Govt sets aside N$403m for Unam, NUST and Namcol

Government has set aside more than N$403 million for Namibia’s three main public tertiary institutions in the first quarter of 2026, as it officially launched the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) online application process under the subsidised tertiary education funding model.

The allocation includes N$221 million for the University of Namibia (Unam), N$166 million for the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), and N$16 million for the Namibia College of Open Learning (Namcol).

Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 NSFAF online applications in Windhoek on Monday, education minister Dr Sanet Steenkamp said the investment reflects government’s continued commitment to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent capable students from accessing higher education.

“Through sustained public investment, we continue to cover registration and tuition fees for all eligible and qualifying students, ensuring that financial circumstances do not become a barrier to academic potential,” Steenkamp said.

In addition to the allocations to the three state institutions, N$25 million has been transferred to public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions through the Namibia Training Authority (NTA).

For private institutions, 20% of the overall N$234 million allocation will be disbursed upon completion of verification processes, with payments expected in early February.

Steenkamp described yesterday's launch as “a deliberate and meaningful step toward an education system that is more accessible, more inclusive and more responsive to the aspirations of our young people and the developmental needs of our nation”.

Critical lifeline

She also acknowledged the role of the finance ministry in sustaining the funding model and thanked finance minister Ericah Shafudah and her team “for their steadfast collaboration and tireless efforts in mobilising the resources required to sustain and expand access to tertiary education”.

While tuition and registration fees are fully subsidised for qualifying students, Steenkamp noted that the high cost of living remains a major challenge for many, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Government therefore provides non-tuition support through the subsidised tertiary education funding model," she explained.

“While the amounts provided may not always meet every need in full, they offer a critical lifeline, enabling students to remain enrolled, focused, and committed to completing their studies,” she added.

The minister stressed that the funding model is “firmly needs-based and developmental in its intent”, adding that investing in students is an investment in Namibia’s long-term social and economic development.

“When we support students in this way, we do much more than disburse financial assistance. We invest in human potential,” Steenkamp said.

New education era

NSFAF acting CEO Kennedy Kandume said the launch of the 2026 online application system marks a significant shift in tertiary education financing, particularly following the introduction of the 100% subsidised tuition model. 

“Today marks more than just the opening of a digital portal; it signifies the dawn of a transformed and expanded landscape for tertiary education financing in Namibia,” he said.

Kandume revealed that during the 2025 academic year, NSFAF received 41 322 applications, of which 30 138 students were awarded financial assistance amounting to N$3.1 billion for tuition and non-tuition support.

“The introduction of the 100% subsidised tertiary education funding model, particularly the removal of the parental income threshold for tuition fees, has dismantled the primary financial barrier to higher learning,” he explained, adding that the fund expects a record number of applications for 2026.

Under the new framework, NSFAF has been tasked with implementing, monitoring and evaluating the subsidised funding model. This involves ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria, administering non-tuition loans through means testing, recovering student loans and developing a national list of priority fields of study in consultation with stakeholders.

“The 2026 application system we launch today is the vital gateway through which students will access this transformative support. It represents our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and user-friendly service,” Kandume said.

NSFAF online applications for the 2026 academic year opened on Monday and will close on 31 March.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply through the NSFAF website.

Steenkamp urged young people not to allow financial hardship to derail their ambitions.

“If you have the ability and determination, do not allow financial constraints to extinguish your aspirations. By investing in them today, we secure a more just, resilient and prosperous Namibia tomorrow,” she said.