Namibian Fulbright scholars hit by US funding freeze

Namibian and other southern African recipients of US-funded Fulbright scholarships were dismayed to learn that, due to foreign programme funding reviews being undertaken by President Donald Trump’s administration, they would initially receive only a small portion of their monthly stipend this month.Before the freeze, Fulbright scholars received US$1 600 (approximately N$29 000) per month, but the pause meant that only US$400 (N$7 000) was disbursed so far.The reduction has reportedly left many struggling to cover basic living expenses such as rent, food and utilities. Namibian Sun understands that there are currently two Namibians benefitting from the programme. However, following increasing concerns, an email sent on Monday from the programme's administrators provided some relief: “Additional funding has been released, and the Institute of International Education (IIE) is processing the remaining balance due for your most recent stipend payment by your Fulbright Grant Authorisation Document/Terms and Conditions.”This latest communication has reassured scholars that they will soon receive the remainder of their stipends. However, many remain cautious, given the unexpected nature of the funding freeze and the significant financial strain it has already caused.Many students rely on these stipends to cover essential expenses, with rent alone often consuming up to 75% of their usual allowance. The sudden reduction, coupled with uncertainty about when the remaining funds will be paid, has left scholars in financial turmoil, with many unsure how they will make ends meet.Stipends to be paid On Tuesday, the US embassy in Namibia’s press and media coordinator, Julia Haludilu, told Namibian Sun that “in accordance with Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio’s directive to ensure every dollar the State Department spends makes America safer, stronger and more prosperous, we are currently conducting a strategic review of all State Department activities to ensure they are efficient and consistent with the America First agenda.”Haludilu explained that this includes educational and cultural exchange programmes. “Some programme activities, projects, and planned travel are affected by this strategic review, which remains in progress. During the strategic review, all State Department grants are undergoing a 15-day pause on payments."This includes ECA programme activities such as Fulbright, she noted. Haludilu underlined, however, that “additional funding has since been released for Fulbright participants to receive their most recent stipend.”Funding interruptions worrying Fulbright scholars typically receive their stipends between the 21st and 24th of each month, according to recent graduates from the programme. However, last month, payments for those currently on the programme were delayed without prior notice, sparking concern.On 28 February, students received an email informing them that US state department funding had been temporarily paused, and as a result, they would receive only 25% of their expected stipend for now. The letter from Fulbright administrators acknowledged the situation and explained: “As with many federal agencies, state department funding has been temporarily paused to facilitate a review of programmes and activities,” it said.“Due to this pause, the Institute of International Education is authorised to send you a partial stipend equivalent to one week of your anticipated upcoming stipend payment. We will update you on future payments as soon as possible.”

Namibian Fulbright scholars hit by US funding freeze

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

Please login to leave a comment

Namibian Fulbright scholars hit by US funding freeze

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

Please login to leave a comment

Login