Staff Writer
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture says admission into a tertiary institution does not automatically guarantee government funding.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp on Friday clarified how the subsidised tertiary funding model will apply for the 2026 academic year.
Steenkamp said funding decisions under the subsidised tertiary funding model will continue to follow the existing eligibility rules used by the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), despite the expansion of subsidised education.
“Being admitted into a tertiary institution does not automatically guarantee funding, but funding decisions will be guided by the existing, transparent requirements,” Steenkamp said.
She said the government has secured funding for the 2026 academic year and that eligible students who meet the requirements will receive subsidies for tuition and registration fees for their primary qualification at public and private accredited institutions.
The ministry says subsidised tertiary education is being rolled out using a phased approach to protect stability, quality, and fairness across the education system.
For 2026, NSFAF funding requirements will remain the basis for determining eligibility while broader reforms are implemented over time.
Under the funding model, priority will be given to students pursuing their first qualification from NQF Level 5 up to Level 8, including honours degrees, at accredited higher education and technical and vocational education and training institutions.
The ministry said students pursuing second or additional qualifications at the same or lower level will not qualify for funding. Postgraduate studies also remain excluded, unless covered under existing NSFAF arrangements.
The ministry said students must meet minimum academic requirements linked to their level of study.
These include set point thresholds at NSSCO or NSSCAS level, English subject requirements, and enrolment in accredited programmes aligned with national development priorities.
Funding will only be provided once per academic year and students repeating a year will be required to pay for that year themselves.
Steenkamp said the government remains committed to equity and inclusion, especially for learners from historically marginalised communities such as the Ovahimba, Ovatjimba and San.
She said targeted deviations from the funding model may be applied where justified, alongside academic and psychosocial support to help learners succeed.
The government has also increased the non-tuition household income threshold to N$300 000, widening access for students from low- and middle-income households and strengthening its commitment to inclusivity.
She said the ministry has consulted widely with public and private tertiary institutions, regulatory bodies and training providers to ensure a smooth transition.
These engagements included associations representing private higher education and vocational training institutions.
“As emphasised by the President, subsidised tertiary education is a national project that requires cooperation, understanding and shared responsibility,” Steenkamp said.
She urged students, parents, institutions and education stakeholders to work with the government in good faith as the reforms are implemented.
