Staff Reporter
The Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model, which will be implemented next year, will not absolve students of existing debts to tertiary education institutions, nor will all students be eligible for the new funding model.
This was highlighted by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, during a recent press conference on the implementation of the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model in tertiary education institutions.
“Students who owe tertiary education institutions are responsible for making the necessary arrangements to settle their debts, as the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model will not cover existing or future related debts,” she said.
The minister further explained that continuing students supported by NSFAF who are eligible under the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model will receive support under this model from 2026 onwards.
However, those who are not eligible will continue to be supported under the current NSFAF agreements, and any debt owed by the student will remain repayable in line with the terms of the existing agreements.
Steenkamp also highlighted that all undergraduate students (first primary qualification at NQF Level 5 up to Level 8, including Honours) at public and private higher education institutions are eligible for 100% subsidy for tuition and registration fees. The same applies to all trainees undertaking their first primary trade (NQF Levels 1 to 6) at TVET centres. She added that students pursuing courses abroad in priority fields of study not offered by tertiary education institutions in Namibia are also eligible for the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model.
However, she noted that students pursuing a second or subsequent qualification at the same or lower NQF level are not eligible for the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model. Similarly, she added, repeating students at any level, non-Namibian students, students enrolled in institutions or programmes that do not meet legal and quality standards according to approved National Quality Standards, and students pursuing courses abroad in priority fields of study that are available in Namibia, are also ineligible.
“Furthermore, it was deemed necessary to maintain funding for non-tuition fees, such as accommodation, meals, transport, learning materials and other resources for students in public and private tertiary education institutions, in accordance with the existing NSFAF framework. This measure ensures that needy students continue to receive support for non-tuition fees through means-tested loans, enhancing access via a holistic approach to student funding,” Steenkamp added.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: NUST
