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

State doctors and nurses receive new uniforms

2026-02-17 08:34:15

Otjiwarongo community demands improved medical services

2026-02-16 14:28:41

Iipinge calls for academic turnaround plan for Oshana

2026-02-13 15:43:15

UNAM ranks 31st in QS sub-Saharan Africa rankings debut

2026-02-13 14:41:46

Capricorn Foundation donates portable ultrasound equipment to health ministry

2026-02-13 08:28:19

Water shortage forces early dismissal at Gabriel Muhuli school

2026-02-12 17:10:14

NCHE honours late founding chair Ngavirue at 20th anniversary

2026-02-12 16:02:38

Kathindi donates water tanks to Oshikoto schools

2026-02-12 11:29:35

Kathindi hands over site for additional classroom at Uupindi school

2026-02-10 17:26:44

Swakopmund circuit intensifies efforts to place learners

2026-02-09 16:41:25

KWRC procures cooler/freezer units for Katjinakatji Combined School

2026-02-07 14:46:18

Latest NAMPA photos

MURURANI, 14 February 2026 - The Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus speaking during the joint celebration of International Safer Internet Day and World Radio Day at Mururani on Saturday. (Photo Contributed)

NAMPA

ONAMBANGO,14 February 2026- The Inspector General of the Namibian police force (Nampol) Lieutenant Joseph Shikongo delivering message of condolences at the funeral of the late Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda. (photo: Ester Hakaala) NAMPA

NAMPA

ONAMBANGO,14 February 2026 - The casket containing the remains of the late Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda ready to be lowered on Saturday at the family's cemetery in Onambango village in Oshana region. (photo by: Ester Hakaala) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 10 February 2026 - Erongo-based journalists from different media entities and stakeholders photographed during the Erongo Media–Stakeholders Engagement Conference aimed at building practical understanding between media practitioners and newsmakers, improve professional relationships and strengthen the flow of accurate, timely and credible information to the public. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 10 FEBRUARY 2026 - Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change, on Tuesday announced that his party rejects the proposed Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, 2025. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 07 February 2026 - Utoni Nujoma pictured during the Remembrance Ceremony held in honour of the late Presidents Sam Nujoma and Hage Geingob. (Photo by: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 07 February 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pictured during the Remembrance Ceremony held in honour of the late Presidents Sam Nujoma and Hage Geingob. (Photo by: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 07 February 2026 - NamPol's Oshana Regional Commander, Commissioner Naftal Sakaria. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA