Planning to study in Namibia? International students from all countries – including those outside the SADC region – must hold a valid Study Permit (also called a Temporary Residence Study Permit) issued by the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security (MHAISS) before beginning any academic programme. This guide walks you through every step of the application process, from required documents to fees and processing timelines.
What Is a Namibia Study Visa?
A Namibia Study Visa is a temporary residence permit that allows foreign nationals to pursue education at accredited Namibian institutions. It covers primary and secondary schools, universities, colleges, and specialised skills training centres registered with the Namibian Qualifications Authority.
According to the Immigration Control Act of 19 August 1993, all international students – whether from SADC countries or further afield – must possess a valid and approved Study Permit before entering Namibia for the purpose of studying. The only exemptions are persons who already hold permanent Namibian residence, recognised refugees or asylum seekers, and diplomatic representatives holding a Courtesy Visa.
The Study Permit is typically issued for up to two years, depending on the length of the academic programme. It is renewable as long as the student maintains valid registration and satisfactory academic progress. However, it is important to note that a Study Permit does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residence in Namibia.
Who Needs a Namibia Student Visa?
Every non-Namibian citizen who intends to study in Namibia requires a Study Permit. This applies regardless of nationality – whether you hold a passport from South Africa, India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, or any other country.
Citizens of SADC member states (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) are not exempt from this requirement. The only difference is that SADC nationals may receive certain procedural conveniences at the Ministry, but the documentation requirements remain the same.
Note: The Ministry of Home Affairs issues Study Permits during specific application windows each year. For the 2026 academic year, applications opened on 3 November 2025 and closed on 20 March 2026. Late submissions are not accepted. Schools in Namibia sometimes make provisions for students who wish to join outside the standard intake period, but the Study Permit application timeline is fixed.
Namibia Student Visa Requirements and Documents
The Ministry of Home Affairs requires a comprehensive set of documents for Study Permit applications. Preparing these in advance is essential – incomplete applications are returned without processing.
Mandatory Application Forms
You must complete and sign the following forms, all available for download from mha.gov.na:
- Temporary Study Permit Form (3-1/0001) – the primary application form
- Visa Application Form (3-1/0033) – required for entry visa endorsement
- Medical Certificate (3-1/0003) – issued by a registered medical practitioner, not older than six months
- Radiological Report (3-1/0004) – chest X-ray required for applicants aged 12 and older, not older than six months
- Deed of Surety (3-1/0005) – signed by a bank, employer, or sponsor confirming financial responsibility
Supporting Documents
In addition to the application forms, you must submit:
- Certified copy of the passport bio-data page (certification stamp not older than six months)
- Two recent colour passport-sized photographs
- Original Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin and any country of residence covering the past 12 months (applicants aged 18 and older)
- Official letter of acceptance from the learning institution, indicating programme title and duration
- Written undertaking from a guardian or sponsor, addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, confirming financial support for the duration of studies
- Proof of the guardian’s or sponsor’s current legal status in Namibia, if applicable
- Motivational letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs explaining the purpose of study in Namibia
- Proof of medical aid cover from a Namibian-registered medical scheme
- Proof of accommodation in Namibia (lease agreement, hostel confirmation, or similar)
- Certified copies of previous qualifications or academic transcripts (certification stamp not older than six months)
- Certified unabridged birth certificate for applicants under 18 years of age
- Power of Attorney form if a third party will submit the application on the applicant’s behalf
- Certified marriage certificate, if applicable
Important: All documents must be in English or accompanied by a sworn translation by an official translator. Submitting documents in any other language without translation will delay or result in rejection of your application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a Namibian Study Permit involves several stages. Follow this sequence to avoid delays.
Step 1: Secure Admission
Obtain an official letter of acceptance from a recognised Namibian educational institution. The institution must be accredited by the Namibian Qualifications Authority. The acceptance letter must clearly state the programme title, expected duration, and start date.
Step 2: Prepare All Documents
Gather every item listed in the requirements section above. All copies must be certified – photocopies stamped by a commissioner of oaths or notary public. Keep certified copies of everything for your own records.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit the complete application pack to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security. Applications can be submitted in person at MHAISS offices in Windhoek or at Namibian embassies and high commissions abroad.
- In Windhoek: MHAISS, Corner of Hosea Kutako Drive and Harvey Street, P/Bag 13200
- Contact: 081 951 1000 / 081 951 0000
- Website: mha.gov.na
You will receive an Acknowledgement Receipt upon submission. Keep this receipt – it is required for follow-up enquiries at Ministry counters.
Step 4: Await Processing
Standard processing takes 2 to 4 months from the date of submission. Delays can occur due to outstanding police clearance certificates, incomplete medical or radiological reports, or missing documentation. Apply well before your intended travel date.
Step 5: Receive Outcome and Pay Fees
If your application is approved, you must pay the applicable government fees to the Ministry of Home Affairs before your permit is issued. You will then enter Namibia on a Visitor’s Visa. Your Study Permit will be endorsed into your passport at the Ministry – allow 7 to 10 working days for the endorsement process.
Namibia Student Visa Fees
The Study Permit fee structure varies by level of education:
| Category | Fee (NAD) |
|---|---|
| Primary and Secondary Education | NAD 1,600 per year |
| Tertiary Education (University/College) | NAD 2,200 per year |
Fees are payable to the Ministry of Home Affairs upon approval of the Study Permit. Handling fees of NAD 80 may apply at the point of application submission at universities such as UNAM.
Additional costs to budget for include:
- Medical and radiological certificate fees
- Police clearance certificate fees
- Document certification and sworn translation costs
- Travel health insurance premiums
- Passport-sized photograph costs
Note: All government fees are subject to change. Verify the current fee schedule at mha.gov.na before submitting your application.
Student Visa Renewal
Study Permits are renewable, provided you maintain valid academic registration. The renewal process follows a specific annual window.
When to Apply for Renewal
The renewal period runs from October to February each year. You must apply before your current permit expires. Students whose permits have expired should contact their institution’s international student office immediately, as late renewals may result in penalties.
Renewal Documents
To renew your Study Permit, you need:
- Completed application for renewal form (Questionnaire form)
- Application for Re-entry Visa form
- Proof of registration for the current academic year
- Progress report from the previous academic year
- Current Student Permit copy (certified)
- Namibian Police Clearance Certificate (original, less than 6 months old)
- Written undertaking with sponsor’s valid contact details
- Copy of current permit endorsed in passport
- Lease agreement or proof of residence
Renewal Fees
Renewal fees match the initial permit fees: NAD 1,600 for primary/secondary education and NAD 2,200 for tertiary education. Some institutions allow students to pay the permit fees for all remaining years of study in a single upfront payment.
Working While Studying in Namibia
A Study Permit does not allow for part-time or full-time employment in Namibia. The permit is issued exclusively for the purpose of study.
However, some institutions permit work-integrated learning (WIL) as part of specific academic programmes. If your programme requires a work placement or internship, you will need a supporting letter from your faculty or school confirming that the placement is a prerequisite for your course of study.
Important: The Ministry of Home Affairs does not allow dual permits. You cannot simultaneously hold a Study Permit and an Employment Permit. If you are already employed in Namibia and wish to study, you must contact the Ministry for guidance before submitting your study permit application.
Traveling to Namibia with Children
Students bringing children or dependants to Namibia must meet additional documentation requirements:
- Children must have their own valid passport
- A full unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names is required
- If only one parent is travelling, a certified consent letter from the non-travelling parent is mandatory, along with certified passport copies of both parents
- Legal guardians must provide documentation proving guardianship
- Applicants under 18 must have parental permission in writing
Fee exemptions apply for children under 6 years of age. Children aged 6 to 11 pay 50% of the adult fee.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Yellow Fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This applies to travellers arriving from parts of Africa, South America, and other endemic regions.
Medical Aid
Proof of medical aid cover from a Namibian-registered medical scheme is a mandatory requirement for your Study Permit application. Several Namibian universities offer medical aid options for international students – contact your institution’s international student office for details.
Medical and Radiological Reports
Both a Medical Certificate and a Radiological Report (chest X-ray) are required. These must be issued by a registered medical practitioner and cannot be older than six months at the time of application.
Major Institutions for International Students in Namibia
University of Namibia (UNAM)
UNAM is the largest public university in Namibia with multiple campuses. The university maintains a standing agreement with the Ministry of Home Affairs allowing international students to apply for Study Permits during the registration period.
Contact: Mr. Usiel Tjiho, Senior International Student Support Officer
Phone: +264 61 206 3159
Website: unam.edu.na
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)
NUST offers programmes in engineering, computing, business, and health sciences. The university provides support for international student permit applications and renewals.
Phone: +264 83 207 9111 / +264 61 207 9111
Website: nust.na
International University of Management (IUM)
IUM is a private institution in Windhoek offering business, education, and ICT programmes. International students should confirm Study Permit requirements directly with the institution and MHAISS.
Ministry of Home Affairs Contact Information
Address: Corner of Hosea Kutako Drive and Harvey Street, Windhoek, Namibia
Postal Address: P/Bag 13200, Windhoek
Phone: 081 951 1000 / 081 951 0000
Website: mha.gov.na
Namibian Embassy, Washington DC (US applicants):
– Address: 1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009
– Phone: 202-986-0540
– Email: [email protected]
– Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (winter: 9am-4pm)
Namibian Embassy, Berlin (EU applicants):
– Website: namibia-botschaft.de
– Handling fee: €30 (non-refundable, payable to Commerzbank account DE 82 1004 0000 0262 5754 00)
– Submission and collection: Monday-Wednesday, 9:00-13:00
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a student visa cost in Namibia?
The Study Permit fee is NAD 1,600 per year for primary and secondary education and NAD 2,200 per year for tertiary education (universities and colleges). These fees are payable to the Ministry of Home Affairs upon approval of your application. An additional handling fee of NAD 80 may apply at the point of submission.
How long does it take to get a Namibia student visa?
Standard processing takes 2 to 4 months from the date of submission. Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation, outstanding police clearance certificates, or medical reports. Submit your application as early as possible – ideally 4 to 6 months before your intended travel date.
Can I work while studying in Namibia?
No, a Study Permit does not allow for part-time or full-time employment. Some institutions permit work-integrated learning as part of specific academic programmes, but this requires a supporting letter from your faculty confirming the placement is a course prerequisite. The Ministry of Home Affairs does not allow dual permits (study + work) simultaneously.
What is the application period for Namibia student visas?
The Ministry of Home Affairs opens Study Permit applications during a fixed annual window. For the 2026 academic year, applications opened on 3 November 2025 and closed on 20 March 2026. Late submissions are not accepted. Contact your institution or MHAISS directly to confirm the current year’s application window.
Does a Namibia study visa lead to permanent residence?
No, a Study Permit does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residence in Namibia. It is issued as a temporary residence permit for the duration of your academic programme. Students wishing to remain in Namibia after completing their studies must apply for a separate permit category, such as an Employment Permit.
Do I need a police clearance certificate for a Namibia student visa?
Yes. Applicants aged 18 and older must provide an original Police Clearance Certificate from their country of origin and any country where they have resided for more than 12 months in the past 6 months. For renewals, a Namibian Police Clearance Certificate is also required.
Can I renew my Namibia student visa?
Yes, Study Permits are renewable. Apply during the annual renewal window from October to February, before your current permit expires. You will need proof of registration, a progress report from the previous academic year, and a Namibian Police Clearance Certificate.
What documents do I need for a Namibia student visa?
Key documents include the Temporary Study Permit Form (3-1/0001), Visa Application Form (3-1/0033), Medical Certificate, Radiological Report, Deed of Surety, Police Clearance Certificate, letter of acceptance from your institution, proof of financial support, proof of accommodation, medical aid cover, and certified passport copies. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a sworn translation.
