University of Namibia crest

University of Namibia

Windhoek, Namibia Founded 1992 World Rank #2632

Overview

English Name: University of Namibia
Acronyms: UNAM
Founded: 1992
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #2632
Rank in Namibia: #1
Motto: Open your mind
Colours: Red, yellow and gray
University of Namibia crest

Founded in 1992, the University of Namibia is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Windhoek (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants).

This institution also has branch campuses in Oshakati, Henties Bay, Neudam, Ogongo, Keetmanshoop, Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Ongwediva. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture of Namibia, University of Namibia (UNAM) is a large-sized coeducational Namibian higher education institution.

University of Namibia (UNAM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 32-year-old Namibian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this Namibian higher education organization an averagely selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UNAM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

University of Namibia's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: Private Bag 13301 340 Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue Pioneerspark
Other Sites: 12 campuses accross the country
Phone: +264 (61) 206 3111
Fax: +264 (61) 206 3199
Social Media:

Academic Details

Academic statistics for University of Namibia — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.

Academic Year: January to November
Accrediting Agency: Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA); National Council for Higher Education (NCHE)
Admission Requirements: International General Certificate of Secondary Education, with 5 subjects passed normally in not more than 3 examination sittings, and with a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM evaluation scale. English IGCSE (English as First, or Second, Language) compulsory. Entrance examination and/or interview
Student Enrollment: 25
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Association of African Universities (AAU)

Academic Structures

University of Namibia's teaching units laid out by faculty and school. Deep hierarchies (faculty to school to department) versus flat structures affect administrative complexity for students.

Unit 20 items
  • Centre for External Studies
  • Centre for Human Rights and Documentation
  • Centre for Justice Training
  • Centre for Language
  • Centre for eLearning and Interactive Multimedia
  • Centre of Postgraduate Studies
  • Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Faculty of Economic and Management Science
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Science
  • Namibia Business School
  • Neudamm Agricultural College
  • Ogongo Agricultural College
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of Public Health

Degrees

Also Advanced Diploma; Higher Diploma; Bachelor's Degree (Honours); Professional Diploma in Education; Advanced Diploma in Translation and Interpretation

Bachelor's 36 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Business Administration
  • Communication Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Crop Production
  • Demography and Population
  • Dental Surgery
  • Education
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Information Sciences
  • Law
  • Marine Science and Oceanography
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Media Studies
  • Medicine
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Mining Engineering
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Radiology
  • Secondary Education
  • Social Work
  • Statistics
  • Surgery
  • Veterinary Science
Master's 46 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Accountancy
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biochemistry
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Crop Production
  • Demography and Population
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Studies
  • Finance
  • Fishery
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Geology
  • Health Sciences
  • Heritage Preservation
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Mining Engineering
  • Natural Resources
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Nursing
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Protective Services
  • Public Administration
  • Statistics
  • Surveying and Mapping
  • Wildlife
Doctoral 22 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Aquaculture
  • Biochemistry
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Crop Production
  • Economics
  • English
  • Fishery
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Law
  • Management
  • Natural Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
  • Wildlife

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture of Namibia.

Language (Centre) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • African Languages
  • Communication Studies
  • English
  • Modern Languages
  • Writing
Open, Distance and eLearning (Centre) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Continuing Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Epidemiology
  • Government
  • Labour and Industrial Relations
  • Management
  • Nursing
  • Primary Education
  • Public Relations
  • Secondary Education
  • Taxation
Postgraduate Studies (Centre) 25 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biochemistry
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Demography and Population
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Gender Studies
  • German
  • Heritage Preservation
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Mathematics
  • Microbiology
  • Modern Languages
  • Nursing
  • Performing Arts
  • Political Sciences
  • Protective Services
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Public Health
  • Special Education
  • Statistics
  • Translation and Interpretation
Agriculture, Engineering & Natural Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agriculture
  • Building Technologies
  • Civil Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Fishery
  • Military Science
  • Natural Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Commerce, Management & Law (Faculty) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Administration
  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • Government
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Law
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education & Human Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Education
  • Social Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dentistry
  • Health Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Public Health
  • Veterinary Science

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Confucius Institute (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Studies
  • Chinese
Accounting (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy

Common Career Paths

  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Financial Controller

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Agriculture & Fisheries Sciences (School) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Aquaculture
  • Crop Production
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fishery
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Tourism
  • Veterinary Science
  • Wildlife

Common Career Paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Farm Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Allied Health Sciences (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Health Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Business Management, Governance & Economics (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Administration
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Government
  • Taxation

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Dentistry (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dentistry

Common Career Paths

  • Dentist
  • Oral Surgeon
  • Dental Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Diplomatic Studies (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Political Sciences
Education (School) 17 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Education
  • Continuing Education
  • Curriculum
  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Psychology
  • Educational Sciences
  • Educational Testing and Evaluation
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Humanities and Social Science Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Physical Education
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Science Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Special Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering & The Built Environment (School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mining Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Humanities, Society & Development (School) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography (Human)
  • History
  • Information Sciences
  • Literature
  • Mass Communication
  • Modern Languages
  • Performing Arts
  • Sociology
  • Tourism
  • Visual Arts

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Editor
  • Cultural Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Civil Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Justice Administration
  • Law
  • Private Law
  • Public Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (School) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anatomy
  • Behavioural Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Community Health
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Paediatrics
  • Pathology
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health
  • Surgery

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Military Science (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Military Science

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Namibia Business School (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Nursing and Public Health (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Health Sciences
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Public Health
  • Radiology

Common Career Paths

  • Registered Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pharmacy (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science (School) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Demography and Population
  • Engineering
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Veterinary Medicine (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Veterinary Science

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

The programmes available at University of Namibia are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.

Bachelor's Degree

21 programmes

There are 21 programmes to choose from at University of Namibia for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.

Laws (Honours) Law
Media Studies (Honours) Media Studies & Mass Media
Arts (Honours) Liberal Arts
Upper Primary (Honours)
Secondary Education (Honours) Education & Teaching
Pre-Primary And Lower Primary (Honours)
Education (Lifelong Learning and Community Education) (Honours) Education & Teaching
Economics (Honours) Economics
Social Work (Honours) Social Work
Medicine and Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Veterinary Medicine (Honours) Veterinary Medicine
Radiography (Diagnostic) (Honours) Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Pharmacy (Honours) Pharmacy
Nursing Science (Clinical) (Honours) Nursing
Dental Surgery (Honours) Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Accounting (Honours) Accounting
Records and Archives Management (Honours) Business & Management
Public Management (Honours) Business & Management
Business Administration (Honours) Business Administration
Accounting (Chartered Accountancy) Accounting
Library and Information Science (Honours) Information Systems & Technology

Master's Degree

23 programmes

There are 23 programmes to choose from at University of Namibia for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.

Physics Physics & Astronomy
Accounting and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology
Nursing Science Nursing
Public Health Public Health
Applied Geology Earth Sciences & Geology
Arts Liberal Arts
Performing Arts Performing Arts
Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
Educational Psychology - Guidance and Counseling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Civil Engineering - Structures Civil Engineering & Construction
Rangeland Resources and Management Agriculture
Afrikaans Studies
English Studies English Language Studies
Gender Studies Gender & Sexuality Studies
German Studies Linguistics & Language Studies
Industrial Psychology Psychology
Security and Strategic Studies
Economics Economics
Applied Statistics and Demography Social & Cultural Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Industrial Biochemistry Biochemistry
Microbiology Microbiology

Doctorate

1 programme

At the highest level, University of Namibia runs 1 programme. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.

Doctor of Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

26 programmes

This group collects University of Namibia's 26 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.

Business Administration Business Administration
Population Studies (Honours)
Military Science (Army) (Honours) Natural Sciences
Agriculture (Food Science and Technology) (Honours) Agriculture
Agriculture (Crop Science) (Honours) Agriculture
Agriculture (Animal Science) (Honours) Agriculture
Agriculture (Agricultural Economics) (Honours) Agriculture
Wildlife Management and Ecotourism (Honours) Tourism & Leisure
Mathematics - Computer Science (Honours) Computer Sciences
Geo-Information Science - Environmental Biology (Honours) Biological Sciences
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (Honours) Marine Science
Financial Mathematics (Honours) Mathematics
Environmental Biology (Honours) Biological Sciences
Chemistry - Medicinal (Honours) Chemistry
Chemistry - Geochemistry (Honours) Chemistry
Mining Engineering (Honours) Mining & Oil Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering (Honours) Materials Science
Mechanical Engineering (Honours) Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering (Honours) Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering (Honours) Civil Engineering & Construction
Applied Biochemistry (Honours) Biochemistry
Geology (Honours) Earth Sciences & Geology
Geo-Information Science - Geography and Environmental Studies (Honours) Geography
Information Technology (Honours) Information Systems & Technology
Electronics and Computer Engineering (Honours) Computer Sciences
Computer Science (Honours) Computer Sciences

How to apply to University of Namibia

A short guide to applying to University of Namibia — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of Namibia runs 71 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Before applying to University of Namibia, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Namibia.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of Namibia's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.unam.edu.na). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +264 (61) 206 3111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Namibia

The questions below summarise University of Namibia's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

When was University of Namibia founded?

University of Namibia was established in 1992 (approximately 34 years ago).

What city is University of Namibia in?

University of Namibia operates from Windhoek, Namibia.

Is University of Namibia a public or private institution?

It is a public higher-education institution.

How big is University of Namibia's student body?

University of Namibia serves approximately 25,000-29,999 students.

Where does University of Namibia stand in university rankings?

University of Namibia holds rank #2632 globally and #1 in Namibia.

What programmes are available at University of Namibia?

University of Namibia offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

How is University of Namibia organised academically?

University of Namibia is organised into 20 academic units across its disciplines.

Who recognises University of Namibia?

The institution holds recognition from Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA); National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

Where can I learn more about University of Namibia?

The institution's website is www.unam.edu.na.

Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)

Coordination on academic calendars among Association of African Universities (AAU) members eases exchange programme logistics. Aligned terms reduce timing friction when moving between University of Namibia and other members.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near University of Namibia may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.

Universities Often Compared with University of Namibia

Looking at University of Namibia through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against University of Namibia during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.

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