NSFAF Outlines Minimum Academic Requirements for Free University Education in 2026
By TUW
As preparations for the rollout of free university education in 2026 gather pace, school leavers and prospective students have been advised to carefully review the academic thresholds that will determine eligibility for funding under the new policy.
The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), tasked with implementing the free higher education programme, has released detailed clarification on the minimum marks required for admission and funding across various levels of study. The clarification aims to prevent a repeat of past situations where students were accepted by institutions but later excluded from financial support due to not meeting NSFAF’s academic standards.
Under the guidelines, entry into certificate programmes at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 requires a minimum of 19 points obtained from five subjects. These may be drawn entirely from NSSCO or a combination of NSSCO and NSSCAS subjects. English is compulsory and must be passed with at least a G symbol at NSSCO level.
For students intending to pursue diploma studies at NQF Level 6, the minimum requirement is 24 points from five subjects, again from NSSCO or a mix of NSSCO and NSSCAS. At this level, English remains mandatory and must be passed with a minimum D symbol at NSSCO.
Bachelor’s degree programmes at NQF Level 7 have a higher entry bar, with applicants required to attain at least 26 points. Qualification can be achieved through various subject combinations, including two AS-level subjects passed with D symbols or better alongside three Ordinary Level subjects passed with at least C symbols, or three AS-level subjects with an average of D or better combined with two Ordinary Level subjects passed with a minimum D symbol. English is compulsory and must be passed with at least a C symbol.
Higher requirements apply to professional bachelor’s degrees at NQF Level 8 in non-STEM disciplines. Prospective students must secure a minimum of 32 points, with two AS-level subjects passed at C symbol or better and three Ordinary Level subjects passed with B symbols. English remains compulsory and must meet the minimum C symbol requirement.
Students aspiring to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are subject to similarly high standards. These programmes also require at least 32 points, but with stricter subject conditions. Applicants must pass two AS-level subjects at C symbol or better in core subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, in addition to three Ordinary Level subjects passed with B symbols or higher. English must again be passed with a minimum C symbol.
In addition to school-leaving qualifications, NSFAF has confirmed that alternative academic routes will be considered. Candidates holding NQF Level 3 qualifications may qualify for certificate studies, those with NQF Level 4 can progress to diploma programmes, while holders of NQF Level 5 qualifications may be eligible for bachelor’s degree studies. All qualifications, however, must be formally registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
The fund has urged applicants to align both their institutional applications and funding expectations with these requirements to ensure a smooth transition into the 2026 academic year.
