Why Study at UNAM?

• UNAM is Namibia’s leading higher education institution, offering internationally accredited bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programmes across four (4) faculties.
• Competitive tuition fees and cost of living make Namibia an attractive study destination in the SADC region.
• Our University community includes students and staff from Africa, Asia, Europe, America, and beyond.
• UNAM maintains active partnerships with universities worldwide to promote exchange programmes and collaborative research.
• Namibia offers a peaceful, stable democratic environment conducive to academic pursuit.

STUDY PATHWAYS

FULL DEGREE STUDENTS
International students may apply for full degree programmes at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Admission is subject to:

• UNAM minimum entry requirements
• Faculty and School specific regulations

Undergraduate Studies
Applicants must have:

• A pass in five (5) subjects at the required secondary school level
• The required combination of Higher/Advanced and Ordinary level subjects
• Proof that English was the medium of instruction or equivalent English proficiency.
• Additional faculty or programme specific requirements where applicable.

Postgraduate Studies
Applicants must have:

Programme	Minimum Requirement
Postgraduate Diploma	Relevant Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7)
Master’s Degree	Relevant Honours Degree (NQF Level 8)
Doctoral Degree	Relevant Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9)

Additional requirements:

• An NQA evaluation report for all qualifications obtained outside Namibia.
• School-specific requirements, may apply.

For detailed admission requirements, see link. To get a checklist of all that is required, follow this link.

APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSION PROCESS

Step 1: Application Submission
The international applicant submits an online application through the UNAM application system.

Step 2: Initial Processing
Applications are captured by the Student Records Office and referred to the International Student Support Office.

Step 3: International Student Office Review
The office verifies:

• Minimum entry requirements
• Completeness of documents
• International eligibility compliance
• English proficiency
• Foreign qualification requirements

If the minimum entry requirements are not met, the application status is changed to Q, indicating that the application has been declined and the student is issued with a rejection letter. The letter clearly outlines the reason for the decision, such as insufficient academic level, the absence of a required subject, or incomplete documentation.

If the applicant meets the minimum entry requirements, the application status is changed to FX, indicating that the application has been referred to the Faculty for further evaluation.

Step 4: Faculty Review
The faculty confirms:

• Faculty specific academic eligibility.

• If faculty specific requirements are met, student is provisionally admitted and issued with a provisional admission letter, outlining the necessary guidelines and the appropriate next steps.
• If faculty specific requirements are not met application is declined and student is issued with a rejection letter. The letter clearly outlines the reason for the decision, such as insufficient academic level, the absence of a required subject, or incomplete documentation.

Admittance status may be

• RI – Application referred to office of the international student support
• Q – Does NOT meet minimum requirements → Application declined.
• FX – Meets minimum requirements → Referred to Faculty
• P – Provisionally Admitted

Students who receive an P (Provisional Admission) status on the student portal are issued with an official admission letter. If a provisional admission letter has not yet been issued, the student may formally request it from the relevant Faculty Officer.

EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Exchange students are registered at a partner university and attend UNAM for a limited period under a valid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions.
Exchange opportunities may include:

• One or two semesters of coursework
• Research attachments
• Clinical rotations
• Academic placements or internships

Key Requirements:

• Nomination by the home university
• A valid MoU between UNAM and the home institution
• Approval by the relevant UNAM faculty or school

Exchange students are exempted from paying tuition fees where an agreement exists between the home University and UNAM. However, the following administrative fees apply:

Item	Amount (NAD)
International students levy	3,500.00
Registration	1,500.00
Connectivity	575.00
Technology	750.00
Students administration	150.00

UNAM Academic Semesters & Application Deadlines
At the University of Namibia, accepts exchange students for:

1. First Semester (March – July)
   Nomination Deadline: November (previous year)
   Application Deadline: December (previous year)

2. Second Semester (July – November)
   Nomination Deadline: April
   Application Deadline: May

BEFORE ARRIVAL
1. Home University
Nomination of students to partake in the Exchange Program
Formal communication of intention to send exchange student

2. Host University (UNAM)
Provision of required documents, for exchange program and visa application
Issuing admission letters into the program
Provision of information pertaining shuttle and accommodation

3. Exchange Student
Completion of all relevant forms and submission of all required documents
Application for visa, booking of flights (after visa approval), shuttle and accommodation

Required Documents

1. Certified copy of passport
2. Police clearance certificate from the country of origin (not older than 3 months)
3. Recommendation/nomination letter from Home University
4. Motivation letter by the student, stating reasons for applying to come to Namibia
5. Proof of registration and academic transcript from the Home University

UPON ARRIVAL
1. Exchange Student
Payment of study visa upon arrival and complete institutional registration

2. Host University
Integration support, through course registration, orientation programme, pairing with student assistant/ representative, campus tour and faculty introduction.

DURING EXCHANGE
Exchange students must:

Maintain full-time registration
Comply with UNAM academic regulations
Inform the International Office of any changes

UNAM provides:
Academic support through Faculty
International Student Support services
Cultural integration activities

AFTER EXCHANGE
UNAM
Issue Official Academic Transcript
Confirm completion of exchange period
Clear financial records (if applicable)
Submit financial statement and transcript to Home University

EXCHANGE STUDENT
Settle any outstanding fees
Participate in exit survey (for quality assurance)

VISITING / INDEPENDENT STUDENTS

Visiting students (also referred to as non-degree students) are individuals who wish to enrol at UNAM for a semester for academic exposure or research purposes, without a formal exchange agreement between UNAM and their home institution.
Such students must be admitted by the relevant host faculty and must identify a research supervisor at UNAM prior to admission. Visiting students are responsible for paying all applicable tuition fees and other related costs during their period of study.

This pathway is suitable for:

• Semester academic exposure
• Research experience
• Clinical observation

Visiting students:

• Are not pursuing a UNAM qualification
• Apply independently
• Must obtain approval from the hosting faculty or research supervisor

REGISTRATION AND ENROLMENT

Upon receiving admission confirmation, students may begin preparing for travel to Namibia for document verification and in-person registration. At this stage, students are also advised to apply for on-campus accommodation (student hostel), as space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

While awaiting the official registration announcement, students should present:

• Original school leaving certificate
• Original academic transcripts
• Valid passport
• Police clearance certificate from country of origin
• NQA (Namibia Qualifications Authority) evaluation report
• Valid medical insurance covering the full period of study
• Any other documents specified in the admission letter

All original documents must be accompanied by police-certified copies.

Once registered students receive:

• Proof of registration
• Student card
• Access to UNAM academic systems

IMMIGRATION & STUDY PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with the Immigration Control Act of the Republic of Namibia, all international students (both SADC and Non-SADC nationals) are required to obtain a valid Study Permit. Students may enter Namibia on a Holiday/Tourist Visa where applicable. However, such a visa does not permit academic enrolment. Upon arrival in Namibia and after completing academic registration, the student is required to apply for a Study Permit through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. The Study Permit must be obtained and maintained for the duration of the student’s academic programme.

Internships or work attachments that are directly related to a student’s programme of study may be permitted, provided that a supporting letter is issued by the host faculty.

For further details and requirements, applicants can visit the Ministry’s website.

UNAM has a standing arrangement with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security that allows students to submit study permit applications during the registration period.

Exempted Categories
The following individuals do not require a study permit, provided valid documentation is submitted:

• Holders of Permanent Residence Permits
• Recognised Refugees or Asylum Seekers
• Diplomatic representatives (Courtesy Visa holders)

UNAM has a standing arrangement with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security, allowing international students to submit study permit applications during the registration period.

STUDY PERMIT APPLICATION

First-Time Applicants
Required documents include:

1. Completed students’ permit form
2. Completed visa form
3. Completed medical report form
4. Completed radiological report form
5. Completed deed of surety form signed by bank or sponsor
6. Copy of passport (personal data page)
7. Two (2) passport size photos
8. Police clearance certificate from country of origin
9. Proof of academic registration with study institution
10. Motivation letter stating among others, reasons for studying in Namibia
11. Written undertaking of parent /guardian/sponsor to sponsor your studies.
12. Written proof of bursary (name and contact details of source of funding)

NB: Upon approval of the study permit application, a fee of N$2,200 is payable to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. Applicants will then be required to submit a copy of approval letter, passport together with original receipt of payment for endorsement of the permit.

Study Permit Renewal
Returning students must submit:

• Completed renewal application form
• Visa application form
• Proof of academic registration
• Academic transcript / progress report
• Namibian police clearance certificate

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

A range of student support and welfare services are available to all students through the Directorate of Student Affairs, aimed at promoting academic success, personal wellbeing, and an enriching university experience.

Accommodation: UNAM offers affordable on-campus hostel facilities located in close proximity to academic buildings, libraries, and laboratories. International, exchange, and visiting students may apply for on-campus accommodation, subject to availability.

Career Services and Student Development: The University provides career guidance and planning services to support students in preparing for their professional careers. These services include assistance with career planning, internship and work-integrated learning opportunities, and programmes designed to enhance students’ employment readiness.

Psychosocial Counselling: Confidential professional counselling services are available to support students who may experience academic, personal, or adjustment challenges during their studies.

Health and Medical Services: Health services are provided through the University Primary Healthcare Facility and include general medical consultations, preventative health education, and wellness and awareness programmes aimed at promoting students’ overall health and wellbeing.

Disability Support Services: The University provides support services to ensure equal access to academic programmes and campus facilities for students with disabilities and special needs.

Student Life and Campus Engagement: International students are encouraged to actively participate in campus life through sports and recreational activities, cultural associations, and various student clubs and academic societies, which help promote integration and a vibrant student community.

Contact Information

For all international student enquiries (applications, study permits, registration, travel), do not hesitate to contact:

1. Mr. Hiskia Athingo
   International Student Support Officer
   Email: hathingo@unam.na | Tel: +264 61 206 4530
2. Mr. Uziel Tjiho
   Senior International Student Support Officer
   Email: utjiho@unam.na | Tel: +264 61 206 3159