NSFAF now more inclusive and accessible
Changes have been made to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) to ensure that no Namibian student is denied access to tertiary education due to financial constraints.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Nathalia /Goagoses, during the official launch of this year’s online application process.
“As a responsible government, we say no child in this country should be wandering the streets because of financial constraints,” she said.
The new Inclusive Multi-Optional Student Loan System (IM-OSLS) represents a shift in student financing by broadening the options for financial aid and eliminating income-based tests. This marks a departure from the previous pro-poor loan scheme, ensuring that financial support is accessible to all eligible Namibians under the IM-OSLS.
The expanded loan system includes funding for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), support for students enrolled in bridging or readiness programs, those repeating a year, certificates at NQF level 5, students transitioning to diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, as well as vocational training programs.
The policy aims to create a more inclusive and accessible framework for funding higher education.
“This initiative is a transformative step to make education more accessible and affordable for everyone,” /Goagoses stated.
She emphasized the importance of inclusivity, saying, “Even those students enrolling in bridging and readiness programs at tertiary institutions must be assisted.”
The NSFAF application process has been designed to be user-friendly, transparent, and accessible to all students.
/Goagoses also urged students to take advantage of the opportunity and highlighted the importance of education in shaping the country’s future.
“The future is in your hands. With hard work, dedication, and the support we are providing today, I have no doubt that you will reach great heights and make valuable contributions to society,” she said.
She further stressed that “eligibility should not, in the future, be based on income or a threshold. This policy reform represents an important step in the government’s broader agenda to improve access to higher education and student financing.”
The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Nathalia /Goagoses, during the official launch of this year’s online application process.
“As a responsible government, we say no child in this country should be wandering the streets because of financial constraints,” she said.
The new Inclusive Multi-Optional Student Loan System (IM-OSLS) represents a shift in student financing by broadening the options for financial aid and eliminating income-based tests. This marks a departure from the previous pro-poor loan scheme, ensuring that financial support is accessible to all eligible Namibians under the IM-OSLS.
The expanded loan system includes funding for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), support for students enrolled in bridging or readiness programs, those repeating a year, certificates at NQF level 5, students transitioning to diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, as well as vocational training programs.
The policy aims to create a more inclusive and accessible framework for funding higher education.
“This initiative is a transformative step to make education more accessible and affordable for everyone,” /Goagoses stated.
She emphasized the importance of inclusivity, saying, “Even those students enrolling in bridging and readiness programs at tertiary institutions must be assisted.”
The NSFAF application process has been designed to be user-friendly, transparent, and accessible to all students.
/Goagoses also urged students to take advantage of the opportunity and highlighted the importance of education in shaping the country’s future.
“The future is in your hands. With hard work, dedication, and the support we are providing today, I have no doubt that you will reach great heights and make valuable contributions to society,” she said.
She further stressed that “eligibility should not, in the future, be based on income or a threshold. This policy reform represents an important step in the government’s broader agenda to improve access to higher education and student financing.”
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