Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has promised that from 2026, tertiary education in the country will be free. She announced her first state of the nation address on Thursday.
Nandi-Ndatiwah, who was inaugurated in March as the country’s first female president, stated this initiative is part of broader efforts to empower the youth and address unemployment. She stated the government will cover 100 percent of registration and tuition fees at all public universities and vocational training centers from 2026.
Current State of Namibia’s Educational System
Education in Namibia is already greatly subsidized, with the country already providing free education in public elementary and high schools, though parents typically have to pay for school uniforms, stationery, books, and hostel fees.
Announcing the development, the president said “While tertiary education in Namibia is already significantly subsidized, 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 centres. While this will be a gradual, phased-in approach, your contribution as families and students for now will be towards accommodation and other related costs. We have heard your cries, the fees have fallen,” she concluded.
Two of Namibia’s seven universities are state run and will offer free education under the policy while all of its seven vocational training centers are government-run and will also no longer charge tuition fees.