Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced that all public university education will be free starting in 2026. As the country’s first female president, Ndaitwah is making history with this bold step to empower youth and expand access to higher education. The policy will eliminate tuition and registration fees at public universities and technical colleges, aligning with her campaign promises to invest in education and job creation. Learn more about this transformative initiative and its national impact.
In a bold move to expand access to higher education, Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced that university education will be fully subsidized starting in 2026. The policy, unveiled during her first State of the Nation address in April 2025, means no tuition or registration fees will be charged at public universities and vocational institutions across the country. “From the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100% subsidized by the government,” she declared.
However, students will still need to cover accommodation and other living expenses. Private institutions are not included for now, though the Education Ministry is developing funding guidelines for them.
University officials welcomed the initiative. UNAM and NUST, Namibia’s foremost universities, both expressed readiness to work with the government. However, some economists and opposition leaders warned of possible strain on public resources and the job market’s ability to absorb more graduates.
This announcement comes shortly after Ndaitwah became Namibia’s first female president on March 22, 2025. She campaigned on promises of youth empowerment, education, and job creation. The free university education policy was a central pillar of her manifesto and aligns with efforts to reduce inequality and invest in Namibia’s young population.
