Education in Namibia
Students are required to enroll in schooling in the country. Most children enter by the age of six and they remain in school through the age of 16, since this 10-year period is a requirement under the law. Primary education includes grades 1 through 7. Secondary education includes grades 8 through 12. The country spends about eight percent of its GDP on education, which is a high number compared to other countries in the region. The National Institute for Educational Development is the educational body in the country.
Higher Education in Namibia
Higher education in Namibia is not always readily available. Most students attend state-run schools from primary school through secondary school. There are some private schools available, but these tend to be expensive as well as not necessarily better. The education system in the country is valuable to it, though, since education is the foundation of success within this type of educational environment.
There are about 400,000 people in the country in school on a regular basis, some of these are in higher education. For those students who are moving on to higher education, there are several school options available including:
- Four teacher-training colleges, meant for the sole education of students who will enter the teaching field.
- Three colleges that provide agricultural education
- A Polytechnic, which has a curriculum at the university level
- A police training academy
- National University
There are also a number of different college-level programs available, some of which are through international educational institutes. For example, the College Consortium for International Studies, which is located at the Polytechnic of Namibia, offers a range of international courses of study, including programs in management, business, economics, media, and legal studies.
It is also common for students to enroll in training programs. These are done through the Namibian Training Authority. These programs provide a range of vocational programs for students to choose from, including automotive, technical drawing, hospitality, management, plumbing, and welding.
The school system at the higher education level in Namibia is still in its infancy. Since the country gained its independence in 1990, significant developments have occurred, with improvements ranging widely from the primary level up through higher education. However, the international studies programs are not as diverse and widely available as they are in other countries.
For students who wish to study in Namibia, the first step is to connect with a school in the region. The facility will set the tuition costs, which can range widely but tend to be about the same as those people in Europe. The school year also varies from one school to the next.
Travel Visa for Students
Students who plan to study at a university or other school in Namibia will need to obtain a student visa. To do so, individuals will need to contact their local embassy in the country. There are fees to obtaining this visa. You will need a letter of acceptance from the school of your choice. Additionally, you must state, on your application, that you have health insurance to pay for your medical needs in the country as well as the financial means to pay for yourself throughout your stay.