NSFAF expands funding eligibility, abolishes means testing

NAMPA

2025-01-15

WINDHOEK, 14 January 2025 - NSFAF Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Kandume, NSFAF Chairperson Stephen Tjiuro and Higher Education Deputy Minister, Nathalia /Goagoses. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 15 JAN (NAMPA) - The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has amended its policy to allow funding for certificates at NQF level 5 and will, as of this year, also do away with the means-testing and income threshold.
In her keynote address at the launch of the NSFAF 2025 online loan application on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, Natalia /Goagoses, said the amended NSFAF Policy is a paradigm shift from a loan scheme that has been a pro-poor student funding system to an inclusive multi-optional student loan system (IM-OSLS).
“The IM-OSLS aims to fund eligible Namibians from all walks of life to access higher education and training and accelerate the acquisition of requisite knowledge and technical skills, in approved priority fields of study and areas of acute skills deficit,” /Goagoses said.
The fund will also expand loan funding options such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) funding after completion of a bridging programme/readiness programme, repeaters and articulations funding into diplomas, bachelors and vocational training levels.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to empowering the youth, promoting equity, and ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of talent and potential,” the deputy minister said.
On his part, NSFAF acting Chief Executive Officer, Kennedy Kandume said a total 31 144 applications were submitted last year, of which 8 805 were rejected by the fund due to falling outside the eligibility criteria.
“Our projections are that if we implement the new inclusive multi-optional student loan system, the fund will need over N.dollars 3 billion as the number of new students is expected to increase to over 30 000,” Kandume said.
(NAMPA)
EB/EK/AS

Namibia education

Education & Health

Maltahöhe participants urged to embrace digital learning

2026-07-27 17:53:29

Otjozondjupa road safety campaign officially launched in Otjiwarongo

2026-07-27 16:03:35

Windhoek woman reportedly shot dead by boyfriend

2026-07-26 22:04:04

Standard Bank, FAWENA support vulnerable Hardap learners

2026-07-24 14:51:00

Radiology and lab units inaugurates St Mary's hospital

2026-07-23 09:00:52

Health Ministry launches internal probe after arrest of medical intern

2026-07-21 14:04:27

Erongo relaunches 2027 pre-primary, Grade 1 admissions

2026-07-20 15:49:05

Road safety campaign headed for Otjozondjupa

2026-07-18 19:15:52

Space Science and Technology Bill discussed in Zambezi

2026-07-18 17:48:09

UNAM celebrates first Best of Namibia higher education award

2026-07-17 17:06:31

Ferdrieck challenges teachers to help Kunene achieve 60% target

2026-07-17 16:18:54

Latest NAMPA photos

GLASGOW, 27 July 2026 – Namibia's Chenoult Lionel Coetzee in action during the men's long jump qualification at Scotstoun Stadium during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. (Photos: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

GLASGOW, 26 July 2026 - Philip Pumulo Mutakela Haoseb celebrating after his win against Charif Yaya of Togo during the Round of 16 bouts at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Haoseb secured victory with a second-round knockout to advance to the quarter-finals. (Photo: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

GLASGOW, 26 July 2026 - Philip Pumulo Mutakela Haoseb celebrating after his win against Charif Yaya of Togo at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Haoseb secured victory with a second-round knockout to advance to the quarter-finals. (Photo: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

GLASGOW, 26 July 2026 - Coach Albertus Tamaseb inspecting Philip Pumulo Mutakela Haoseb (in red) ahead of his fight against Charif Yaya of Togoat the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Haoseb secured victory with a second-round knockout to advance to the quarter-finals. (Photo: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA