SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSION

DEVELOPMENT FUND (SSC-DF)

APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR BURSARIES

For further information, contact:

Ms. Olga KatjiuonguaManager: Development Fund

Private Bag 13223, Windhoek, NAMIBIATel: (+264-61) 280 7125 Fax: (+264-61) 250 057

Cnr. A. Kloppers & J. Haupt Street, KhomasdalE-mail: olga.katjiuongua@ssc.org.na

web: www.ssc.org.na

Or

Mr. Duscan KasikaMonitoring & Evaluations Offi cer:

Development Fund Private Bag 13223, Windhoek, NAMIBIA

Tel: (+264 61) 280 7095 Fax: (+264 61) 280 7123

Cnr. A. Kloppers & J. Haupt Street, KhomasdalE-mail: dus.kasika@ssc.org.na

web: www.ssc.org.na

APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR BURSARIESThe 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 benefi t of socio-economically disadvantaged persons who are unemployed;

b) Grant bursaries, loans and other forms of fi nancial 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 qualifi cations 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 Namibia’s long-term goals.

1.0 Who is eligible for a bursary?

a) Applicants who are pursuing or intend to pursue studies towards a fi rst Diploma or a fi rst 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 qualifi cation.

d) Applicants must be studying or planning to study fulltime towards such a qualifi cation. 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.

1.1 Which fi elds of study are covered?

The SSC-DF Bursary Scheme currently covers the following fi elds of study:

a) Social Work (Social Science)b) Medical related fi eldsc) Engineering andd) Artisan related fi elds

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

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 institution’s boarding fees, respectively. These amounts are paid directly to the students. Transport allowances shall be paid directly to the students during offi cial 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.

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 qualifi cation is not off ered 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 Offi ce at this address:

Cnr. A. Kloppers & J. Haupt StreetsKhomasdalWindhoek

The same documents can also be obtained from any SSC branches or satellite offi ces across the country.

NB: Your application package can also be submitted at any of these offi ces.

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 certifi ed 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 applicant’s 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.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR BURSARIES