FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Engaging together towards an educated Namibia

FAQ

WHO WE ARE

VISION MISSION

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund was established in 1997 aimed at financially assisting Namibian students to further their studies and careers through approved higher educational institu-tions. Such financial assistance is provided through loans, grants and scholarships.

The focus of our leadership is on serving our key stakeholders effectively wherever they need services. Students are our main beneficiaries and we aim to deliver and efficiently executive our responsibilities in providing financial assistance to all eligible Namibians.

NSFAF Beneficiary: Victoria Absalom is a final year law student in Law, and aims to pursue her Master’s Degree next year. She commends the NSFAF for the financial support provided to her during her undeergraduate studies.

To be a sustainable institution, equtably providing financial assistance to contribute to the development of Namibias human capital.

We provide Financial assistance to eli-gible Namibians to access Vocational and Higher Education and Training.

1. Provide financial assistance to all eligible Namibians

2. Optimize Loan Book Improve Recovery

3. Improve Process Innefficiencies

4. Ensure financial sustainability and Good Governnance

5. Invest in Our People

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OFFERED BY NSFAF:

MISSION

1. What types of financial assistance are offered by the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF)?The Fund offers the following types of Financial Assistance:

A. Student loans: This financial assistance covers tuition fees, transportation, textbooks and accommodation. The loan is repayable to the Fund upon completion of study and secured employment.

B. Scholarships: A scholarship can be granted on full or partial basis and is non-repayable.

For a full scholarship the Fund will cover full tuition, registration fees, textbooks and living expenses.

For a partial scholarship the Fund will cover full tuition, registration fees and textbooks. Living expenses should be catered from a different source.

2. When do I apply for financial assistance with the Fund?Between December and March each year.

3. Where can I obtain the application information should I be interested in applying? NSFAF website (www.nsfaf.fund) as well on distributed brochures and flyers available at 14 regional offices country-wide. Mobile teams will visit different centres between December and March to assist potential applicants.

4. When is the closing date for submission of application forms?31st March each year. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

5. How do students apply for financial assistance?31st March each year. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

6. How do students apply for financial assistance?Through an applicable application tile on NSFAF website (www.nsfaf.fund).

7. What documents are needed when applying for financial assistance? Certified copies of the following are required:• Namibian citizenship• Full birth certificate• Namibian Identity Card (ID)• Grade 12 Statement of results• ID of parents/guardians• Proof of parental income. In the

absence of proof of income or if unemployed, a sworn declaration must be made before a Commissioner of Oaths by parent(s) or guardian(s) themselves. This requirement is only for financial assistance purposes and has nothing to do with matter of maintenance.

• Proof of income for employed applicants.

• Proof of admission or registration from Institutions of Higher Learning / VTCs.

• Offer letters or notice of provisional admission for studies at foreign or SADC institutions.

• Mature age entry certificate. This is only applicable to students at local Institutions of Higher Learning.

8. What are the minimum requirements to qualify for financial assistance at local and international institutions?• 25 points in Grade 12 in five subjects,

with an F symbol in English in Namibia.

• 30 points in Grade 12 in five subjects, with an E symbol or better in English for study at Regional / International institution.

• 35 points in Grade 12 in five subjects, with an E symbol or better in English for study towards Engineering and Medicine at Regional / International institution.

• Post-Grade 12 qualification evaluated at NQF Level 5 with 20 points in Grade 12 in five subjects, with an F symbol in English.

• 22 points in six subjects at Grade 10 level for vocational training programme.

• Mature age entry certificate and 23 of age.

9. At which international institutions of higher learning can I apply to obtain funding?NQA accredited local and international institutions of higher learning. However, NSFAF only recognizes the following institutions of higher learning in the following countries:

Russia: Peoples’ Friendship University, First Moscow State Medical University and Saint Petersburg Engineering Academy, Ukraine: O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Vinnitsa National Medical University and Kharkiv National Medical University, India: JSS University and Oxford Nursing College.China: Only for postgraduate and research students.

10. How do I know whether I have been awarded financial assistance or not?Notification through SMS and email. Please ensure that you provide valid cellular phone number and email address.

11. When can students expect to be informed about the outcome of their applications? Between January and August each year.

12. What is the selection procedure for students applying for Vocational Education and Training?Students registered with a recognized VTC are automatically funded.

13. Can I qualify for financial assistance if I want to continue with my degree immediately after completing my diploma?Yes, provided that one meets the NSFAF requirements and the programme of study is in line with the diploma that was previously funded.

No, if the programme of study is not in line with the previous qualification. In such a case, students are required to apply afresh for financial assistance for the new degree programme.

14. When can I apply for the postgraduate financial assistance?Between December and March each year.

15. Can I qualify for financial assistance if I want to continue with postgraduate studies immediately after completing my undergraduate degree?Yes, provided that you meet all requirements for funding and the programme of study is in line with the undergraduate field that was previously funded.

16. Which are the priority fields of study for different levels of studies?Yes, provided that you meet all requirements for funding and the programme of study is in line with the undergraduate field that was previously funded.

17. Which are the priority fields of study for different levels of studies?Priority Field of studies are published annually for the purpose of granting

financial assistance. The list below was approved by the Minister of Higher education for 2017 and will be updated for the 2018 application.

PRIORITY FIELD OF STUDY AT UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL

HIGH PRIORITY FIELDS

MEDIUM PRIORITY FIELDS

LOW PRIORITY FIELDS

Education:Early ChildhoodPre-PrimaryScience Education:MathematicsPhysical Sciences

Engineering:MechanicalElectricalElectronicCivilMining

Law

Secondary EducationTVET Instructor

Computing and Commu-nications

Agriculture/Fisheries includ-ingCrop and livestockMarine BiologyFood Science and TechnologyAgriculture/Fisheries Tech-nologies

Computer Sciences and TechnologySoftware design and developmentHardware and NetworkingData Management and Cyber-Security

Environmental SciencesSport SciencesCoaching

Quantity Surveying Applied SciencesStatisticsMathematicsRobotics and AutomationMechatronics

Innovation ManagementResearch Management

Forensics

Criminology

Architecture Land Management and SurveyingForestry

Office Administration

Tourism and Hospitality Logistics

Management Science:Financial Management and AccountingOperational and Strategic ManagementGovernance and Leader-ship

Public Administration/ManagementPersonnel or Human Re-sources Management

PRIORITY FIELD OF STUDY AT POSTGRADUATE LEVEL

HIGH PRIORITY FIELDS

MEDIUM PRIORITY FIELDS

LOW PRIORITY FIELDS

Education:Early ChildhoodScience Education, Mathemat-ics, Physical SciencesSecondary Education

Engineering:Mechanical, Electrical, ElectronicCivil and StructuralMiningComputing and Commu-nications

LawValuation

AgricultureVeterinary SciencesFood Science and Technology

Computer Sciences and TechnologySatellite Science and TechnologySoftware Design and DevelopmentData Management and Cyber-Security

Environmental SciencesSport SciencesCoachingPhysical Education

Actuarial Sciences ForestryForensic Phycology Land Management and

SurveyingOffice Administration

Health SciencesPaediatric SurgeryPathology

Management SciencesChartered Financial Ac-countingOperational and Strategic ManagementGovernance and Leader-ship

Public Administration/ManagementPersonnel or Human Re-sources Management

Indigenous Knowledge Chemical Sciences

Information Sciences:LibrariansArchivist

Chemical Sciences

Hydrology and Water Man-agement

Health Sciences:MedicinePharmacyDentistryNursingAllied Health Sciences

Urban and Rural Planning

PsychologySocial WorkPilots

PRIORITY FIELD OF STUDY AT VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

LOW PRIORITY FIELDS(VOCATIONAL TRAINING)Welding and Coded WeldingGeneral Construction (Bricklaying/Plastering)Forklift DrivingCarpentry/JoineryBoiler MakerPaintersFitter and TurnerEngineeringFood ProductionConstruction CarpentryRoad and TransportConstruction ManagementSport ManagementEnvironmental Education and ProtectionPlumbing TechnologyIndustrial EngineeringComputer Aided DesignComputer MaintenanceCyber-Security

HIGH PRIORITY FIELDSDiesel/Petrol MechanicsElectricianCrane, Hoist and Lift OperatorHeavy Plant OperatorHospitality and Culinary ArtsTravel and Tourism (Hospitality)Spray PaintingAuto-MechanicsMine SurveyingLogistics IT SecurityManufacturing: Joinery and Cabinet MakingBoil MakerMetal FabricationVerti-Culture (Making wine)AgricultureClothing ProductionArt and DesignMusicGame TechnologyElectrical Construction (light/current/heave current)Wood Technology and Wood ProductionEngineeringThree-Dimension DesignWelding EngineeringWater Engineering

Tourism and Hospitality Health SciencesPharmacyNursingAllied Health Science

Urban and Rural Planning

Forensics PsychologySocial Work

Hydrology and Water Man-agement

Disaster Management

Climate Research

18. When does NSFAF effect payments at institutions of higher learning?On submission of proof of registration, a certified copy of the previous year’s academic records and receipt of a valid invoice from the institution of high learning.

19. Will the fund pay for my studies if I have failed an academic year?No, the fund does not pay for repetition, but will re-activate the funding once one has progressed and submitted proof to that effect.

20. Will I be able to change the course or the institution of higher learning after I have submitted the proof of registration?Yes, provided that your application for change is approved.

21. What happens in a case where my academic cost is higher than the amount awarded—will the Fund cover the difference?No, NSFAF will only cover the amount as per approved rates and as indicated on the award letter. Students should find other means to cover the shortfall.

22. If I have a loan/grant or I’m on a NSFAF scholarship, studying abroad, and my course requires me to do an internship back at home, will the Fund cover my travelling expenses?A return flight ticket may be issued, provided that such internship is an integral part of the curriculum leading to graduation.

23. Do beneficiaries have to pay the money back after completing their studies?All loans are repayable upon completion and gainfully employed.

24. When must I start repaying my student loan?Within six months of completing studies and secure employment. If a student

cannot find employment, he/she may postpone repayment by notifying NSFAF in writing.

25. When must I start repaying my student loan?What is the process of paying back a loan?• Complete contact details, indicating

postal and residential addresses including actual and permanent residence;

• Details of his/her employer and employment status;

• Student’s consent to the Loan/Grant agreement for loan deductions after the completion or cancellation of studies;

• Any change in contact details, employment status and details of his/her employer.

“After commencing my Bachelor’s Degree, the funds financial assistance the burden on my parents and contributed to my performance as a student. I rested easy knowing that my tuition fees and other related expenses were taken care of by the NSFAF!”

- PETRUS SHOOPALA

FAQS - REPAYMENT

1. Do students have to pay the money back after completing their studies?Yes, if it was a loan. For the Income Contingent Loan, the repayments start when the individual is employed. By paying back your NSFAF study loan, you are paying it so that the Fund will be able to assist someone else who needs it just as much as you did.

2. When am I expected to repay my student loan?• The time required to start repaying

is within six months of completing studies. If a student cannot find employment, it is possible to postpone repayment; in such a case, the request for postponement of repayment must be made to the Board of NSFAF in writing.

• Immediately once the beneficiary has secured employment and earning a taxable amount

• When the student has not completed their studies and thus committed breach of contract

3. What is the process of paying back a loan? The student must consult with NSFAF and provide the Fund with the following information:

• Complete contact details, indicating postal and residential addresses including actual and permanent residence;

• Details of his/her employer and employment status;

• Student’s consent to the Loan/Grant agreement for loan deductions after the completion or cancellation of studies;

• Any change in contact details, employment status and details of his/her employer.

• Also Refer to NSFAF Student Loans Repayment Guide

4. How often do you send Loan statement?Statements are send via emails once each month.

5. What are the modes of repayment?Direct Bank DepositsSalary DeductionsElectronic Funds TransferDebit Orders

BANK DETAILS: Account Name: NSFAFAccount number: 800 484 589 4Branch Code: 482 172Bank Name: Bank Windhoek

6. How do I pay my loan from abroad?If the beneficiary resides abroad, he/she can pay by Electronic Funds Transfer into NSFAF Recovery Account and email proof of payments to the respective consultant dealing with his or her account.

7. What happens if I default?The loan is charged a compounded interest. Therefore when one defaults they suffer a compound interest charged on the account.

8. Can you clear in one instalment?Yes, One can make the loan settlement at an instalment procedure.

9. Does NSFAF charge ledger fees?There are no ledger fees charged on all NSFAF student loans.

10. What happens when I clear my loan?You will be issued with a Redeemed Letter/certificate of clearance.

11. What happens if I overpay?You will be issued with a Redeemed Letter/certificate of clearance.

12. What happens if I overpay?NSFAF can waive the loan upon request from your next of kin. The request should be in writing and substantiated with a certified copy of the death certificate.

13. What happens if I change employers?If the beneficiary was paying through employer’s deduction, a new arrangement can be made with the new employer for the salary deduction to continue. If the beneficiary was paying through other methods like direct deposit, debit orders and EFT the payment shall continue until the loan is redeemed.

14. Loans are not recoverable after six years. Is it applicable in your case?Loans are recoverable as long as the debtor did not raise a case of prescription. The Prescription Act states 15 years in respect of any debt owed to the state and arising out of an advance or loan of money from the date the loan become payable. Any other loan of money prescribes after 3 years.

15. How do you determine the monthly deduction rate?There is currently no enforcement policy for a minimum monthly deduction. However, we encourage the debtor to pay an amount covering a portion of the loan capital and interest charged per month. For example if the interest charged on an account is NAD 250, we will encourage the person to pay a minimum of NAD 500 towards loan recovery.

16. Does my employer need authority from me to make loan deductions?Yes, your employer can only do deductions with the consent of the employee.

17. My employer stopped deductions from my pay what do I do in this case?Loan repayment is your responsibility. Please keep track of your repayment until completion.

18. When am I eligible to apply for suspensions of loan repayment?

• When the debtor’s annual earnings fall below a taxable income threshold.

• When the debtor becomes unemployed.

• When the debtor becomes incapacitated due to medical conditions.

• When the debtor dies.• When debtor goes for further studies

without an income. t• o keeRemember: It is your legal responsibility to keep in touch with NSFAF and to inform us of any change of address and payment.change of address.

For more information, contact us at Tel: +264 61 445 811/2/4/5Email: tribesmen@profileinvestments.com.na

“I would like to thank the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) for paying for my studies and helping me to study towards becoming a lawyer!”

- EMILIA MULUNGA

OMAHEKE Ms. Johanna AraesJohanna.Araes@nsfaf.naOmaheke Regional CouncilDirectorate of EducationCnr President & Kameelboom Street1st Office BlockP/Bag 2004, GobabisCel: 0811665524, Fax: 062-577600

HARDAP Mr. Nico A. IsaaksNico.Isaacks@nsfaf.naHardap Regional CouncilDirectorate of EducationDr. Sam Nujoma AvenueSpecial Education Office Block (Middle Office Block)P/Bag 2122, MarientalTel: 063-245733, Cel: 0811664532, Fax: 0886557183

OSHANA Mr. Warde WardeWarde.Warde@nsfaf.naOngwediva Teachers Resource CentreHifikepunye Pohamba CampusOshakati Main Road (B1 Road)P/Bag 5550, OshakatiTel: 065-230057, Cel: 0813052607, Fax: 065-230035

OSHIKOTO Mr. Augustino ImmanuelImmanuel.Augustino@nsfaf.naOshikoto Regional CouncilDirectorate of EducationSimataa StreetP/Bag 2028, OndangwaCel: 0811665454, Cel: 0812262317, Fax: 065-281965

OHANGWENA Mr. Erkki MengelaErkki.Mengela@nsfaf.naOhangwena Regional CouncilDirectorate of EducationP/Bag 88005, EenhanaCel: 0811252372, Fax: 065-29054

OTJOZONDJUPA Ms. Rhiana HoebesRhiana.Hoebes@nsfaf.naOtjozondjupa Regional CouncilDirectorate of Education OtjozondjupaP/Bag 2618, OtjiwarongoTel: 067-308009, Cel: 0811495788, Fax: 067-304871

ERONGO Mr. Vincent NakutaVincent.Nakuta@nsfaf.naErongo Regional CouncilDirectorate of EducationTobias Hainyeko StreetP/Bag 5024, SwakopmundTel: 064-4105167, Cel: 0811495410, Fax: 064-4105158

OMUSATI Ms. Johanna MunyandiJohanna.Munyandi@nsfaf.naOmusati Regional CouncilDirectorate of EducationP/Bag 529, OutapiTel: 065-251700, Cel: 0811665907, Fax: 065-251722

//KARAS Ms. Denise KamolokamweDenise.Kamolokamwe@nsfaf.na//Kharas Regional CouncilDirectorate of EducationWheeler StreetP/Bag 2160, Keetmanshoop Tel: 063-227072, Cel: 0811495438, Fax: 063-227071

KAVANGO EASTMr. Josef Homateni NangoloJoseph.Nangolo@nsfaf.naRundu Teachers Resource CentreDr Romanus Kamupngu Street P/Bag 2143, RunduTel: 066-255936, Fax: 066-255814

KAVANGO WESTMr. Josef Homateni NangoloJoseph.Nangolo@nsfaf.naRundu Teachers Resource CentreDr Romanus Kamupngu Street P/Bag 2143, RunduTel: 066-255936, Fax: 066-255814

ZAMBEZIMr. Romeo SimataaRomeo.simataa@nsfaf.naZambezi Regional CouncilSoweto StreetKatima Mulilo CircuitP. O. Box 81, Katima MuliloTel: 066-252448, Fax: 066-255814

KUNENEMs. Linda HaipingeLinda.Haipinge@nsfaf.naKunene Regional CouncilDirectorate of EducationP/Bag 2007, KhorixasTel: 067-305000, Cel: 0811665240, Fax: 067-332226

KHOMASMr. Stanley MbatiraStanley.Mbatira@nsfaf.naNSFAFWerner List StreetGutenberg Platz (Ground Floor)P.O. Box 23053, WindhoekTel: 061-420600, Cel: 0811664681, Fax: 061-233940

REGIONAL OFFICES CONTACT DETAILS

“I used my stipend provided by the NSFAF to study short courses and improve my employability!”

- SIMON IYAMBO