The Namibian government has increased the monthly allowance for graduate interns to N$3,769.50 and raised the student internship allowance by nearly 20% to N$2,692.50, while extending the internship period from three to six months.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced the changes during the International University of Management’s (IUM) 22nd Summer Graduation Ceremony in Windhoek on 23 October 2026.
Ngurare said the government had decided to revise internship allowances to strengthen support for students and graduates gaining practical workplace experience in public institutions.
“We have therefore decided to revise student interns allowance from N$2244.85 to N$2692.50 while for graduate interns the allowance is revised to N$3769.50 per month. The duration is extended from three months to six months,” Ngurare said.
The adjustment represents an increase of N$447.65 in the monthly student internship allowance, from N$2,244.85 to N$2,692.50.
Under the revised arrangement, graduate interns will receive N$22,617 over six months, while student interns will receive N$16,155 over the same period, assuming the allowances are paid for the full duration.
Ngurare said interns from higher education institutions were already making contributions across government offices, ministries, agencies and state-owned enterprises.
He encouraged public institutions to provide mentorship and practical training to help interns develop skills and prepare for employment.
The Prime Minister said the government was also prioritising employment creation and skills development under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
He urged graduates to consider entrepreneurship alongside formal employment, pointing to the government’s collateral-free Youth Development Fund as one of the initiatives supporting young entrepreneurs.
Ngurare did not specify when the revised allowances would take effect or disclose the previous monthly allowance for graduate interns.
