Free varsity education: Minimum pass requirements revealed
School leavers seeking to benefit from the free university education scheme in 2026 will need between 19 and 32 points, depending on the level and field of study, with English compulsory across all programmes, the fund has confirmed.In a clarification aimed at ending recurring confusion, the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) - which will manage free higher education funding - has set out the minimum academic thresholds for certificates, diplomas and degrees at public and private institutions registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
For certificate programmes at NQF Level 5, applicants must have passed at least five subjects with a minimum of 19 points, obtained either entirely at NSSCO level or through a combination of NSSCO and NSSCAS subjects. English is compulsory and must be passed with at least a G symbol at NSSCO level.
Diploma applicants
Applicants seeking diploma studies at NQF Level 6 must meet a higher threshold of 24 points from five subjects, again achieved through NSSCO or a mix of NSSCO and NSSCAS subjects. English remains compulsory and must be passed with a minimum D symbol at NSSCO level.
For bachelor’s degrees at NQF Level 7, NSFAF requires a minimum of 26 points obtained through approved subject combinations. Applicants may qualify either by passing two AS-level subjects with at least a D symbol alongside three Ordinary Level subjects passed with a minimum C symbol, including English, or by passing three AS-level subjects with an average D symbol or higher combined with two Ordinary Level subjects passed with a D symbol or better. In all cases, English must be passed at a C symbol or higher.
The highest academic bar applies to professional bachelor’s degrees at NQF Level 8, where a minimum of 32 points is required. For non-STEM programmes, applicants must have passed at least two AS-level subjects with a C symbol or higher, as well as three Ordinary Level subjects with B symbols, with English passed at a minimum C symbol at NSSCO level.
STEM pass requirements
The same 32-point threshold applies to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees, but with stricter subject requirements. Applicants must pass at least two AS-level subjects with a C symbol or higher in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, in addition to three Ordinary Level subjects passed with B symbols or better. English remains compulsory at a minimum C symbol.
NSFAF further confirmed that it recognises articulation pathways within the education system. Learners who have completed NQF Level 3 qualifications at recognised institutions may be considered for undergraduate certificate programmes, while those holding NQF Level 4 qualifications may qualify for diploma studies. Completion of an NQF Level 5 qualification may allow consideration for admission into a bachelor’s degree programme, provided the qualification is registered on the NQF.
Clarification after confusion
The clarification follows years of frustration among applicants over mismatches between university admission offers and NSFAF funding rules, an issue previously highlighted by Network Media Hub (NMH). Education analysts have warned that unclear thresholds often result in students enrolling for programmes that later fall outside NSFAF funding criteria, leaving families exposed to unexpected financial pressure.
NSFAF said the publication of standardised minimum requirements is intended to improve transparency and reduce costly mistakes, urging prospective students to consult official NSFAF platforms and verify requirements with their intended institutions before submitting applications for the 2026 academic year.