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

Muzii Combined School receives NDF donation

2026-10-30 09:48:52

Otjozondjupa health directorate steps up efforts to reduce malaria cases

2026-10-29 15:11:19

Government halts new health staff hiring

2026-10-28 09:30:51

Huawei embarks on ICT roadshow

2026-10-27 16:51:17

Hand, foot and mouth disease confirmed at Okahandja Police Station cells

2026-10-25 14:50:15

Pohamba hailed for contribution to healthcare

2026-10-25 11:53:22

Ndaitwah calls for action on school dropouts

2026-10-25 11:46:06

NCCI contributes N$ 1.5 towards FMD efforts

2026-10-24 11:40:00

Chickenpox outbreak confirmed in Okahandja Police Station holding cells

2026-10-23 17:15:29

NAMIBIA LACKS NATIONAL CANCER CONTROL PLAN AS CASES RISE

2026-10-23 16:42:12

Hardap Spelling Bee seeks to improve academic performance

2026-10-23 09:29:53

Latest NAMPA photos

USAKOS, 03 November 2026 - President of the United Democratic Front (UDF) Hendrik Goabaeb seated with the widow of the late Simson Tjongarero, Milka, during a courtesy visit at his family home in Usakos. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

SANGWALI, 01 November 2026 - The newly constructed staff room at Samudono Primary School is part of the infrastructure and community development projects undertaken by the Wuparo Conservancy in the Zambezi in the current financial year. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

SANGWALI, 01 November 2026 - The Wuparo Conservancy in the Zambezi Region’s Judea Lyabboloma Constituency generated N$3.51 million in revenue during the 2026 financial year. This is contained in a report presented by conservancy manager Beven Shakwa Muyenga during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Sangwali on Sunday. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

WINDJOEK, 03 November 2026 - CMMZE Energy Namibia (Pty) Ltd has announced a N$17 billion green hydrogen and ammonia project in Henties Bay that will produce 210 000 tonnes of green ammonia a year for export to Europe. (Photo contributed) NAMPA

NAMPA

BLOUBERG, 01 November 2026 - A weekend of community camaraderie culminated in victory for Kalahari FC, who took home first place at the Blouberg Primary School Open Tournament fundraiser. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

BLOUBERG, 01 November 2026 - Kalahari FC won first place at the Blouberg Primary School Open Tournament fundraiser over the weekend. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 02 November 2026 - The Performance Management System (PMS) Workshop for Local Authorities is officially underway at NIPAM, supported by the Prime Minister's Charity Foundation Programme for Local Authorities. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 14 September 2026 - The Windhoek City Council has approved a range of resolutions addressing housing shortages, traffic safety, and technology-enhanced policing. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

NAMPA