Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
In 2022, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education (both sexes) was 26%.
Tuition-free status
Tuition fees constitute around 25% of the income of public higher education institutions. The level of tuition fees is determined by the general level of costs involved in delivering such tuition by public higher education institutions. The average tuition fee per student should not exceed 25% of the average per capita income measured by the GDP per capita. The following criteria are taken in account in determining the level of tuition fees for a specific programme: the field of learning, duration of programme, year of study, type of offering, and expected return on education. A specific cost index, namely the Higher Education Cost Adjustment Index, is used to adjust tuition fees as costs increase.
The Tuition Fees Model of the 2015 Funding Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions addresses the principal issues surrounding tuition fees, namely what portion of such costs should be borne by students; the extent to which such costs should reflect differential programme costs, the student's year of study, and his/her residential status; how such costs should be increased as other related costs increase; and what kinds of support should be extended to students and/or their caregivers to meet such costs, or whether they should be relieved of some or all of such costs in order to ensure all students have access to public higher education, regardless of their or their caregivers' financial means.
In 2025, the government announced it would remove registration and tuition fees for all public universities and technical colleges as of 2026.
Governance
The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation (MoHETI) is the custodian of tertiary education, including vocational training centres and universities, and responsible for allocating funding to these institutions. The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) advises the Ministry on the allocation of public funds to higher education institutions. The Ministry of Finance determines the budget allocation to the MoHETI, within which allocations to public higher education institutions are determined.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Higher education institutions are funded directly by the central government.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
The 2003 Higher Education Act provides for the establishment of both public and private higher education institutions. Public institutions are funded fully or partially by the state, whereas private institutions are ‘established and maintained at the expense of the owner’.
Allocation and equity
The 2015 Funding Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions serves as the tool for systematic financing public higher education institutions, encouraging improvement in the performance of these institutions in pursuit of national development goals. The three main components of the funding framework are: 1) a funding formula for determining operational funds and, when necessary and effective, performance and competitive funds, 2) an investment model addressing the need for additional facilities and 3) a tuition fee model addressing the principal issues surrounding tuition fees.
Funding for public higher education institutions is derived from three principal sources: public resources, student/caregiver contributions, and the institutions’ own resources. There are four main types of state resources provided to public institutions: state subsidies to cover operational costs, capital/development costs, performance, and competitive funding. As part of operational costs, additional funding is provided for remote campuses with fewer than 1,000 students based on an economy of scale, while additional funding under ‘performance’ is provided to institutions which improve their equity by increasing the percentage of new students belonging to certain target groups who qualify for additional funding. These include students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, students from minority groups, and female students. Such additional allocations, which are linked to improved enrolment from the target group, constitute a maximum of 3% of the estimated state subsidy.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
There are no national admission quotas for higher education institutions.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund
Financial assistance at the higher education level is provided through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), established in 1995 and operational since 1997, which supports students enrolled in universities and TVET institutions. NSFAF provides financial aid in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Eligibility and allocations are determined based on regional quotas and parental income, ensuring that support is directed to students with demonstrated financial need and fair distribution to students from all political regions. The NSFAF provides financial assistance by way of a loan only to needy, full-time Namibian students at recognised institutions of higher learning.
The NSFAF is a government entity with historical allocation from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education. It was transitioning from a state-owned enterprise to a government directorate under the Ministry of Finance, but as of 2025, it was announced that the NSFAF would be reintegrated into the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
Marginalised Communities Education Support Programme
The Marginalised Communities Education Support Programme, managed by the Division of Marginalised Communities within the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, provides financial and transport assistance to indigenous students from the San, Ovatue, and Ovatjimba communities across all education levels, including the tertiary level. Tertiary students receive assistance for tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly allowance. The programme was launched in 2005 for tertiary students.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
The NSFAF provides financial assistance for transport only to students in selected fields of study of high priority. Students on scholarships may also receive loans for air tickets and stipends.
Accommodation
The NSFAF provides financial assistance to cover accommodation, meals and general maintenance only to students in selected fields of study of high priority as determined by the Board from time to time.
As part of the Marginalised Communities Education Support Programme, tertiary students further receive support for accommodation and a monthly allowance.
Textbooks
The NSFAF provides financial assistance to cover textbooks and related educational expenses/costs at rates determined and approved by the NSFAF Board.
