Staff Reporter
THE Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund’s (NSFAF) Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kennedy Kandume, said the Fund, which received over 40,000 applications last year, is expecting even more applications this year and is fully prepared to meet the increased demand.
“For the 2025 academic year, NSFAF received a total of 41,322 applications. From these, we successfully awarded 30,138 deserving Namibian students with financial assistance amounting to N$3.1 billion for both tuition and non-tuition fees. The introduction of the 100% Subsidized Tertiary Education Funding Model, particularly the removal of the parental income threshold for tuition fees, has dismantled the primary financial barrier to higher learning. We therefore anticipate a record number of applications for 2026. This wave of hope and ambition is one we are fully prepared to meet,” he said.
Kandume made these remarks at the launch of the 2026 NSFAF online applications, which marks the country’s official transition to the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model.
LAUNCHED: Scenes from the official launch of 2026 NSFAF online applications. Photos: Ministry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.
“To fulfil this mandate under the new framework, the Fund has been entrusted with the comprehensive implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the 100% Subsidized Tertiary Education Funding Model,” he added.
Kandume assured that the Fund will ensure strict compliance with the eligibility criteria of the new funding model, guaranteeing that the subsidy reaches its intended beneficiaries. He said that, beyond the tuition subsidy, NSFAF will continue to award non-tuition loans through a robust means-testing process to ensure comprehensive support for students’ living and learning needs.
He further revealed that NSFAF will lead the critical process of developing the National List of Priority Fields of Study, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, to align national investment with developmental goals.
“We will be the custodians of data, meticulously maintaining records of all students supported under this new model, ensuring accountability and informed policymaking,” he added.
Meanwhile, he noted that the responsibility for the recovery of any student loans due to the Fund will continue until further notice, safeguarding the sustainability of the scheme for future generations.
NSFAF online applications will be open from 26 January to 31 March 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply online via the NSFAF website: www.nsfaf.na.
