Universities in Namibia

Higher education in Namibia is taught in English and organised around the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) describes as a register of all relevant and legal qualifications in the country. Namibia's universities include the public University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), and other providers offer courses accredited by the NQA. Our directory currently lists one university in Namibia, in Windhoek.

The University of Namibia was founded by Act of Parliament on 31 August 1992. It is a public, multicampus university with 12 campuses across the country, four faculties and 17 schools. According to the university, it enrolled approximately 26,302 students in the 2025 reporting cycle, from more than 40 countries, and it offers 63 master's degrees and 39 doctoral degrees.

How the system works

The NQF has ten levels, and each qualification is placed at one of them. The levels describe the difficulty of the learning, not the number of years spent studying. Credits measure the amount of learning: according to the NQA, one credit represents about 10 hours of notional learning time, including classes, practical work, self-study and assessment.

University qualifications follow these levels. At UNAM, a postgraduate diploma requires a bachelor's degree at NQA level 7, a master's degree normally requires a bachelor honours degree at level 8, and a PhD requires a master's degree at level 9. Universities offer certificates, diplomas, bachelor's and honours degrees, master's degrees (by coursework or by research) and doctorates.

The NQA accredits education and training providers. Accreditation confirms that specific courses offered by a provider in Namibia meet acceptable standards and that the provider can teach and assess them. Before enrolling at a private institution, it is worth checking its accreditation status with the NQA.

Study modes vary. NUST says that more than 15,000 students study with it full time, part time or by distance education, and UNAM also runs distance and part-time programmes, a mature age entry scheme and recognition of prior learning.

Admission for international students

Undergraduate admission is based on completing secondary school (Grade 12 or equivalent). Namibian school results are converted into points:

• UNAM: for a degree, five subjects, two of them at advanced subsidiary (NSSCAS) level, and English at least C at NSSCO level; other recognised school-leaving qualifications are assessed on the UNAM Evaluation Scale
• NUST: up to five qualifying subjects with at least 25 points and an E symbol or better in English
• master's degrees: UNAM asks for an honours degree (level 8) or equivalent with an average of 60% or more; NUST asks for a recognised four-year bachelor's degree with a research component

Foreign qualifications are evaluated by the NQA, which expresses them in terms of the Namibian NQF. NUST states that school qualifications from countries in the SADC region do not need an NQA evaluation for admission, and advises other applicants to submit their documents for evaluation two months before applying. At NUST, the closing date for most applications is 30 September, with late applications accepted until 30 October.

All non-Namibian students need a study visa before entering the country, valid for 3 or 6 months according to NUST. Full-degree students then apply for a student permit; NUST invites officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration and Safety and Security to process these applications on campus during registration. Rules can change, so check them with the university and the nearest Namibian embassy before travelling.

Costs and funding

International full-degree students pay tuition and other fees like Namibian students. Each university publishes its fees every year in a fees booklet or prospectus. Application fees at NUST are N$220 for undergraduate and N$330 for postgraduate applications, and a late application costs N$630.

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) provides loans and grants to eligible students at approved institutions of higher learning. Students from abroad should check scholarship options in their home country and with the university's international office.

How to choose a university in Namibia

• Programme level and NQF level: check that the qualification is registered on the NQF and that the institution is accredited by the NQA
• Study mode: full time on campus, part time or distance education
• Campus and location: UNAM and NUST have their main campuses in Windhoek and further campuses or centres in other regions
• Housing: on-campus places are limited (NUST has three hostels with 429 beds), so plan private accommodation early
• Recognition at home: if you plan to return, check how your home country recognises a Namibian degree

Frequently asked questions

What language are university courses taught in in Namibia?

Courses are taught in English. UNAM requires at least a C in English at NSSCO level for degree programmes, and NUST requires an E symbol or better.

Do I need a visa to study in Namibia?

Yes. According to NUST, all non-Namibian students need a valid study visa of 3 or 6 months before entering Namibia, and full-degree students also apply for a student permit.

Will my foreign school certificate be accepted?

Foreign qualifications are evaluated by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA). NUST states that school certificates from SADC countries do not need this evaluation for admission.

How many students does the University of Namibia have?

The university reports approximately 26,302 students in its 2025 reporting cycle, across 12 campuses.