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

UNAM launches third phase of Future Rural Africa at Katima Mulilo

2026-09-04 14:36:05

Witbooi launches new disability assessment guideline and digital programme

2026-09-04 14:29:58

Namibia, US announce phased reduction of HIV assistance as country reaches epidemic control

2026-09-04 14:00:16

MVA Fund, MoHSS strengthen emergency trauma care

2026-09-03 19:50:58

National consultation in Nkurenkuru backs tougher tobacco laws

2026-09-03 18:39:16

More than 120 malaria deaths recorded in Namibia this year: Luvindao

2026-09-03 09:51:39

CORRECTION: Nanso unveils new executive and reform roadmap

2026-09-02 17:09:22

Nanso unveils new executive and reform roadmap

2026-09-02 08:03:01

Kavango West launches lifelong learning month

2026-09-01 15:46:36

Unicef unveils stark regional service disparities at Junior National Council session

2026-09-01 08:34:47

Lifelong learning month officially launched in Zambezi

2026-08-31 16:07:29

Latest NAMPA photos

OKAKARARA, 03 September 2026 - The livestock parade section at the 18th edition of the Okakarara Annual Trade Fair which started Monday at the town and where business activities of local exhibitors, corporate entities and government ministries were going strong. (Photo by: Mulisa Simiyasa) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 03 September 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with Capricorn Group executive management at State House, where the financial services group briefed her on its role in capital mobilisation and investment across key sectors of the Namibian economy. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA

KATIMA MULILO, 03 September 2026 - Secretary General for the Namibia Public Security and Allied Workers Union (NAPUSAWU), Alex Taimo. (Photo: Michael Mutonga Liswaniso) NAMPA

NAMPA

KATIMA MULILO, 03 September 2026 - Some of the Katima Mulilo Security Services employees whom Nampa found at the NAPUSAWU offices here enquiring about their remuneration. (Photo: Michael Mutonga Liswaniso) NAMPA

NAMPA

OKAKARARA, 03 September 2026 - The 18th edition of the Okakarara Annual Trade Fair which started Monday morning at the town and where business activities of the local exhibitors, corporates and government ministries are still going strong. (Photo by: Mulisa Simiyasa) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 02 September 2026 - General Manager responsible for Legal, Policy and Enforcement at the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Zenobia Barry. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

NAMPA