N$447 Increase Lifts Student Internship Allowance to N$2,692

The government has announced an increase in the monthly allowance for student interns up from N$2 244.85 to N$2 692.50.

This a rise of N$447.65, forming part of changes that will extend internship placements from three months to six months.

Prime Minister, Elijah Ngurare this month announced the revised allowance at the International University of Management’s 22nd Summer Graduation Ceremony in Windhoek.

He said graduate interns will receive a separate monthly allowance of N$3 769.50.

The revised student allowance represents an increase of approximately 20%. At the new rate, a student intern could receive N$16,155 over six months, provided the allowance is paid throughout the placement.

The changes come as internships provide young Namibians with opportunities to gain practical workplace experience and develop skills that may improve their chances of securing employment.

An intern at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, who requested anonymity, said she currently receives N$2 357.10 per month.

According to her, she spends approximately N$600 on transport and between N$500 and N$600 on food. She lives with family and does not incur accommodation expenses.

The intern said she plans to seek other internship opportunities after completing her current placement to gain additional experience and improve her prospects of finding permanent employment.

She also questioned whether the extended six-month period would be sufficient to acquire the skills and experience needed to secure a permanent position.

“No, I do not believe six months is enough time to gain sufficient skills and experience to secure permanent employment,” she said.

The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) has also raised concerns about the adequacy of internship allowances. In comments reported by The Namibian, Nanso representative Ndayola Mulongeni said the organisation had consistently highlighted the difficulty of meeting living costs on the previous allowances.

“We have consistently maintained that the existing allowances were inadequate to meet the cost of living,” Mulongeni said.

The increase provides student interns with additional financial support, while the longer placement period gives them more time to gain workplace exposure. However, the extent of the programme’s economic impact will also depend on how many students benefit and whether the experience helps them transition into permanent employment.

The revised allowance could provide some financial relief for young people during their placements, but the programme’s broader contribution to youth employment will depend on the skills interns acquire and the opportunities available to them after completing their training.