NSFAF Spends N$2.15 Billion to Support Namibian Students in Six Months

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has reported that it paid out N$2.15 billion in tuition and non-tuition fees between April and September 2026, with more applications still being processed.

According to figures released by the Fund, NSFAF received 58,116 applications across three application windows during the six-month period. Of these, 39,528 new applicants were approved for funding.

The Fund also reported that 53,893 students have secured allowances for upcoming payments, while more applications and payments were still being processed.

The funding covered four main categories: tuition and non-tuition support for continuing students, and tuition and non-tuition support for newly funded students.

The largest amount went towards tuition for continuing students, N$891.18 million, benefiting 33,490 students. A further N$473.65 million was allocated to non-tuition support for 37,677 continuing students.

Newly funded students received N$651.16 million in tuition support, covering 24,870 students. Another N$132.28 million went towards non-tuition support for 17,732 new students.

The breakdown shows that tuition support accounted for the largest share of the reported expenditure, reflecting the cost of financing students' academic programmes. Non-tuition support provides additional assistance to help students meet other costs associated with their studies.

Beyond the reported disbursements, NSFAF said N$534.77 million in tuition payments for 19,784 students was still being processed.

The Fund also reported that 11,929 applications were still being assessed, indicating that the funding process had not yet been completed at the end of September.

NSFAF advised students to log into their student portals and submit any outstanding documentation to avoid payment delays.

The Fund cautioned that the published figures were expected to increase as application processing and payments continued.

The N$2.15 billion disbursement represents substantial financial support for students and their educational institutions. Tuition payments help cover academic costs, while non-tuition support contributes towards other expenses students face while studying.

However, the figures also raise important questions about the pace of application processing, the timing of payments, and the number of students who may still be waiting for funding decisions.

The additional N$534.77 million in tuition payments under way suggests that the financial support process was continuing beyond the six-month reporting period.

Business 360 Pulse will continue to follow developments in student financing and the delivery of public funding for education in Namibia.