Key Facts

• Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made the announcement of free university education during her state of the nation address.
• The free university education scheme will be rolled out gradually from 2026 with students expected to pay only for accommodation and related expenses.
• The funding for the free university education will not involve additional significant funds but will utilize existing subsidies given to public universities and the funding set aside for the student financial assistance fund.
• Primary and secondary education in Namibia is already free in all public schools.
• The Affirmative Repositioning Student Command (ARSC) criticized the announcement as confusing and unfeasible.
• Some student organizations, however, welcomed the move for free university education.
• The economic impact of removing university fees without providing extra funding was raised, such as potential student number caps and income-based tuition privileges.
• The announcement relates to previous demands for lower tuition, referred to as 'the Fees have Fallen' campaign.