Unam draws a line in the sand on grade 11 graduates

The University of Namibia (Unam) will not entertain any applications for admission from grade 11 leavers, emphasising that even those seeking to enrol in its readiness programmes must have completed grade 12 to be considered.University spokesperson Simon Namesho yesterday reiterated Unam’s hardline stance on the admission requirements for its degree programmes, emphasising that the National Senior Secondary Certificate for Ordinary Level (NSSCO) – which is equivalent to a grade 11 certificate – will not be entertained for any admission at the university.Namesho went a step further to explain that even those seeking to initially enrol in Unam’s readiness programme, before they can be admitted into full degree or diploma programmes, cannot apply for admission solely with NSSCO results.“We do not admit students who exited school at grade 11 level. But even for one to be admitted to our Unam readiness programme, which is about doing bridging courses in order to qualify for our academic programmes, one must have at least a combination of NSSCO and AS [Advanced Subsidiary] level, which is grade 12. Three subjects from NSSCO and two from AS level, or vice versa.“Bottom line, you must have sat in grade 12 for you to be admitted to our readiness programme, let alone academic programmes,” he told Namibian Sun.The introduction of NSSCO and AS regimes, where learners can exit secondary schooling at grade 11 or grade 12, respectively, has disrupted the way universities admit students. Previously, one needed to attain a set number of points from a specific number of subjects in grade 12 for them to be admitted to university degree or diploma courses.Local, international benefits Unam has maintained that its decision aligns with its commitment to maintaining high academic standards for the benefit of both the university and the nation. To enrol in a bachelor’s degree programme or pursue higher studies at Unam, applicants must hold an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualification.According to the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso), Unam is within its rights to adopt this stance.“We understand that quality must be maintained, and allowing NSSCO results to be accepted could affect Unam’s international standing,” stated Nanso spokesperson Dorthea Nangolo.She acknowledged the importance of academic freedom for institutions but expressed concerns about the decision's impact on learners. A bridge to university Nangolo highlighted that the NSSCO is similar in level to the previous grade 12 certificate, making the introduction of bridging courses a fair compromise.Under the system, learners without an AS qualification can progress to university by completing a bridging course tailored to their intended field of study, eliminating the need to pursue the Advanced Subsidiary level. Nangolo commended this approach for balancing the need to maintain academic standards while creating opportunities for the youth.In contrast, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has adopted a more inclusive approach.NUST accepts the NSSCO qualification for degree programmes, viewing it as equivalent to the former International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).“We do not have a concern that this will lower the standards of our institution,” said NUST assistant registrar for academic administration, Selma Heelu. She noted that NUST also accepts learners from neighbouring countries with similar qualifications.

Unam draws a line in the sand on grade 11 graduates

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Unam draws a line in the sand on grade 11 graduates

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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