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

WINDHOEK, 27 July 2026 – Delegates from the African Union and experts met in Windhoek on July 27-31 for the Sixth Ordinary Session of the AU Technical Committee on Social Development to enhance social safety nets and resilient labour markets in Africa. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 27 July 2026 – Delegates from the African Union, policy experts, and government ministers convened in Windhoek on Monday for a three-day event, the Sixth Ordinary Session of the AU Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

GOBABIS, 27 July 2026 - Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate pictured with Deputy Executive Director and Chief Registrar in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security during a courtesy visit by the Ministry as part of the eID awareness campaign in Omaheke. (Photo: Molly Weyulu) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 27 July 2026 – African Union delegates are attending a week-long indaba from Monday to Friday, the Sixth Ordinary Session of the AU Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE 6) in Windhoek. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 27 July 2026 – Namibia's Justice and Labour Relations Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, speaking at the Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE 6) in Windhoek on Monday. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 27 July 2026 - Delegates from the African Union, policy experts, and government ministers gathered in Windhoek on Monday for the Sixth Ordinary Session of the AU Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour, and Employment (STC-SDLE 6). (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

OPUWO, 27 July 2026 - The welcome sign at the entrance to Opuwo. (Photo: Kaviveterue Virere) NAMPA

NAMPA

OPUWO, 27 July 2026 - Opuwo Mayor Kasipo Kakondo discusses ongoing infrastructure projects in the town. (Photo: Kaviveterue Virere) NAMPA

NAMPA