to pay for tuition or accommodation and are considering abandoning their studies despite having already secured admission.

In response, NSFAF said there has been no increase in complaints, adding that most rejections are due to applicants not meeting funding criteria.

“While this outcome can be disappointing, we strive to communicate these criteria clearly to ensure applicants understand the basis of the decision,” the fund said.

It added that an appeals process is available.

Boosted support

NSFAF confirmed it had received 50 069 applications for the 2026 academic year, up from 41 322 in 2025, a 21% increase, reflecting rising demand.

The fund said validation is ongoing and did not indicate how many students have been approved or rejected.

The uncertainty around applications and rejections comes despite President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announcing a N$663 million allocation in last week’s State of the Nation Address to support a fully subsidised higher education model.

The programme is expected to cover registration and tuition fees for eligible undergraduate students at public and private institutions, as well as vocational training centres.

The household income threshold for non-tuition support has also been raised to N$300 000, while NSFAF has been integrated into the education ministry to improve access.

Frustration

Another student, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that her application, submitted under a change-of-award condition, was rejected without explanation.

"The portal just says ‘rejected'", she told Namibian Sun.

"Since I am in the University of Namibia (Unam) hostel, I will not be able to pay and will have to move out and go back to the village because I have no place to stay,” the student added.

According to the student, applying for a study loan is a lengthy process and lacks any guarantees.

“And the worst thing is that we don't receive any proper feedback or student notice whatsoever from NSFAF, and universities do not wait for the NSFAF to release feedback information. We are really at a risk here,” she claimed.

The student added that the uncertainty is already affecting her academic performance due to stress and the risk of losing her accommodation.