Frequently Asked Questions

What is a higher education programme?

It is any programme which is registered from level 5 – 10 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The Funding Framework aims at tackling equality and states that all higher education institutions will be treated equally, does this include Private Higher Education Institutions?

The funding framework is only for public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) since private HEIs are not part of public funding. Private HEIs could, in future, be part of specific funding (i.e. competitive funds) when this kind of funding is implemented.

Which process between programme accreditation and institutional audits happen first?

The two processes can be carried out concomitantly. Thus, it does not matter which one is done first.

Why is it important for HEIs to provide statistics to NCHE?

The statistics that the HEIs provide to NCHE will help in assessing the current status of higher education in the country and will help in making decisions and necessary changes needed in order to attain the goals set out in the National Development Plans (NDPs).

When can a private higher education institution (HEI) apply for registration?

A private HEI may apply for registration once the qualifications offered by the institution are registered on the NQF – a function which is carried out by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) – the institution is audited; and its programmes are accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

How is NCHE going to ensure the confidentiality of the statistics provided to them by the Higher Education providers?

The HEIs will not be able to access other HEIs data on the HEMIS, only their own.

Does the NQA have any role to play in the registration of private HEIs?

No, it does not. The registration of private HEIs is the sole mandate of the NCHE as prescribed by the Higher Education Act, 2003 (Act Nr. 26 of 2003).

Should Private Institutions be excluded from benefitting from the Funding Framework, is data reporting still mandatory?

All higher education providers irrespective of the type of institution they are, are required to provide higher education statistics annually for the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS).

What is the role of the NCHE, NQA and Namibia Training Authority (NTA) in terms of quality assurance?

All three are external quality assurance agencies. However, the main differences in the roles of these bodies are:

  • The NCHE is responsible for quality assurance in higher education (HE).
  • The NQA is mainly responsible for administering the NQF, but it is also responsible for accrediting persons, institutions and organizations providing education and courses of instruction or training.
  • The NTA is responsible for quality assurance in Vocational Education and Training (VET).
Does the NCHE give loans to students?

No, it does not. The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) at the Ministry of Education provides loans and grants to Namibian students.

Who is eligible for financial assistance through the ETSIP Staff Development Fund?

Only academic staff at public HEIs in Namibia are eligible for ETSIP financial assistance. Thus, administrative staff may not apply for financial assistance through ETSIP, but rather through the institutions' own Staff Development Fund.