Namibia study permit

The completed study permit application forms and visa form, two passport photos, a certified copy of the passport photo page, a medical certificate, a radiological report, a deed of surety, a police clearance from the country of origin, a motivation or invitation letter from the Namibian host institution, proof of travel health insurance, proof of the highest education certificate and proof of accommodation. For under-age students, parents give written permission for the child to travel and attach certified copies of their passports.

Every copy must be certified, and the institution must be recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority. The medical certificate and radiological report are the ministry's prescribed forms, completed by a doctor.

Missions may charge a handling fee. The Berlin embassy, for example, charges a non-refundable EUR 30, transferred to its Commerzbank account with the applicant's name and the reference 'Study Permit'.

The ministry's own fee schedule charges the study permit itself: NAD 2,200 a year for tertiary education and NAD 1,600 a year for primary and secondary education. A students' visa for shorter stays requires acceptance or registration at an institution recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority, a deed of surety, a confirmed return ticket and proof of accommodation, with police clearance and medical and radiological reports for six-month applications; it is issued for up to three or up to six months.

All documents must be in English or translated into English, and every requirement must be attached; incomplete files delay the decision.

Accompanying spouses and dependent children of permit holders receive a temporary residence permit under section 28(5) of the Immigration Control Act, at NAD 1,600 a year. If an application is refused, an appeal against a visa or permit decision costs NAD 200.

Study permits take two to three months, so apply well in advance and wait for the outcome before booking tickets. Applications are submitted and collected Monday to Wednesday from 09:00 to 13:00.