Namibia Announces Free Tertiary Education at Public Institutions from 2026

Namibia Announces Free Tertiary Education at Public Institutions from 2026

Namibia has announced that tertiary education at all public universities and technical and vocational education institutions will become fully government-funded beginning from the 2026 academic year.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made the announcement during her first State of the Nation Address before Parliament, describing the move as a major investment in the country’s youth and future workforce.

“I am pleased to announce that from the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100 percent subsidized by the government. That means no registration fees and no tuition fees at all public universities and technical and vocational education centers,” the President said.

The policy is expected to remove one of the biggest barriers to higher education for thousands of young Namibians. Tuition fees at public universities currently range between N$25,000 and N$40,000 per course, while registration fees can reach as high as N$9,000 for postgraduate students.

The announcement comes as Namibia continues to grapple with high youth unemployment, estimated at 44.4 percent. With nearly 70 percent of the country’s population under the age of 35, many students have struggled to access tertiary education due to financial constraints.

To support the initiative, the Namibian government has allocated N$663 million for the first quarter of 2026. Authorities said the programme will be implemented in phases, with the government initially covering tuition and registration fees, while students will continue to bear accommodation and certain related expenses.

Namibia already provides free primary and secondary education, and the latest policy effectively extends government-funded education to the tertiary level, creating a pathway for more young people to pursue higher education and vocational training.

Addressing lawmakers, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the decision was a response to long-standing calls from students and youth groups seeking greater access to education.

“We have heard your cries,” she told Parliament.

The policy has been widely welcomed as a landmark step aimed at expanding educational opportunities, reducing inequality and equipping more young Namibians with the skills needed to participate in the country’s economy.

Namibia Announces Free Tertiary Education at Public Institutions from 2026