College makes graduation attendance mandatory – for N$4500

College makes graduation attendance mandatory – for N$4500Elizabeth KheibesStudents enrolled at PMT Health Care Institution risk being denied their qualifications unless they pay a mandatory N$4,500 in so-called graduation fee — which applies to all students completing their studies and graduating, regardless of whether they wish to attend the ceremony or not.According to a notice issued by the privately-owned nursing college, participation in the graduation ceremony is compulsory. Students who do not settle the full amount will not be cleared to graduate. Astonishingly, the fee excludes gowns and caps, which students must purchase separately, bringing the total cost for graduating students to over N$7,300 in some cases.The policy has sparked concern among families from low-income backgrounds, particularly given Namibia’s ongoing economic challenges. PMT currently operates campuses in Ruacana, Rundu and Windhoek, offering a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing and Midwifery Science to approximately 250 students. Of these, 110 are scheduled to graduate this October at an event to be held at Mercure Hotel in Windhoek. The venue will costs the institution N$165,000 to book.Responding to questions, the institution’s executive director, Sister Rutendo Zvidza, defended the graduation fee as justified and transparent.“These are not hidden charges,” she said. “All fees, including graduation costs, are clearly outlined in the application documents that every student signs before enrollment. The graduation fee is not just for a party — it covers the venue, food, certificates, décor, and logistics for invited guests, including officials from the ministry of health.”She further explained that the graduation ceremony is a “prestigious, well-organised event” that reflects the institution’s standards and reputation. According to Zvidza, the school often subsidises the actual cost of the ceremony, as the graduation fees collected from students do not cover all expenses.“We are not a government-funded institution. We provide books, uniforms, and equipment — all of which are included in the initial fees. We even allow parents to pay the graduation fee in installments if they come forward early,” she added.Documents seen by Namibian Sun confirm that PMT’s fee structure includes a range of non-tuition costs. First-year students are required to pay a N$6,200 uniform package upfront before registration is finalised. Other costs include monthly tuition payments of N$2,800 to N$2,875, exam fees of N$400 per module, and application, late registration, and replacement card charges.Students must also provide basic consumables — including toilet paper, rim paper, and stationery — every three months, and purchase their own textbooks.The policy around the graduation ceremony has drawn criticism for offering no option to graduate in absentia. This means students who have completed all their academic and clinical requirements are unable to receive their diplomas unless they attend the ceremony and pay the required fee in full.A concerned parent who brought the issue to light said his family, already burdened by tuition and exam costs, now faces the possibility that their children will not receive a qualification purely due to financial constraints.A student at the institution remarked: "Attending a graduation ceremony should remain a personal choice. Each student faces unique circumstances - be they financial, logistical, or personal - that may make attendance difficult or burdensome. Making it compulsory adds unnecessary pressure, especially on unemployed parents already struggling to make ends meet."While the school maintains that its policies are lawful and made clear upfront, students have raised questions about accessibility and the role of graduation ceremonies in student progression — particularly in institutions serving students from economically disadvantaged communities.PMT Health Care Institution is accredited by the Health Professions Council of Namibia and the Namibia Qualifications Authority.

College makes graduation attendance mandatory – for N$4500

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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College makes graduation attendance mandatory – for N$4500

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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