The government is considering the extension of financial support to students at private tertiary institutions under the free tertiary education policy.

Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture Sanet Steenkamp informed the National Assembly that her ministry is proposing to include private higher education institutions.

Responding to IPC MP Abed Hishoono's question about students at private institutions being prevented from writing examinations because of unpaid fees, Steenkamp said the initial presidential directive focused on public universities and colleges, but a task force later explored ways to accommodate students at private institutions.

Dr Steenkamp explained that private institutions would receive a predetermined government subsidy, with parents expected to cover the remaining costs.

She stressed that the 100% tuition and registration subsidy applies to students at public universities and TVET institutions who meet the eligibility requirements, including those enrolled in designated priority fields.

"The private schools, the private institutions, knew from the very start because they were part of the task force. They were represented. We made it very clear that the instruction from Her Excellency applied specifically to public institutions. However, we are proposing to the treasury, to the president, to Cabinet, to everyone that we let us make room for private institutions. So that is a predetermined rate. If a course is N$37,000, there is a predetermined rate that would be to the private institutions, and then the parents have to complement that, what the government is doing. That is what I can submit, and it will not change now."