Universities gear up for subsidised education

Students can expect access, quality and opportunities
Francouis Pretorius
  • 19 Hours Ago
Francouis Pretorius



The International Training College Lingua, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, says it is “ready” for the changes.



Founder and chief executive Ingrid Mettler says: “We have worked over the past three years on new developments, new courses, new faculty and staffing, among other areas. This announcement on subsidised education is really just a bonus for us.”



Lingua has expanded nationwide, opening branches in Usakos, Rehoboth, Ongwediva, Keetmanshoop and Mariental, with plans to establish a presence in Otjiwarongo. Mettler stresses that the college’s mission is inclusive. “We cater for everybody, not just those with 19 points and above, including mature-age students. We are here to train and educate our nation,” she says.



At the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), acting director Nashilongo Gervasius says the institution has been actively preparing to implement the subsidised education policy. “A number of our members were part of the national team that developed the funding model and contributed to the finalisation of the policy,” she says. NUST has aligned its budgeting, infrastructure and digital systems to accommodate new students while continuing to safeguard the quality of its education. New programmes include Bachelor’s and Honours degrees in Artificial Intelligence, as well as initiatives in animation and technology-focused short courses.



The University of Namibia (UNAM) has also confirmed its readiness for the year ahead. Manager of corporate engagement Simon Namesho emphasises that admissions remain merit-based, despite the funding changes. “The subsidised funding model does not mean that class sizes will suddenly expand. Quality is non-negotiable,” he says. UNAM has introduced one-year Honours programmes for recent graduates and now offers a full range of newly accredited postgraduate qualifications, including Master’s and PhD programmes. Namesho adds: “Our message is one of reassurance. The university is ready, our quality remains intact, and admission remains merit-based.”



Across Namibia, higher education institutions are embracing the new subsidised system through preparation, innovation and expansion, with the aim of making quality education more accessible while maintaining high academic standards.