Key Takeaways: The Clock is Ticking
- Current Status: Normal applications closed in October 2025. We are now in the Late Application period.
- Deadlines: Late applications for the 2026 academic year close on 20 February 2026.
- The Points Rule:
- Degrees: 25 Points (in 5 subjects).
- Diplomas: 24 Points.
- Certificates: 20 Points.
- Fees: Late application fee is N$180 (Undergraduate). Registration fee is N$2,200.
- How to Apply: You can apply online via the IUM website or pick up a manual form at the Windhoek, Ongwediva, Coastal, or Nkurenkuru campuses.
The International University of Management (IUM) has grown from a small management institute into one of Namibia’s heavyweights. It is the first choice for students who want a business-focused education without the extreme theoretical weight of traditional public universities.
However, IUM is strict about its intake. They do not just look at your total points; they look at your English symbol and your specific subject combinations.
If you are reading this in January 2026, you are in the “danger zone.” The normal seats are filled, and you are fighting for the remaining spots during the Late Application window.
Here is the definitive guide to getting into IUM for the 2026 intake.
1. Admission Requirements 2026 (The Point System)
IUM uses the standard Namibian point scale. Do not confuse this with the APS used in South Africa.
Bachelor Degree Programmes (NQF Level 7/8)
- Points Required: 25 Points in your best 5 subjects.
- English Requirement: Minimum D symbol (NSSCO/Legacy).
- Specifics:
- If you are applying for Nursing, you need Mathematics and Biology.
- If you are applying for Education, you need a C in a Namibian Language.
Diploma Programmes (NQF Level 5/6)
- Points Required: 24 Points in your best 5 subjects.
- English Requirement: Minimum D symbol.
- Why choose this? If you missed the 25-point cutoff for a degree, start with the Diploma. You can articulate (move up) to the Degree in your second or third year.
Certificate Programmes
- Points Required: 20 Points in your best 5 subjects.
- English Requirement: Minimum D symbol.
- Duration: Usually 1 year.
Mature Age Entry (For Working Adults)
If you are over 25 and don’t have the points:
- Age: Must be 25 years or older.
- Experience: Must have 3 years of relevant working experience.
- Education: Must have passed Grade 10 (Junior Secondary Certificate).
- The Test: You must pass the IUM Aptitude Test.
2. 2026 Faculty and Course List
IUM has expanded beyond just “Management.” Here are the faculties open for 2026.
Faculty of Strategic Management and Business Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours)
- Specializations: Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Marketing.
- Bachelor of Finance Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Accounting (Honours)
- Diploma in Business Administration
Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development (Honours)
- Note: This is a high-demand course. You usually need better Maths marks for this.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering (Honours)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity / Data Science
Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management
- Bachelor of Hospitality and Events Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Ecotourism and Protected Areas Management (Honours)
- Certificate in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management
Faculty of Education
- Bachelor of Education Honours (Pre-Primary & Junior Primary)
- Requirement: You need a C in a local language (e.g., Oshiwambo, Khoekhoegowab).
- Bachelor of Education Honours (Senior Primary)
- Bachelor of Education Honours (Secondary Education)
Faculty of Health Sciences
- Bachelor in Nursing (Honours)
- Warning: This course fills up the fastest. Late applications are often rejected because the clinical spots are full.
- Bachelor of Health and Wellness Studies (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health and Safety
3. How to Apply Online (Late Application)
Do not travel to Windhoek just to get a form. The online system is faster.
Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
Scan these as separate PDF files (not one big file):
- Certified ID Copy (or Passport).
- Certified School Leaving Certificate (Grade 11/12).
- Proof of Payment (Application Fee).
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
- Amount: N$180 (Late Fee).
- Bank: Bank Windhoek.
- Account Name: IUM Book Fund.
- Branch: Kudu Branch (482-172).
- Account No: 3000 338 051.
- Reference: Your ID Number or Surname + Initials.
Step 3: The Portal
- Go to
www.ium.edu.na. - Click on “Online Application”.
- Fill in your biographical details.
- Upload your documents.
- Submit.
Step 4: Tracking
- You will receive an SMS or email acknowledgment.
- Tip: If you don’t hear back within 14 days during the late period, call the admissions office immediately. Time is short.
4. Fees for 2026 (Estimates)
IUM is a private university, meaning you pay for modules.
- Registration Fee: N$2,200 (Payable in January/February before you can attend class).
- Tuition Fees:
- Undergraduate degrees typically range from N$20,000 to N$35,000 per year, depending on the course.
- Nursing and IT courses are generally more expensive due to lab fees.
- Payment Plans: IUM usually requires a deposit (Registration + % of Tuition) to clear you for the semester.
5. Campuses: Where Can You Study?
You don’t have to move to Windhoek. IUM has decentralized.
- Dorado Park (Main Campus): Windhoek. Houses most faculties and the postgraduate school.
- City Campus: Windhoek CBD. Often used for short courses and evening classes.
- Ongwediva Campus: Serves the North. Massive campus with most major courses.
- Coastal Campus (Walvis Bay): Focuses on Logistics, Tourism, and Business.
- Nkurenkuru Campus: Serves the Kavango regions.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for Nursing with low points: Nursing is regulated by the Nursing Council. IUM cannot “squeeze you in” if you don’t meet the requirements. You will be rejected.
- Forgetting the Registration Fee: Being accepted is not the same as being registered. You are not a student until you pay the N$2,200 registration fee in January/February.
- Uploading uncertified documents: The system might let you upload them, but the admissions officer will reject them later. Ensure the police stamp is less than 3 months old.
Summary: Act Now
The deadline is 20 February 2026. If you miss this, you will likely have to wait for the second semester intake (July) or the 2027 academic year.
Action Plan:
- Check your Points: Look at your Grade 12 certificate. Do you have 25 points?
- Pay the N$180: Go to the bank today.
- Apply Online: Don’t wait for the last day. The system often crashes on February 20th due to traffic.
Disclaimer: Fees and specific requirements are subject to change by the IUM Senate. Always verify with the official 2026 Information Booklet available on the IUM website.