ZONE: 'No 100% subsidy like public institutions' - Welwitchia

University says government provides a fixed N$24,300 subsidy per student, leaving some families to cover outstanding tuition costs.
To reduce the financial burden, Welwitchia has introduced a payment arrangement allowing families to settle the shortfall through ten equal monthly instalments.
Desmarius Hansen
  • 3 Days Ago

Welwitchia University says students enrolled under the government's subsidised tertiary education funding model may still be required to pay part of their tuition fees because the state subsidy does not fully cover the cost of all programmes offered by the institution.

The university issued the clarification following concerns raised by the Students' Union of Namibia (SUN) regarding the implementation of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture's subsidised tertiary education funding model.

According to Welwitchia University, private institutions receive a fixed subsidy determined by the government. In the university's case, the subsidy amounts to N$24 300 per NSFAF-funded student, regardless of the programme of study.

"As a result, where tuition fees exceed the subsidised amount, the outstanding balance remains payable by students, parents or guardians," the university said.

Welwitchia's Director of Corporate Engagement and International Relations, Christell Nassauw, said the funding arrangement differs from that applied at public institutions. "We are grateful that our students are funded, but they do not receive the 100% tuition relief that students at public institutions receive.

"I cannot speak for all private institutions, but at Welwitchia we currently receive a fixed subsidy amount per student, which means there are instances where students still have to cover the outstanding balance themselves."

To ease the financial burden, the university has introduced a payment arrangement allowing families to settle outstanding balances through 10 equal monthly instalments.

The institution stressed that students who qualify for NSFAF support are not required to pay registration fees or tuition deposits during registration periods, in line with directives issued by the education ministry.

Welwitchia further confirmed that it has complied with a ministry directive allowing NSFAF-funded students to sit for examinations and access their academic results regardless of outstanding balances resulting from the subsidy shortfall.

However, the university said self-funded students remain subject to existing financial requirements and must settle their accounts or make payment arrangements with the finance department before examinations.