Foreign students get grace period for study permits

Home National Foreign students get grace period for study permits

By Obrein Simasiku

WINDHOEK – The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration has extended the submission period for study permits for foreign students wishing to study in Namibia to March 31. The usual deadline for study permits is January 31.

The Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Sakeus Kadhikwa, said in a statement, that all prospective foreign students who have enrolled or who wish to enrol with the Namibian education institutions but have not yet applied for their study permits should do so within the given time.

“It is, therefore, imperative that all foreign students submit their applications during the given time since there will be no further extension this year,” said Kadhikwa.

He, however, said the deadline does not apply to those acquiring study permits to do short courses in Namibia and the process for study permits for short courses would continue as it has been done previously provided there is proof of academic records attached to the study permit application.

He further said that for 2016 enrolment and the succeeding year’s submissions of study permits would be from November up to February 28, and there would be no further extensions adding that all applicants should comply with all the stipulated requirements.

Those renewing their study permits should attach their latest school or academic results, obtained from the institutions for which study permits were given by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration.

The ministry also strongly warned foreign students who apply for studies but do not actually attend classes but engage themselves in other businesses, saying “appropriate measures will be taken against them including deporting them to their countries of origin”.