University of Namibia - UNAM (reviews)

UNAM is where I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance without judgement. UNAM is quite an easy university to get into but a hard one to leave. Especially the faculty of Commerce, Management & Law. Distance students aren’t catered to well enough and there have been no active steps to remedy the high failure rate in the aforementioned faculty.

The university is quite good academically and delivering content, yet some supervisors do not attend to students on time. I believe this is not a university’s negative effect but rather an individual one, and yes, I recommend it

UNAM: Growth Amidst Hurdles
I’ve got some thoughts on the University of Namibia (UNAM) that I think could be really helpful for future students, based on what I’ve gathered. My overall take is that it’s a mixed bag – there’s a lot to like, but some real challenges too.
What I Like About UNAM
First off, UNAM definitely has a lot going for it. It’s clearly Namibia’s top university, and it’s well-recognized internationally. That means your degree carries weight, which is a big plus when you’re looking for jobs. They also offer a huge range of programs, from law to engineering to education, so there’s truly something for everyone.
I also really appreciate the focus on student life. From what I understand, there are plenty of activities, and the university seems to do a good job of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Plus, the campuses generally sound safe and have pleasant surroundings. The fact that they have multiple campuses across the country and even offer distance learning is fantastic for accessibility – it really opens up opportunities for more people. Even when things get tough, like during the pandemic, it seems they genuinely tried to keep the quality of education up, which I respect.
What I Dislike About UNAM
Now, for the downsides. The biggest recurring complaint I’ve seen is about the administrative side of things. Imagine waiting until the day before your exams to get your continuous assessment results – that’s incredibly stressful and can lead to missed opportunities. There are also frequent mentions of lecturers and departments being unresponsive, which is frustrating when you need help or information.
Another significant issue seems to be resource limitations and infrastructure. Some departments, like Media and Communication, have reportedly faced long-term lecturer shortages and a lack of proper training facilities. While they are expanding, it sounds like some areas still have a way to go. There are also concerns about outdated teaching methods in certain programs and an inconsistent quality among professors. Some lecturers are innovative, but others might lean too heavily on pre-made notes, which doesn’t always encourage critical thinking. And finally, the bureaucracy sounds pretty intense; some students apparently get bogged down in procedures, which can even delay graduation.
Would I Recommend It?
Honestly, I’d recommend UNAM, but with some pretty big caveats.
If you’re looking for a recognized degree and you’re a highly self-motivated, proactive person who can push through administrative hurdles, then yes, it could be a great fit. It’s also good if you want a vibrant student life and don’t mind potentially larger classes.
However, if you need a super smooth, consistent administrative experience with quick feedback and readily available resources, or if you expect intensive, personalized support from every lecturer, then you might find it challenging. It’s probably not the best choice if you’re looking for cutting-edge teaching in every single module.
What Stood Out to Me
What really jumped out is this dual nature of UNAM. On one hand, it’s celebrated as a leader, producing excellent graduates. On the other, there’s clear frustration with administrative inefficiencies and resource gaps that can genuinely impact a student’s journey. For me, it highlights that the kind of student who truly thrives at UNAM is someone who is incredibly dedicated and a fast learner, someone who can independently solve problems and make the most of their experience despite the challenges. You’ll definitely grow there, but you might have to put in some extra effort to navigate the system.

As it’s my first year, I am learning to adapt and be on my own. So far the school has been challenging and I am learning to adapt to it. One of the the things I hate is the early morning classes at 7:30 am and the stairs, UNAM has alot of them which forces you to be active physically.