Namibia to Offer Free University Education from 2026
Namibia has taken a historic step toward educational equality. Beginning in 2026, the government will offer free tertiary education at all public universities and technical colleges.
The announcement was made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during her first State of the Nation Address to Parliament, a moment that drew applause and marked a new era in the country’s social development.
In her speech, President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who became Namibia’s first woman president just last month, said the government would fully subsidize higher education from the next academic year. “From the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100% subsidized by the government,” she declared, describing the move as an investment in the country’s youth and its future.
Currently, Namibia provides free education at the primary and secondary levels, though families still bear the costs of supplies and boarding.
The new policy will remove tuition and registration fees entirely for students at public universities and government-operated vocational training centres.
This means that thousands of young Namibians, especially those from low-income families and rural communities, will have greater access to higher education without the financial barriers that have long stood in their way.
“We have heard your cries,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah told lawmakers, acknowledging the public’s calls for more inclusive education. “This policy is not just about education; it’s about reducing poverty, tackling youth unemployment, and building a stronger nation.”
Namibia, a southern African nation of about three million people, has a predominantly young population, with more than two-thirds under the age of 35.
For many of these young citizens, the cost of tertiary education has been an obstacle to opportunity. By removing that barrier, the government hopes to open the doors of universities and colleges to all qualified students, regardless of their background or financial means.
The announcement signals a major shift in Namibia’s education policy and underscores a wider commitment to social and economic empowerment. It also positions Namibia among a growing number of nations recognizing higher education as a public good and a pathway to national progress.
This decision carries deep significance in the context of children’s rights. Education is a fundamental human right, and every child is entitled to equal access to quality education. By making tertiary education free, Namibia is taking a bold step toward fulfilling that commitment.
