Also known as: NSFAF · Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund · the state-owned NSFAF
Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund — government agency providing financial assistance and tuition support to Namibian students at accredited higher education institutions, currently processing funding backlogs.
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The Namibian
Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has reopened its 2026 online funding application process for a third and final phase
“The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has reopened its 2026 online funding application process for a third and final phase, giving eligible students another opportunity to apply for financial assistance.”
NSFAF reopens application periodWindhoek Observer
NSFAF is seeking to recover more than N$4.3 million from its former chief executive Hilya Nghiwete
“The High Court has taken the next procedural step in a lawsuit in which the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) is seeking to recover more than N$4.3 million from its former chief executive, Hilya Nghiwete, following a Supreme Court judgment that upheld her dismissal.”
NSFAF’s N$4.3 million recovery lawsuit moves to next stageThe Namibian
NSFAF is processing payments at average of 1,615 students per day
“During the visit, NSFAF chief accountant Eveline Anghuwo told the prime minister that the fund is processing payments at an average of 1 615 students per day as it works to clear the backlog.”
Students to receive NSFAF payments by month-endWindhoek Observer
NSFAF removed medical programmes from its priority list
“Students argue that NSFAF's removal of medical programmes from its priority list has left them stranded.”
Youth activist calls out medical study barriersThe Namibian
Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund provided funding to majority of admitted Namibian students at Parul University
“The majority of the students secured funding through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), while a few are self-sponsored.”
Afrostud, Parul University prepare Namibian students for IndiaNew Era
Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) received an additional N$247 million from government to accelerate student refunds
“Government has advanced an additional N$247 million to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) to accelerate the processing of student refunds.”
NSFAF gets N$247m boost … student refunds flowInformanté
NSFAF is working tirelessly to expedite all outstanding payments
“She acknowledged the ongoing delays in the disbursement of student tuition and non-tuition funds, emphasising that NSFAF is working tirelessly to expedite all outstanding payments.”
Government scrambles to clear student funding backlog with N$247 million injectionThe Namibian
NSFAF continues to face criticism over delays in payment of student allowances
“The announcement comes as NSFAF continues to face criticism over delays in the payment of student allowances.”
Govt pours N$247m into NSFAF to keep students afloatThe Namibian
NSFAF rejected funding applications for medical and health-related programmes
“More than 200 Namibian students accepted into medical and health-related programmes abroad face uncertainty after NSFAF rejected their funding applications.”
NSFAF funding cuts hit medical studentsInformanté
Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) is working to clear all legitimate outstanding payments as quickly as possible
“THE Ministry of Education has reassured students and the public that the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) is working tirelessly to clear all legitimate outstanding payments as quickly as possible.”
Student financial aid body working to clear outstanding student payments – Education MinistryThe Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has reopened its 2026 online application process for a third and final phase from 7 September to 7 October, giving eligible students another opportunity to apply for financial assistance for the 2026 academic year.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has reopened its 2026 online application process for a third and final phase from 7 September to 7 October, giving eligible students another opportunity to apply for financial assistance for the 2026 academic year.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →
A recent Grade 12 graduate reflects on the social pressure facing Namibian youth to immediately plan their futures after finishing secondary school, noting financial barriers to university attendance and the anxiety of choosing between higher education, mark upgrading, or gap years, while arguing that taking time to figure out one's direction is legitimate.
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The High Court has ordered NSFAF and former chief executive Hilya Nghiwete to file a joint case management report by 4 August 2026 ahead of a case management conference on 11 August 2026. NSFAF is seeking to recover N$4,301,277.36 paid to Nghiwete under an arbitration award that lost its legal basis following a Supreme Court ruling upholding her dismissal.
22 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An opinion piece argues that Namibian students' access to financial assistance should not be determined by whether their accredited institution is publicly or privately owned, yet notes that government must ensure funds are directed toward quality education and national priorities.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An opinion piece argues that access to financial assistance from NSFAF should not depend on whether a student attends a public or private accredited institution, though full funding of all private universities raises concerns about public funds and quality control.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Welwitschia University Chancellor Scholastika Iipinge has called on NSFAF to fully cover tuition fees for students at private higher education institutions, stating that partial funding continues to leave families carrying a financial burden despite government promises of equal treatment.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Chancellor of Welwitschia University has called on NSFAF to fully cover tuition fees for students at private higher education institutions, noting that partial sponsorships continue to leave families bearing financial burdens despite government promises of equal treatment.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Students awaiting NSFAF funding are expected to receive outstanding allowances by the end of July, after Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare conducted an oversight visit. Eligible continuing students will receive back-pay covering April to July, amounting to N$9 600 per student, with priority given to non-tuition allowances.
16 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Young Namibians aspiring to study medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry have raised concerns over unclear and unfair policies by NSFAF and HPCNA, arguing that students admitted to universities abroad were later informed their programmes required curriculum approval, and that NSFAF's removal of medical programmes from its priority list has left them stranded.
15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Students at Shiramed Medical Institute in Katima Mulilo have negotiated with the institution to pay tuition fees with cattle instead of cash, an arrangement the principal tutor says has helped those without ready cash but who own livestock. The Students Union of Namibia supports the model, suggesting payment with livestock and agricultural produce could help rural families access higher education.
14 July 2026 · The Namibian →
A 42-year-old mother of four with media studies and nursing qualifications has struggled with unemployment for years and now survives by collecting discarded aluminium cans while continuing to seek permanent employment.
14 July 2026 · New Era →
About 25 Namibian students admitted to Parul University in India for the 2026 academic year attended a pre-departure orientation hosted by Afrostud Educational Consult to prepare them for studying abroad. Most students secured funding through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund, with guidance covering visa requirements, travel preparations, and other transition matters.
9 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's higher education sector enrolled 97,333 students in 2025, with public institutions accounting for 50,941 and private institutions for 46,392. The University of Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology, and International University of Management were the largest institutions by enrollment.
8 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Government has advanced N$247 million to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund to accelerate the processing of student refunds under the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding model, with disbursements expected to commence this week. Student Union of Namibia confirmed that refunds started reflecting in student accounts on Monday.
11 June 2026 · New Era →
Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp announced that the government has injected N$247 million into NSFAF to expedite outstanding student payments, with disbursement commencing this week and non-tuition payments expected to be finalised by mid-July 2026.
10 June 2026 · Informanté →
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp announced that the government has provided an additional N$247 million to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund to accelerate student allowance payments, with disbursements expected to begin this week, as NSFAF continues to face criticism over payment delays.
10 June 2026 · The Namibian →
More than 200 Namibian students accepted into medical and health-related programmes abroad had their NSFAF funding applications rejected on grounds that these fields do not appear on the agency's priority list. An affected student said the policy shift was not formally communicated beforehand and contradicts the historical treatment of medical fields as priority.
9 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund is processing institutional invoices since April 2026 for tuition and non-tuition support, with advance payments already made to institutions. Non-tuition fee payments will now be processed weekly starting the second week of June 2026.
6 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) walked out of talks with the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) over delayed disbursement of tuition and non-tuition funds, rejecting proposed timelines and calling for a protest at Government Park on Friday after the fund failed to meet previous commitments to release funds in April.
4 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Education has directed higher education institutions to allow NSFAF-funded students to write examinations and access results while funding payments are being finalised. The ministry is processing about 100,000 student funding records; delays stem from a high volume of applications, implementation of a new tertiary education funding model, and NSFAF integration.
2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government has directed universities to allow NSFAF-funded students to sit for examinations and access results despite funding paperwork delays following NSFAF's integration into the Ministry of Education in March. While the directive prevents students from being punished for bureaucratic delays, it highlights broader questions about planning and implementation of the institutional reform.
2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has sued former chief executive Hilya Nghiwete for N$4.3 million following a Supreme Court judgment that overturned earlier rulings in her favour. The fund argues Nghiwete was unfairly enriched after receiving salaries, benefits, and backpay linked to an arbitration award that was later set aside.
25 May 2026 · The Namibian →
University students report severe financial hardship due to delayed Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) non-tuition payments, which they need for accommodation, food, transport and academic expenses. NSFAF spokesperson Percy Tjahere attributed delays to late invoice submissions by institutions, saying students whose invoices were submitted on time have been paid and the next payments are due in May.
19 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Taxi drivers in smaller towns like Katima Mulilo say the new N$15 nationwide fare increase, which took effect yesterday, offers little benefit to them as commuters refuse to pay full fares and negotiate lower prices. Drivers in smaller towns report being forced to accept below-approved payments to avoid conflict with passengers.
19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A University of Namibia student was informed at registration that she qualified for the new subsidised tertiary education scheme announced in early 2026, but months later the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund said she did not meet required academic points and did not qualify for funding.
17 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has confirmed that non-tuition fee payments for the current academic year are underway but warned that not all beneficiaries will receive their payments at once.
8 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has announced the start of non-tuition fee disbursements for the 2026 academic year, continuing until October 2026. Payments will be processed progressively based on invoices from tertiary institutions, with continuing students prioritised and new awardees to follow once contracting and card issuance are complete.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
The University of Namibia conferred qualifications on 4,342 graduands and NUST graduated 2,804 students in 2025, totalling at least 7,146 in the most recent cycle. The graduates enter a labour market defined by high youth unemployment and limited graduate absorption, while leaders remain in office well past retirement age.
2 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Students Union of Namibia honoured Kennedy Kandume, who served as NSFAF's acting CEO for eight years until last month, with an Award of Excellence for his transformative leadership in expanding financial support to students and procuring laptops during the Covid-19 pandemic. NSFAF has since been reintegrated into the education ministry as a department.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
Namibia has constructed over 400 classrooms at pre-primary and primary schools nationwide during 2025/26, alongside science labs, computer labs, and administrative facilities. The government also expanded TVET programmes with new vocational centres and introduced green hydrogen and renewable energy curricula, while implementing a fully subsidised tertiary education funding model with N$663 million initial allocation.
16 April 2026 · New Era →