Education Minister announces major student funding disbursements - nbc

The Minister of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, announced that student funding disbursements scheduled for this week include N$221 million to the University of Namibia, N$166 million to NUST, N$16 million to NAMCOL and N$25 million to the National Training Authority.

Twenty percent of the N$234 million claimed by private institutions will be released pending verification.

Speaking during the online application launch for students, Dr. Steenkamp stressed that non-tuition support provided through NSFAF's subsidised funding model remains a critical lifeline for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The funding model, the minister noted, is firmly needs-based and developmental in its intent, emphasising the importance of strong means testing to ensure that assistance reaches students who are truly eligible.

This, also while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the fund through responsible loan repayment, she noted.

The minister emphasised that the government remains firmly committed to the phased implementation of national minimum standards across all tertiary institutions.

"When we support students in this way, we do much more than just distribute and disperse financial assistance. We truly invest in human potential. We are nurturing skilled professionals, innovators, and responsible citizens who will then have to contribute in time meaningfully to Namibia's social and economic advancement."

NSFAF received over 41,000 applications for the 2025 academic year, of which 30,138 Namibian students were awarded financial assistance amounting to N$3.1 billion for tuition and non-tuition support.

Acting CEO Kennedy Kandume noted that the introduction of the 100 percent subsidised tertiary education funding model, particularly the removal of the parental threshold for tuition fees, has dismantled the primary financial barrier for higher education.

"Beyond the tuition subsidies, NSFAF will continue to award non-tuition fee loans through a robust means-testing process, ensuring comprehensive support for student living and learning needs. The responsibility of recovery for student loans due to the fund will continue until further notice, safeguarding the sustainability of the scheme for future generations."

The institution stressed that the new 2026 application system is a key access point to subsidised education, reflecting its commitment to transparency, efficiency and accountability.