VoxPop

Making the voice of the youth known
We asked the youth which barriers remain, even with the subsidy.
Francouis Pretorius
  • 20 Hours Ago

Iyaloo Noarises

First and foremost, I would like to thank the president for the new subsidised tertiary funding model, which has brought relief to students facing high registration and tuition fees. However, there are still significant barriers within the subsidised funding model since it only covers tuition and registration fees, leaving students to bear the cost of accommodation, transport, meals and learning materials. This can overburden families already struggling financially, particularly given persistent inflation in essential goods and services, high rental prices for basic accommodation, and rising transportation costs. These pressures can threaten a student’s academic focus, as they may worry about their next meal instead of their next assignment.

Vatjaa Tjikune, 2nd year IT student, Triumphant College

Even with the subsidy, barriers remain. These include limited awareness of the subsidy, difficulties in the application process, and the fact that it does not always cover all costs. Access can also be challenging for those in remote areas, and some ongoing expenses must still be borne individually.

Wilka Katumbo, unemployed Bachelor of Education graduate

Although the subsidy reduces financial pressure, it does not eliminate all challenges. Limited employment opportunities make it difficult for graduates to secure stable incomes, meaning transport, professional tools, and further skills development remain hard to afford. For motivated individuals aiming to build a career or a small business, a lack of start-up capital, mentorship, and resources slows progress. High competition and delayed opportunities also prevent graduates from fully benefiting from the subsidy alone.

Tina Nangolo, 3rd year Communication student, NUST

The subsidy may still be insufficient to cover all costs, leaving some unable to afford services. Lack of awareness, complicated applications, and administrative delays discourage access. Geographical barriers persist, particularly in remote areas, while subsidised services can be overcrowded or understaffed. Socio-cultural barriers, such as stigma or misinformation, may also prevent uptake.

Priskilla Petrus, 4th year Media and Journalism student, NUST

Even with subsidised tuition, students face hidden costs such as uniforms, books, and equipment; living and travel expenses; opportunity costs for low-income families; poor infrastructure; limited teacher capacity; and social barriers, including gender inequality, early marriage, and insufficient support for students with disabilities.

Helena Shikongo, Grade 11 learner

Subsidies help reduce costs, but barriers remain. Poor communication can prevent people from knowing about the subsidy or understanding how it works. Access is also an issue in rural areas and for those without internet access. Subsidies make services more affordable, but cannot remove all obstacles.

Saima Ashipala, 4th year Communication student, NUST

While Namibia’s subsidised tertiary system has reduced tuition fees, students still cover remaining costs and daily living expenses such as transport, accommodation, food, study materials, and internet access. These combined costs place significant financial pressure on students and continue to limit equal access.

Tuyeni Akwaake, 4th year Animal Science student, UNAM

Urbanisation of the student population highlights the urgent need for student accommodation. Institutions may lack sufficient capacity to house the increasing number of students.

Nghidishange Erastus, AS level graduate

Even with subsidies, families struggle with hidden costs, long distances to school, limited tertiary access, overcrowded classrooms, strict funding requirements, and social pressures that can cause dropouts. Subsidised education also does not guarantee employment after graduation.