PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for UNAM Mature Age Entry

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Namibia University Mature Age Entry Examinations

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Mature Age Entry Examination

Practice Questions
Exam Review

Key Facts: UNAM Mature Age Entry Exam

25 years

Minimum applicant age on the first day of the academic year

UNAM 2027 Undergraduate Programmes booklet

5 years

Relevant work experience normally required

UNAM Mature Age Entry page

3–4 papers

Examination papers (English, General Knowledge, Numerical Ability, Faculty Specific)

UNAM 2027 Undergraduate Programmes booklet

50%

Minimum average required for degree programmes

UNAM 2027 Undergraduate Programmes booklet

40%

Minimum score required in every paper

UNAM 2027 Undergraduate Programmes booklet

N$150 / N$300

Application fee (Namibian / international students)

UNAM 2027 Undergraduate Programmes booklet

100

Practice MCQs in this study adaptation

OpenExamPrep study adaptation

UNAM Mature Age Entry applicants aged 25+ write English Proficiency, General Knowledge, Numerical Ability and sometimes a Faculty Specific paper. Degree entry needs a 50% average with no paper below 40% (60% for Medicine, Engineering and IT, Chartered Accountancy and LLB; 55% for Pharmacy). This is independent practice by OpenExamPrep: an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not a simulation of the written papers.

Sample UNAM Mature Age Entry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the UNAM Mature Age Entry exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Read the following sentence: 'While industrialization is essential for economic diversification, unchecked mineral extraction threatens the delicate biodiversity of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.' What is the primary rhetorical function of the introductory clause?
A.To concede a counter-consideration before asserting the primary environmental concern
B.To refute the claim that mineral extraction has any economic benefit
C.To provide statistical evidence supporting industrial development
D.To establish a chronological timeline of mining operations in the park
Explanation: The introductory clause introduced by 'While' functions as a concession, acknowledging the economic value of industrialization before introducing the central warning regarding environmental biodiversity.
2Choose the option that adheres to correct subject-verb agreement in formal academic English.
A.The collection of archival manuscripts from the early colonial era were catalogued last month.
B.The list of drought-resistant crops grown in the Zambezi Region are longer than many people expect.
C.The collection of archival manuscripts from the early colonial era was catalogued last month.
D.Either the registrar or the assistant deans is attending the regional academic conference.
Explanation: The head noun of the subject noun phrase is the singular noun 'collection'. Intervening plural prepositional modifiers ('of archival manuscripts from the early colonial era') do not change the number of the subject, requiring the singular verb 'was catalogued'.
3What is the meaning of the word 'disingenuous' in the context: 'The company’s claim that the toxic runoff was entirely accidental appeared disingenuous in light of previous regulatory warnings'?
A.Extremely naive, trusting and easily deceived
B.Scientifically verified and fully objective
C.Thoroughly documented and openly transparent
D.Insincere; pretending to know less than one does
Explanation: 'Disingenuous' describes behavior or statements that are deceitful, insincere, or hypocritically pretending to be unaware of known facts.
4Identify the sentence that contains a dangling participle.
A.Having completed the field survey, the data were entered into the geographical information system.
B.Having completed the field survey, the geologists entered the data into the geographical information system.
C.After the geologists completed the field survey, the data were entered into the system.
D.The data were entered into the system after the geologists completed their survey.
Explanation: The introductory participial phrase 'Having completed the field survey' illogically modifies the grammatical subject 'the data', creating the dangling meaning that the data completed the survey.
5Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly for formal academic prose?
A.The constitution guarantees freedom of speech; nevertheless, reasonable statutory limits apply during states of emergency.
B.The constitution guarantees freedom of speech, nevertheless reasonable statutory limits apply during states of emergency.
C.The constitution guarantees freedom of speech nevertheless, reasonable statutory limits apply during states of emergency.
D.The constitution guarantees freedom of speech, nevertheless, reasonable statutory limits apply during states of emergency.
Explanation: When a conjunctive adverb ('nevertheless') links two independent clauses, standard punctuation requires a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma immediately following it.
6Choose the word that is an antonym for 'superfluous' in: 'The editor eliminated all superfluous adjectives from the research manuscript.'
A.Extraneous
B.Excessive
C.Redundant
D.Essential
Explanation: 'Superfluous' means unnecessary, redundant, or more than enough. Its direct antonym is 'essential' (absolutely necessary).
7Read the passage excerpt: 'Namibia's marine fishery in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem is one of the most productive upwelling zones globally. However, episodes of sulfur eruptions and low-oxygen water events pose recurring biophysical hazards that depress demersal fish stocks.' What factor is identified as a recurring biophysical hazard to demersal fish stocks?
A.Excessive commercial trawling by unauthorized foreign vessels
B.Ocean thermal pollution from coastal desalination facilities
C.Episodes of sulfur eruptions and low-oxygen water conditions
D.The seasonal migration of apex marine predators into coastal bays
Explanation: The text directly states that 'episodes of sulfur eruptions and low-oxygen water events pose recurring biophysical hazards that depress demersal fish stocks'.
8In the phrase 'depress demersal fish stocks', what is the precise meaning of the verb 'depress'?
A.To cause psychological distress to marine fauna
B.To enforce statutory moratoria on commercial fishing
C.To physically submerge fish beneath benthic trenches
D.To lower or reduce the abundance of the fish population
Explanation: In an ecological or economic context, 'depress' means to reduce, diminish, or lower the level or activity of something (here, fish abundance).
9Select the sentence that avoids unclear pronoun reference.
A.Smiling warmly, the lecturer handed the assignment to the student.
B.When the lecturer handed the assignment to the student, he smiled warmly.
C.The lecturer handed the assignment to the student because he was pleased with it.
D.As he handed the assignment to the student, the student thanked him.
Explanation: The sentence beginning 'Smiling warmly, the lecturer...' clearly and unambiguously attaches the participial phrase to 'the lecturer', eliminating any confusion over who smiled.
10Which transition word best signals the culmination or logical conclusion of an extended academic argument?
A.Subsequently
B.Incidentally
C.Therefore
D.Conversely
Explanation: 'Therefore' is a deductive transitional adverb used to introduce a logical conclusion or inference drawn directly from preceding premises.

About the UNAM Mature Age Entry Exam

The UNAM Mature Age Entry Scheme is an alternative admission route for applicants aged 25 or older who do not hold a Grade 12 certificate, or whose Grade 12 results do not meet the minimum admission criteria. Candidates write three or four papers (English Proficiency, General Knowledge, Numerical Ability and, where applicable, a Faculty Specific paper) and may then be interviewed. School leavers are admitted on their NSSCO/NSSCAS results instead.

Exam sponsor: University of Namibia (UNAM). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Three or four papers: Paper 1 English Proficiency, Paper 2 General Knowledge, Paper 3 Numerical Ability and Paper 4 Faculty Specific (where applicable). UNAM does not publish a fixed format, so past papers are the best guide. The September 2025 General Paper (2 hours, 100 marks) asked candidates to answer one of three essay questions on Namibian social issues. The 19 September 2025 Non-Science Related Numeracy paper for Commerce, Management and Law (3 hours, 100 marks) had 30 four-option MCQs worth 60 marks and short worked problems worth 40 marks, with non-programmable calculators allowed. Numeracy has science-related and non-science versions. Candidates who pass may be called for an interview before final selection.

Time Limit

Not published as a total; in September 2025 the General Paper ran 2 hours and the Non-Science Related Numeracy paper 3 hours

Passing Score

Subject to programme rules, an average of at least 50% for degree programmes and 40% for diploma programmes, with no paper below 40%. Medicine, Engineering and IT, Chartered Accountancy and LLB (Honours) require a 60% overall average and Pharmacy 55%; other faculties set their own pass criteria.

Exam / Certification Fees

N$150 (Namibian students) / N$300 (international students), non-refundable

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published by UNAM. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Theme 1

English Language Proficiency

Reading comprehension, inference and contextual analysis, advanced vocabulary in academic contexts, grammar (tenses, voice, clauses, syntax), error identification, and summary techniques.

Theme 2

General Knowledge & Essay Skills

Namibian Constitution, separation of powers, civic rights and responsibilities, national development plans (Vision 2030, NDP6), natural resources, social issues such as corruption, tribalism and education, and essay argumentation skills (task analysis, thesis statements, evidence-based reasoning, logical structuring).

Theme 3

Numerical Ability

Core arithmetic, order of operations, fractions, percentages, ratios, rates and time, commercial calculations in Namibian Dollars (N$), discounts, VAT, basic algebra, geometry and measurement, averages and probability, and practical word problems.

Theme 4

Faculty-Specific Foundations

Foundational disciplinary concepts across key faculties: statutory interpretation and legal systems (School of Law), health science and biology fundamentals (School of Medicine / Nursing), and business principles (Commerce and Management).

Preparing for the UNAM Mature Age Entry Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Subject to programme rules, an average of at least 50% for degree programmes and 40% for diploma programmes, with no paper below 40%. Medicine, Engineering and IT, Chartered Accountancy and LLB (Honours) require a 60% overall average and Pharmacy 55%; other faculties set their own pass criteria.
  • Assessment: Three or four papers: Paper 1 English Proficiency, Paper 2 General Knowledge, Paper 3 Numerical Ability and Paper 4 Faculty Specific (where applicable). UNAM does not publish a fixed format, so past papers are the best guide. The September 2025 General Paper (2 hours, 100 marks) asked candidates to answer one of three essay questions on Namibian social issues. The 19 September 2025 Non-Science Related Numeracy paper for Commerce, Management and Law (3 hours, 100 marks) had 30 four-option MCQs worth 60 marks and short worked problems worth 40 marks, with non-programmable calculators allowed. Numeracy has science-related and non-science versions. Candidates who pass may be called for an interview before final selection.
  • Time limit: Not published as a total; in September 2025 the General Paper ran 2 hours and the Non-Science Related Numeracy paper 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: N$150 (Namibian students) / N$300 (international students), non-refundable Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

UNAM Mature Age Entry: Suggested Study Strategy

1For the General Knowledge paper, follow current Namibian social and civic issues; the September 2025 essay questions covered tribalism, corruption and accountability, and education quality.
2Practise outlining argumentative essays: formulate a clear thesis statement, organize distinct body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and provide a balanced counterargument and conclusion.
3Review English grammar essentials, including subject-verb concord, modifier placement, subjunctive and conditional forms, and precise academic vocabulary.
4In Numerical Ability, master commercial calculations with Namibian Dollars (N$), percentages, ratios, simple interest, and two-variable linear equations.
5Practise interpreting tables, bar charts, and pie graphs to extract quantitative insights quickly.
6Candidates applying to Law, Health Sciences, or Commerce should review foundational principles in those fields for the faculty-specific paper.
7MCQs cannot practise essay writing or worked solutions, so also write timed essays and work through UNAM's past Mature Age Entry papers on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UNAM Mature Age Entry Examination?

It is the University of Namibia's entrance examination for its Mature Age Entry Scheme, an alternative admission route for applicants aged 25 or older who do not hold a Grade 12 certificate or whose Grade 12 results do not meet the minimum admission criteria.

What are the eligibility requirements for UNAM Mature Age Entry?

Applicants must be at least 25 years old on the first day of the academic year, have completed junior secondary education (for certificates and diplomas) or senior secondary education (for degrees), and normally have at least five years' relevant work experience. A Grade 12 certificate is required for the School of Medicine, the School of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Engineering and IT, the Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accountancy) and the Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

What papers are written in the UNAM Mature Age Entry Examination?

Three or four papers: English Proficiency, General Knowledge, Numerical Ability and, where applicable, a Faculty Specific paper. In September 2025 the General Paper was a 2-hour essay on one of three Namibian social issues, and the Non-Science Related Numeracy paper ran 3 hours with 30 MCQs and short worked problems.

What is the passing score for UNAM Mature Age Entry?

Subject to programme rules, degree programmes require an average of at least 50% and diploma programmes 40%, with no paper below 40%. Medicine, Engineering and IT, Chartered Accountancy and LLB (Honours) require a 60% overall average, and Pharmacy 55%. Candidates who pass may be interviewed before final selection.

How much is the UNAM Mature Age Entry application fee?

The non-refundable application fee is N$150 for Namibian students and N$300 for international students. Mature Age Entry applications for the 2027 intake ran from 22 May to 31 July 2026, with no late applications.

Are these official UNAM examination questions?

No. This is independent practice by OpenExamPrep. The official papers are set and answered in English and include an essay and written worked problems. These questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation for revision, not a simulation of the written papers or the interview.