NSFAF to settle Unam readiness programme students’ bill
Shot in the arm for students in need
Unam submitted a list of eligible students to the ministry in September.
The education ministry has announced that first-year students who completed the University of Namibia’s (Unam) readiness programme but were previously unfunded will have their bill settled by the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) for the 2025 academic year.
The readiness programme is a bridging programme at the university for students who don't meet the minimum admission requirements for specific undergraduate programmes.
The decision follows a request by the student representative council (SRC) advocating for students who successfully completed the readiness programme yet were excluded from funding. After consultations between the ministry, the SRC and NSFAF, the NSFAF board approved support for these students.
Funding will be provided only to students who successfully complete the readiness programme, ensuring support goes to those ready for higher education.
Unam submitted a list of eligible students to the ministry on 22 September, which was subsequently reviewed by NSFAF.
The support is intended to ensure that students who may have otherwise been excluded from higher education due to financial constraints can continue their studies. The funding applies only to students enrolled in 2025.
“NSFAF reviewed the submitted list from Unam and confirmed that only students who successfully completed the readiness programme will be eligible,” the ministry’s executive director Erastus Haitengela said in a letter addressed to Unam vice-chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu.
Clear communication
The ministry emphasised that future admission criteria must align with NSFAF’s financial assistance and debt recovery policies to maintain fairness and transparency in financial support.
Where admission criteria differ, Unam must clearly inform students before registration to prevent confusion or unfair treatment.
By engaging directly with Unam and the affected students, NSFAF will streamline the funding process, allowing timely disbursement and helping students focus on their studies rather than financial concerns.
The readiness programme is a bridging programme at the university for students who don't meet the minimum admission requirements for specific undergraduate programmes.
The decision follows a request by the student representative council (SRC) advocating for students who successfully completed the readiness programme yet were excluded from funding. After consultations between the ministry, the SRC and NSFAF, the NSFAF board approved support for these students.
Funding will be provided only to students who successfully complete the readiness programme, ensuring support goes to those ready for higher education.
Unam submitted a list of eligible students to the ministry on 22 September, which was subsequently reviewed by NSFAF.
The support is intended to ensure that students who may have otherwise been excluded from higher education due to financial constraints can continue their studies. The funding applies only to students enrolled in 2025.
“NSFAF reviewed the submitted list from Unam and confirmed that only students who successfully completed the readiness programme will be eligible,” the ministry’s executive director Erastus Haitengela said in a letter addressed to Unam vice-chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu.
Clear communication
The ministry emphasised that future admission criteria must align with NSFAF’s financial assistance and debt recovery policies to maintain fairness and transparency in financial support.
Where admission criteria differ, Unam must clearly inform students before registration to prevent confusion or unfair treatment.
By engaging directly with Unam and the affected students, NSFAF will streamline the funding process, allowing timely disbursement and helping students focus on their studies rather than financial concerns.
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