What is a rental car?
A car rental, hire car, or car hire agency is a company that rents automobiles for short periods of time to the public, generally ranging from a few hours to a few weeks.
Where and how much to rent a car in Namibia.
In Namibia every rental car has it own price, Some car rental companies in Windhoek which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Thrifty, Dollar and Hertz. On average a rental car in Windhoek costs $52 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to rent a car in Namibia?
Most reputable car rental companies in Namibia prohibit driving at night for your own safety. The likelihood of an accident with wildlife is too high. Keep in mind that by choosing to drive at night, your car rental insurance may be voided. In our opinion, it’s not a risk worth taking.
Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week or by day in Namibia?
Renting a Car by the Week Can Be Cheaper Than for the Days You Need It. But in extreme cases like this, booking a weekly car rental can be cheaper overall than renting a car for the days you actually need it for. (The rule of thumb we like to use is around $10 per day or $100 per week as a great deal.
Are airport car rentals more expensive in Namibia?
For example, cars rented at the airport are almost always more expensive because of added taxes and fees. Rent at an off-airport location and you could save 20 percent or more.
Is it cheaper to rent a car online or in person in Namibia?
You will usually get the best car rental rates online compared to booking in person. One of the reasons is that you can book the vehicle in advance compared to needing the vehicle as soon as you walk inside the shop or kiosk.
Do Rental cars get cheaper closer to the date in Namibia?
When you’re renting somewhere that’s less busy, prices don’t tend to vary that much. You may as well book as soon as you know your dates. In smaller places, cars can sell out, so waiting to see if prices go down can be risky.
What time of day is best to rent a car in Namibia?
If you arrive before noon, there’s a good chance you’ll get a wider selection of vehicles at a better price. When you reserve a vehicle in advance, be sure to get there at the designated time. If you’re late, the rental company won’t keep your reservation waiting around for you.
Can you negotiate car rental rates?
Car rental agencies want to get rid of as many cars as possible, no matter the cost — and agents usually have a good amount of room for negotiation. If you don’t have a reservation but do have a few minutes to hit multiple rental car companies, find the one with the fullest parking lot, walk in, and negotiate.
How are car rental days calculated in Namibia?
How is the total price calculated? Rental agencies use a 24-hour billing cycle to define a single rental day. For example, if you picked up a car at 11AM on Monday and returned it prior to 11AM on Tuesday, you would be billed for one day. Most car rental agencies allow a 30-minute grace period.
What happens if you return a rental car early in Namibia?
If you need to drop off your car earlier than expected, call the local number the rental company should have given you with the paperwork you got when you picked up the car. You will not receive a refund for the unused days, but there shouldn’t be any charges for returning the car early.
Should I clean my rental car before returning it in Namibia?
Usually, the answer to this question is no. Rental car companies are set up with car cleaning facilities, as they know washing the vehicles is part and parcel of the business. One area where you might need to clean up after yourself is inside the rental car.
Can you return a rental car an hour early in Namibia?
At Enterprise, we do not charge customers more for returning a car early, and you will only be charged for the days you had the vehicle (excluding prepaid reservations).
What happens if you keep a rental car an extra day in Namibia?
There is generally a 29 minute grace period for daily rentals. Hourly charges for your location and rental can be found on your rental contract. If you return the vehicle 2 ½ hours or more from the time it was rented on a subsequent day, you will be charged for an additional day of rental.
Do you have to return rental car with full tank in Namibia?
It’s true, car rental companies are strict about vehicles returned without a full tank of gas. They even have new technology that can detect when a gas tank isn’t completely full. The solution is to either pay for the fuel-purchase option or to refuel just before you arrive at the airport — and to keep your receipt.
Is it cheaper to extend a rental car in Namibia?
Your rates are subject to change based on the length of your rental extension. Usually the longer you keep the vehicle, the better deal you’ll receive because you can then take advantage of our weekly and monthly rates. At this time, Enterprise Plus points cannot be used to pay for an extension.
Should you take out extra insurance when renting a car in Namibia?
You might not need to buy extra car insurance from the rental car company. That’s because the coverage on your personal auto policy may extend to a rental car. If you have that on your personal policy, it may help pay to repair the rental car if it’s damaged in a collision.
What happens when you extend a rental car in Namibia?
If you extend your booking during your rental, the extra days will be charged at a last-minute day rate, which will be more expensive than if you booked ahead of time. If your plans change unexpectedly and you need to cut your rental short, see What if I need to cut my rental short?
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.