Rudolf Gaiseb
The government has widened access to the education subsidy by the inclusion of the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level (NSSCO) (Grade 11) in the subsidised tertiary education funding model. The non-tuition household income threshold has also been increased to N$ 300 000.
Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp, during a press conference last Friday afternoon in Windhoek, noted that this broadens access for students from low- and middle-income households and reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Steenkamp emphasised that the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) requirements will remain the basis for determining funding eligibility.
“Subsidised tertiary education in 2026 will be implemented using the existing NSFAF funding requirements, with an expanded scope of coverage,
while tertiary institutions will continue to apply their current admission criteria. Being admitted into a tertiary institution does not automatically guarantee funding, but funding decisions will be guided by the existing transparent requirements,” she added.
Steenkamp indeed stressed that a tertiary institution that has charged amounts for registration where it was not “supposed to charge must refund.”
In addition, the ministry is intensifying efforts to ensure the provision of equitable and quality education for the marginalised communities, including the Ovatue, Ovatjimba and the San.
The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) expressed satisfaction towards the subsidy’s new arrangement.
On Friday, Nanso wrote on social media, “We are proud to announce that all three demands have been met: the NSFAF non-tuition fee support threshold increased from N$100 000 to N$300 000 annual household income, NSSCO Grade 11 (Ordinary Level) learners are now included in fully subsidised education, and institutions that charged registration fees in 2026 have been ordered to refund students.”
Students’ Union of Namibia board chairperson Bernhard Kavau said, “The caring government of the Republic of Namibia has once again listened to the voices of the masses. This responsive and people-centred government has resolved to extend funding to Grade 11 learners under the NSSCO framework. This decision reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education, equal opportunity, and the empowerment of our youth.”
This is after they had planned to hold a peaceful protest to lobby for the ministry to revoke the NSFAF requirement, which excluded NSSCO (grade 11) from the government subsidy at the degree level.
Requirements
NSFAF acting executive for operations, Johanna Shidhika, noted that to be funded for undergraduate studies at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 5, an applicant should have obtained a minimum of twenty (20) points at NSSCO/H/AS level or equivalent (foreign school leaving certificate) in five subjects, including English with a minimum of an F symbol.
“An applicant with a completed relevant qualification registered at NQF Level 4,” she noted.
Furthermore, for undergraduate studies at NQF 6 at local institutions, an applicant should have obtained a minimum of 22 points at NSSCO/H/AS level or equivalent (foreign school leaving certificate), in five subjects including English with a minimum of an F symbol.
Shidhika added an applicant with an existing NQF Level 5 should have obtained 20 points at NSSCO/H/AS level or equivalent (foreign school leaving certificate) in five subjects, including English, with a minimum of an F symbol.
This also covers an applicant with a completed, relevant qualification registered at NQF Level 5.
Moreover, for undergraduate studies at NQF 7-8, an applicant studying at a local institution should have obtained a minimum of 25 points at NSSCO/H/AS level or equivalent (foreign school leaving certificate), in five subjects including English with a minimum of an E symbol; or
“An applicant studying at a local institution should have obtained a minimum of 25 points at NSSCO/H/AS level or equivalent (foreign school leaving certificate), in five subjects including English with a minimum of an E symbol,” she added.
Thirdly, an applicant studying at a local institution should have obtained 22 points at NSSCO/H/AS level or equivalent (foreign school leaving certificate), in five subjects including English, with a minimum of an F symbol, and an additional qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
Additionally, an applicant studying at a local institution should have obtained 20 points at NSSCO/H/AS level or equivalent (foreign school leaving certificate) in five subjects, including English, with a minimum of an F symbol, in addition to having both qualifications at NQF Level 5 and Level 6.
Shidhika noted the subsidy funds that are progressive and will not fund those repeated or regressive levels.
For mature age entry, she noted that a student will only be funded if they are doing a priority field of study.
