For further information, contact:

Ms. Olga Katjiuongua Manager: Development Fund Private Bag 13223, Windhoek, NAMIBIA Tel: (+264-61) 280 7125 Fax: (+264-61) 250 057 Cnr. A. Kloppers & J. Haupt Street, Khomasdal E-mail: olga.katjiuongua@ssc.org.na web: www.ssc.org.na Or Mr. Duscan Kasika Monitoring & Evaluations Officer: Development Fund Private Bag 13223, Windhoek, NAMIBIA Tel: (+264 61) 280 7095 Fax: (+264 61) 280 7123 Cnr. A. Kloppers & J. Haupt Street, Khomasdal E-mail: dus.kasika@ssc.org.na web: www.ssc.org.na

SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSION

DEVELOPMENT FUND (SSC-DF)

APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR BURSARIES

APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR BURSARIES

APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR BURSARIES

The SSC-DF is established by Section 37 of the Social Security Act, 1994 (Act No. 34 of 1994). Its main objects are to: a) Conduct training schemes and employment schemes approved by the President of the Republic of Namibia for the benefit of socio-economically disadvantaged persons who are unemployed; b) Grant bursaries, loans and other forms of financial aid to students enrolled at any recognized technical or academic institutions of higher education. Since 2009, the SSC-DF has been providing bursaries to academically deserving Namibians from socio-economically disadvantaged backgroundswho are unemployed. These have enabled them to pursue technical and academic qualifications in the SADC region. The awarding of bursaries is an ongoing function of the SSC-DF in its quest to contribute to human capital development and the attainment of Namibias long-term goals.

to the term of the bursary. Alternatively, they should refund the bursary to the SSC-DF. h) The SSC-DF does not expect students to repay these bursaries.

3.0 Payment of funds

All funds are paid directly to the institutions of higher learning (and not to the students). The applicable study materials are purchased directly by the SSC-DF from the suppliers. Meals and accommodation fees for boarding students are also paid directly to the institutions. Non boarding students receive an accommodation and meals allowance equal to 60% and 50% of that particular institutions boarding fees, respectively. These amounts are paid directly to the students. Transport allowances shall be paid directly to the students during official and semester/ term holidays to and from their homes. The rates will be determined by the SSC-DF. Payments of fees are made on a semester basis and all future payments are subject to satisfactory academic progress of the preceding semester.

1.0 Who is eligible for a bursary?

a) Applicants who are pursuing or intend to pursue studies towards a first Diploma or a first Degree at a recognized institution of higher education. Post graduate studies are not considered. b) Applicants must be enrolled at or accepted by an institution of higher learning at the time of applying for a study loan. c) Applicants must be Namibians with a Grade 12 or equivalent qualification. d) Applicants must be studying or planning to study fulltime towards such a qualification. The bursaries do not apply to part time studies. e) Only children of parent(s) whose combined income does not exceed N$150,000 per annum may be considered. Other socio-economic considerations may also be looked at such as orphans, children whose parents are unemployed or children of pensioners. f ) These bursaries are for all Namibian citizens meeting the criteria above, from all regions and from all ethnic groups.

4.0 Which institutions of higher learning are considered?

The SSC-DF will consider students studying at or accepted by recognized institutions of higher learning. Where a particular qualification is not offered in Namibia, recognized institutions of higher learning in the SADC region may also be considered.

5.0 Where can I obtain the necessary information to apply for the loan?
Documents (including the Policy and Regulations) can be downloaded from our website www.ssc.org.na. Hard copies of these documents can be collected from the Social Security Commission Head Office at this address: Cnr. A. Kloppers & J. Haupt Streets Khomasdal Windhoek The same documents can also be obtained from any SSC branches or satellite offices across the country. NB: Your application package can also be submitted at any of these offices.

1.1 Which fields of study are covered?

The SSC-DF Bursary Scheme currently covers the following fields of study: a) b) c) d) Social Work (Social Science) Medical related fields Engineering and Artisan related fields

6.0 Which documents must accompany my application?

Every student applying for a bursary must (apart from the application form which must be original) submit certified copies of the following documents: a) A fully and legibly completed Form 11 (an Application Form) which can be obtained at the addresses above. b) Cost estimates of the intended course or course being studied. This must be obtained from the institution of higher learning. c) Proof of admission or registration issued by the institution of higher learning. d) A motivation letter from a community leader (or church) in support of the applicants economic and/or social background. e) Proof of Namibian citizenship. Any applications received after the deadline (as advertised) will not be considered. No documents will be returned. The SSC-DF will deal directly with the students and not through any agents/middlemen. An agreement will be entered into between the applicant or his/her guardian, and the SSC.

The SSC-DF reserves the right to review these fields on an annual basis to reduce or expand its coverage of fields of study.

2.0 What are the general conditions of the bursary?

a) The bursary only covers the cost of tuition, books, transport, meals and accommodation. b) The bursary may cover additional course costs incurred by students living with disabilities. (Terms and conditions apply) c) The bursary does not cover the cost of purchasing or renting computer or related equipment. d) The bursary covers costs of the existing academic year and prior debts must thus be settled by the student. e) Students may not simultaneously hold another bursary. f ) The bursary will not cover courses which were previously failed and are being repeated. g) Students studying abroad with these bursaries are expected to return to Namibia upon completion of their studies and remain in the country for a period equal