2025 NSFAF Namibia Applications

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has officially announced the opening of its 2025 applications. Starting on 29th November 2024, 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 2024
  • Application Deadline: 28th February 2025

Eligibility and Funding Types

NSFAF provides financial assistance primarily in the form of loans. Grants are available for:

  1. The top ten Grade 12 performers nationwide.
  2. 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 2024. 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:

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.