The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has officially announced the opening of its 2025 applications. Starting on 29th November 2025, undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational applicants can begin applying for financial assistance to pursue studies at accredited institutions in Namibia, within the SADC region, or internationally. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the application process and ensure your application is successful.
Dates for 2025 Applications
- Application Start Date: 29th November 2025
- Application Deadline: 28th February 2025
Eligibility and Funding Types
NSFAF provides financial assistance primarily in the form of loans. Grants are available for:
- The top ten Grade 12 performers nationwide.
- The two best-performing students (per gender) in each region, who meet NSFAF’s funding criteria.
Note: Applicants must comply with all terms and conditions set by NSFAF to be considered for funding.
Important Rules for Applicants
- Previous Funding: Students who have already received funding for a qualification level cannot apply for assistance at the same level again.
- Multiple Qualifications: Financial assistance is available for only two qualification levels. To receive funding for a third level, all previous debts must be cleared.
- Program Changes: Beneficiaries who apply for a different program after funding for another will not be funded.
Undergraduate Funding Requirements
Local Institutions
- Degree Programs: Minimum of 25 points in Grade 12 across five subjects, with at least an E in English.
- Diploma Programs: Minimum of 22 points in Grade 12 across five subjects, with at least an F in English.
- Income Threshold: Applicants (or their spouses) should have an annual income below N$300,000, and parental income should be less than N$500,000.
Mature Age Entry (Public Institutions Only)
- Must be 23 years or older.
- Grade 10 certificate with five years of work experience or Grade 12 certificate with three years of work experience.
- Proof of mature age admission is required.
International Institutions
- Medicine and Engineering: Minimum of 35 points in Grade 12, including English.
- Other Fields: Minimum of 30 points in Grade 12, including English.
- Income Threshold: Same as for local institutions.
Vocational Education Training (VET) Requirements
Government/State-Owned VTCs
- Admittance to a public vocational training center.
- Income threshold criteria: below N$300,000 for individual/spouse, and below N$500,000 for parents.
Private VTCs
- Minimum of 20 points in Grade 12 across six subjects, including an F in English.
- Admission to an approved Namibian VTC (NQF Level 1-6 qualification).
International VET Training
- Minimum of 25 points in Grade 12 across five subjects, with at least symbol F in English.
Postgraduate Funding Requirements
- Must be pursuing studies in priority fields (details available on the NSFAF website).
- Enrolled in a postgraduate diploma, honors, master’s, or PhD program.
- Income Threshold: Below N$300,000 for individual/spouse, and below N$500,000 for parents.
Required Documents for Application
Undergraduate Applications
- Certified birth certificate and Namibian ID.
- Certified Grade 12 certificate(s) or statements of results.
- Parental ID or death certificates.
- Proof of income (or declaration of unemployment) for applicants and parents/spouse.
- Mature age entry proof (if applicable).
Postgraduate Applications
- Certified birth certificate and Namibian ID.
- Certified copies of prior qualifications or academic records.
- Proof of income or declaration of unemployment for applicants and parents/spouse.
- NQA evaluation for foreign qualifications.
Tip: Ensure all documents are certified by the Commissioner of Oath.
How to Apply
The 2025 NSFAF application portal will be accessible from 29th November 2025. Make sure to submit your application and all necessary documents before the deadline on 28th February 2025.
For more information or assistance, contact NSFAF at:
- Phone: 061 434 6000
- Email: info@nsfaf.na