Tertiary education opportunities open for more students

Funding threshold increases
The government has raised the household income threshold for subsidised tertiary education from N$100 000 to N$300 000, allowing more students to access funding for registration and tuition fees.
Rozanne Swart
  • 1 Day Ago

The amount of students that will have access to subsidised tertiary education has been increased with the new requirements set out by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture (MEIYSAC), Sanet Steenkamp.

During a news conference on Friday the 16th of January, Steenkamp announced that the Non-tuition household threshold has been increased from N$100 000 to N$300 000. She added, “Broadening access to students from low and middle income households.” She further stated, “Government has secured the funding for 2026 academic year and eligible students who have met the requirements at public or private tertiary institutions will be subsidised for their registration and tuition fees for their primary qualification.”

She warned the students that being eligible for the funding does not mean you automatically have funding. She commented, “Being admitted into a tertiary education institution does not automatically guarantee funding.” Students still need to go through the process of applying for and waiting for approval of funding. “Funding decisions will be guided by the existing transparent requirements.” ,she stated. The only eligibility factor that has been changed is the household threshold has been increased.

She further stated that there has been significant progress made, including the increase of the threshold to ensure that more students have access to funding, but there is still more work to be done. “We do admit that there are complex issues that still will have to be addressed progressively as the implementation continues.”

With all the progress and work that has been done and continues to be done, Steenkamp urged the public to work with and support the government in the implementation of the subsidised tertiary education reform. She added, “Work with us in good faith as we implement this transformative reform in a manner that protects quality, but also promotes access and safeguards the sustainability of our education system.” She also emphasised their commitment in open communication toward the public regarding the subsidised tertiary education, she stated, “I wish to assure you that the ministry remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to engage stakeholders as we move forward.”