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Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund

Also known as: NSFAF · Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund · the state-owned NSFAF

Government fund providing tuition and non-tuition support to tertiary students, recently integrated into the Ministry of Education with ongoing payment delays.

2019-08-072026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. January 2026

  2. New Era

    Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) previously supported students that informed the 134,000 beneficiary figure

    Source

    “She said the figure of 134 000 potential beneficiaries is based on enrolment data from public and private institutions, as well as the number of students previously supported through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF).”

    Not free but subsidised education – Steenkamp …134 000 students earmarked at tertiary level
  3. August 2025

  4. The Namibian

    Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund refused a student's study grant

    Source

    “Such conduct often takes the form of a decision by a public administrator – for example, a tender bid being rejected, an applicant for public employment being disqualified, a pupil being denied school admission, a student's study grant being refused by the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund, a civil servant being suspended without valid reasons, or a worker being transferred without good cause.”

    High Time for Namibia to Pass a Law on Administrative Justice
  5. June 2025

  6. The Namibian

    Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund will still be used by students not in priority fields for tertiary education

    Source

    “They'll still apply to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) or whatever it will now be called under the other roof, still probably need two points, still chase after lost documents from their Grade 11 biology teacher, and will still get told "your loan was approved but go ahead and pay and we will refund you after Jesus comes back".”

    Namibia’s ‘Free’Public Services
  7. January 2025

  8. The Namibian

    NSFAF has unveiled groundbreaking policy shift expanding funding to repeaters, bridging graduates, and all income levels

    Source

    “The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has unveiled a groundbreaking policy shift, expanding its funding model to include repeaters, bridging programme graduates and those from all income levels.”

    NSFAF expands funding to include repeaters, bridging graduates, and students across all income levels
Society

NSFAF clearing outstanding student payments weekly from June

The News

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.

Why it matters

NSFAF clearing outstanding student payments weekly from June addresses delays affecting institutional operations and student support.

6 June 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 6 June

  1. NSFAF clearing outstanding student payments weekly from June

    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 →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Nanso, NSFAF reach deadlock over student fund delays

    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 →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Government orders universities to permit NSFAF-funded student exams

    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 →

  2. Government allows NSFAF students to sit exams amid funding delays

    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 →

Monday 25 May

  1. NSFAF sues former chief for N$4.3m repayment

    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 →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. NSFAF delays non-tuition payments, leaving students in hardship

    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 →

  2. New N$15 taxi fare provides limited relief outside Windhoek

    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 →

Sunday 17 May

  1. Student loses tertiary subsidy after being told she qualified

    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 →

Friday 8 May

  1. NSFAF confirms staggered non-tuition payments amid complaints

    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 →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. NSFAF begins 2026 non-tuition fee payments to students

    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 →

Saturday 2 May

  1. Namibia graduates thousands while job opportunities remain scarce

    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 →

Friday 17 April

  1. Former NSFAF chief Kennedy Kandume receives Award of Excellence

    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 →

Thursday 16 April

  1. Namibia constructs 400 classrooms, expands TVET infrastructure

    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 →

Friday 10 April

  1. Sona highlights genocide accord, education funding and oil oversight

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah says a joint declaration with Germany on the 1904–1908 genocide could be concluded by year-end, and announced fully subsidised tertiary education for eligible undergraduates backed by N$663 million, plus direct presidential oversight of the oil unit to prevent resource mismanagement.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. President outlines economic resilience, oil sector progress in address

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered a State of the Nation Address highlighting Namibia's economic resilience despite global shocks, progress in oil and gas policy with Norwegian technical support, and achievements across sectors including mining (N$64.7 billion in exports), agriculture (N$2 billion in agricultural products), tourism, energy, and education, with GDP growth projected to rise from 1.7% in 2025 to 3.1% in 2026.

    9 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. President delivers 2026 state of nation address to Parliament

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered the 2026 state of the nation address on 8 April, outlining government progress on economic growth, human development, environmental sustainability, and governance. The address highlighted achievements including GDP growth projection of 3.1%, 130,000 new jobs registered, major investments in mining and renewable energy, and sectoral initiatives in agriculture, education, health, housing, and sports aligned with the sixth national development plan and Vision 2030.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 5 April

  1. Namibia's free tuition policy: gains, gaps, and sustainability questions

    The government's removal of tuition and registration fees at state universities and vocational centres for first-time undergraduates expands access to higher education, but leaves students to cover accommodation, transport, meals, and textbooks. Success depends on sustained public funding, expanded institutional capacity, and alignment between university training and labour market needs.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. NAMCOL TVET programmes build Namibian workforce skills for industry

    Namibia College of Open Learning offers accredited technical and vocational training in automotive mechatronics, welding, plumbing, and other trades to equip youth and workers with industry-ready skills. The programmes, supported by NSFAF funding and mandatory job attachments, align with national development priorities and are designed to support Namibia's industrialisation goals.

    31 March 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 23 March

  1. President urges Namibians to embrace progress amid persistent challenges

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered an Independence Day address highlighting 36 years of democratic progress, infrastructure development, and education advancement while calling for collective action to address poverty, inequality, unemployment, corruption, and tribalism. She warned of external risks including global tensions and climate change, and committed government to achieving Vision 2030 goals through investment in youth development, subsidised tertiary education, and infrastructure.

    23 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Keetmanshoop VTC trains youth for green energy sectors

    The Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre has opened new intakes offering courses in solar installation, welding, electrical engineering, and logistics tailored to job requirements in emerging green hydrogen, oil, and gas sectors. The centre, which admits trainees nationally and provides free tuition through government policy, will inaugurate with Vice President Lucia Witbooi this Thursday.

    17 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. Education ministry formally integrates NSFAF into institutional structure

    The Ministry of Education has formally integrated the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) into its structure to strengthen governance, improve policy alignment, and ensure long-term sustainability of the student funding scheme. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp acknowledged that the transition has created uncertainty among staff regarding remuneration and job security, but said the ministry is committed to stabilising the institution and improving service delivery to students.

    10 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Education minister acknowledges staff concerns over NSFAF integration

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has acknowledged that the integration of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund into the Ministry of Education has raised legitimate staff concerns, particularly about remuneration and job security, and assured employees that their concerns are being taken seriously and that the integration aims to strengthen governance and improve alignment with national priorities.

    10 March 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 6 March

  1. TVET receives only 15% of education budget, far below actual costs

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector receives only 15% of the N$4.2 billion education budget while universities receive 84%, despite TVET being more expensive to deliver because it requires workshops, specialised equipment, and highly qualified trainers. The author, a TVET college founder, calls for an urgent cost analysis and budget reallocation, noting that the minimum cost per TVET student exceeds N$38,000 annually while NSFAF subsidies are only N$16,000.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 5 March

  1. NSFAF staff protest reintegration, threaten service disruption

    Disgruntled Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund employees have petitioned President Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene in the institution's reintegration into the education ministry, citing salary cuts of up to 100%, lack of consultation, and what they describe as autocratic board decisions. The staff have filed a labour complaint, with several including the acting CEO resigning on Friday, though Education Minister Steenkamp disputes the allegations and insists service delivery will not be affected.

    5 March 2026 · New Era →

Friday 13 February

  1. Nust reaches first-year capacity under subsidised education model

    The Namibia University of Science and Technology has registered over 16 000 students for 2026, reaching full capacity for first-year intake across all campuses. The sharp 31% increase in registrations is attributed to Namibia's new subsidised tertiary education model, though the university has expanded infrastructure and introduced debt relief measures to manage the surge while addressing legacy student debt concerns.

    13 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. NSFAF extends debt relief to help graduates enter labor market

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has extended a graduate debt settlement program to help students who completed studies but could not graduate due to outstanding institutional fees; the program pays institutions directly and beneficiaries repay NSFAF as a loan once employed. Student groups have criticized NSFAF's centralized Windhoek operations, calling for regional branches to improve accessibility for rural students.

    11 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 28 January

  1. NSFAF expects record 2026 applications under new subsidized education model

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund received 41,322 applications for 2025 and awarded N$3.1 billion to 30,138 students. The Fund is prepared for higher demand in 2026 following the introduction of the 100% Subsidized Tertiary Education Funding Model, which removes parental income thresholds for tuition fees.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 27 January

  1. NSFAF launches 2026 online application with stricter compliance

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has launched its 2026 online application system with a commitment to stringent compliance with eligibility criteria. The new subsidised tertiary education funding model lowers the parental income threshold to N$300,000 and awarded 30,138 students N$3.1 billion in 2025, with non-tuition support of N$17,000 also provided to address the cost of living for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  2. NSFAF launches 2026 applications under new subsidised funding model

    The National Student Financial Assistance Fund has opened 2026 applications, marking the transition to a Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model that will fully cover registration and tuition fees for eligible students. The government also provides non-tuition support to students from households earning N$300,000 or less annually to assist with living expenses, with the funding model described as needs-based and developmental.

    27 January 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 23 January

  1. Grade 11 exit policy lacks clarity, leaves learners stranded

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's Grade 11 exit policy, while well-intentioned, has created uncertainty because multiple educational pathways are not adequately aligned—universities, funding, and vocational institutions lack coordination, leaving learners with certificates but no clear destinations. The author calls for urgent action including a 90-day government initiative, a national education alignment summit, transitional protections for affected learners, and clear public communication on available pathways.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute