Namibia to Offer Free University Education Starting in 2026

The President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, proclaimed the commencement of free higher education at state universities and technical colleges from next year. This announcement was made while delivering her first State of the Nation address after being elected as the first female president of the Republic of Namibia last month.

Namibia currently provides free education at primary and secondary levels, though parents still incur fees for items like uniforms and supplies. The new policy will now abolish fees covering tuition and registration at public universities and government-run vocational centers.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah remarked that the action arises out of the public demand for free education for some time. It seeks to expand possibilities for young people, thus addressing extensive unemployment and poverty among them. Out of nearly 3 million people in Namibia, about 2.1 million citizens are under 35.

The new scheme will abolish fees at two universities operated by the state, as well as in all seven public vocational training centers.

This policy is a huge milestone in the council's efforts to make access to education easier in Namibia and to improve the lot of the youth in Namibia, thereby setting a platform for increased economic participation and national development.

“I am pleased to announce that from the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100% subsidized by the government,” she added.