INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Study Permit Information

According to the Immigration Control Act of 19 August 1993, all international students (SADC and Non-SADC) should be in possession of a valid and approved Study Permit and Visa before entering Namibia for the purpose of studying.

An exception is made for persons with Permanent Namibian Residence, Refugees or Asylum Seekers and Diplomatic representatives, they do not need to apply for a Study Permit and Visa. The mentioned categories are exempted on condition that they provide the relevant documentation (i.e. Permanent Residence Permit, approved and endorsed Refugee / Political Asylum Seekers status, a Courtesy Visa that confirms diplomatic status).

The University of Namibia and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security has a standing agreement for all international students to be able to apply for their study permits during the registration period at UNAM.

Covid-19 implications

Due to Covid-19 regulations, students will be kept up to date via the University website on any new procedures of acquiring study permits. Keep on checking our website and social media pages for the latest developments.

International students are urged to have their documents ready to avoid delays (if this arrangement changes, a notice will be sent out).

What to submit at Border Checkpoints/ Point of Entry?

All international students when/ if entering Namibia for academic registration at the University of Namibia, must state so clearly and upfront at the entry point.

Senior/ returning students must submit the following documents:

  1. Questionnaire form
  2. Passport copy (certified)
  3. Completed Visa Application Form
  4. Proof of accommodation in Namibia
  5. Current student permit copy (certified)
  6. Proof of medical aid/ insurance (valid and active)
  7. Proof of Registration for the current academic year
  8. Original local Police Clearance to be submitted, (original certificate less than 6 months old)
  9. Progress Report for the previous academic year (those who are doing research only should get a Written
  10. Progress Report from their research supervisors)

Please take note:

  1. All copies must be certified.
  2. No application forms will be accepted after the due date.
  3. Returning students who had a gap year, must have Police Clearance from their home countries.
  4. International students based at campuses outside Windhoek, should consult their Student Support Officer on international student enquiries.

First Year and English Language students must submit the following documents:

What is required from you?

  1. High School results
  2. Radiological Report
  3. Deed of Surety Form
  4. Medical Certificate (original)
  5. Two (2) Passport size photos
  6. Admission letter from UNAM
  7. Proof of Registration from UNAM
  8. Proof of accommodation in Namibia
  9. Completed main application form and visa form
  10. Police Clearance from home country (compulsory)
  11. Reasons for studying in Namibia (write one paragraph)
  12. Proof of medical aid/ insurance (valid and active)*.

NB: The documents indicated above are purely for study permit purposes. Documents required for or during admission or registration are completely separate from the study permit documents.
*There is a valid medical aid/ insurance option available at the University of Namibia. Interested? Contact our International Students’ Office below.

Please take note:

  1. All copies must be certified.
  2. A copy of your passport.
  3. No application forms will be accepted after any announced due dates.
  4. A letter indicating as to who is paying for your studies needs to be included.
  5. A copy of the stamped passport page when entering Namibia.
  6. Always keep copies of all your receipts and documents that you will be submitting.
  7. You first have to register, and submit all documents at the final point of registration.
  8. The study permit fee for the year of study will only be paid once your application has been approved.
  9. Payment receipts copies will be submitted during the permit endorsement time, make sure to keep it safe.

What are the fees involved?

First year (and English Language) students:

  1. At permit application submission, only pay handling fees of 80 NAD (1 NAD = 1 ZAR).
  2. When first year study’ permit application has been approved: Permit fees of 2 200 NAD is payable.
  3. Handling and Permit fees to be paid only to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security (and not to the University).

Senior/returning students:

  1. At permit application submission, pay 2 200 NAD (1 NAD = 1 ZAR).
  2. Alternatively, at second year permit application, pay handling fees of [N$80 x 1] + [permit fees x number of study years remaining once off]. (E.g. 80 NAD x 2200 NAD x 3 years of study remaining = 6 600 NAD).
  3. Handling and Permit fees to be paid only to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security (and not to the University).

What if I am working in Namibia and would like to study at UNAM?

Currently, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security does not allow dual permits.

Kindly contact the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security for more information and approval before you take up your studies application.

How do I go about my work attachment in Namibia, if I am an international student?

Any attachment related to your studies is allowed, on condition that you get a supporting letter from your Faculty/ School indicating that the attachment you are doing is a prerequisite for your course of study.

Whom to contact

For all international students’ related matters at the University of Namibia (from application, study permits, registration and travelling), do not hesitate to contact:

Mr Usiel Tjiho
Senior International Student Support Officer
Office of the Registrar
Email: utjiho@unam.na
Tel: +264 61 206 3159