2026 Application Information
Applications Open
01 April 2025
Applications Close
31 August 2025
Time Remaining
Application Fee
FREE
NWU Campuses
North-West University operates across three strategically located campuses, each offering unique programmes and facilities:
Mahikeng Campus
Formerly known as the Mafikeng Campus, this campus offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a focus on education, commerce, law, and agriculture.
Potchefstroom Campus
The largest campus, offering comprehensive programmes across all faculties including health sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and theology.
Vanderbijlpark Campus
Focuses on engineering, commerce, education and information technology programmes, located in the industrial heartland of Gauteng province.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
- Obtain a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or International Secondary Certificate (ISC) from Umalusi
- Meet requirements for bachelor's degree admission
- Minimum of 50% in any four NSC 20-credit subjects
- Language of learning and teaching at 50% (subject-specific requirements per faculty)
Admission Point Score (APS)
The APS helps universities assess if you meet entry requirements for your chosen course. It's based on your Grade 11 or 12 results from your six best-performing subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
Important Note:
APS is calculated using six subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Most faculties recommend a 60% pass in Life Orientation despite its exclusion from APS calculation.
1 Select Subjects
Choose your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
2 Check Scores
Each percentage earns points (e.g., 80-89% = 7 points)
3 Calculate Total
Add points from all six subjects for your APS
5 Easy Application Steps
Before You Apply:
- Have an active email address ready
- Know your desired study field's minimum admission requirements
- Prepare your supporting documents digitally
- Create an application profile and complete all fields thoroughly
- Accept your conditional acceptance offer within the time frame
Create Your Application Profile
Visit the NWU application system and create your profile by registering with your personal details as shown on your ID document. You'll receive your username (email address) and temporary password via email.
Log In to System
Use your username and password to access the application system. Don't change your email address or phone number throughout the year, as all important communication will be sent to these contacts.
Choose Study Options
Select up to two study programmes that interest you. Study options are linked to specific campuses. Ensure you choose the correct campus if your preferred programme is not listed.
Upload Supporting Documents
Prepare and upload certified copies of your ID, final Grade 11 or 12 results, and any academic records. International students need additional documentation including passport and SAQA evaluation.
Submit Your Application
Review all your information and read the declaration on the final screen before submitting. Applications that haven't been submitted cannot be processed by NWU.
Bursaries & Financial Aid
Studying takes hard work, but also requires funding. NWU offers various bursary schemes to help finance your academic future:
Academic Merit Bursary
Available to full-time students who complete their degree within its relevant duration. Part-time students must apply and qualify for half of the allocation.
Family Discount
Families with two or more students registered simultaneously at NWU receive a percentage discount on class fees. One student must apply annually.
Arts & Culture Bursary
Based on achievements in arts and culture from Grades 8-12. Senior students qualify based on participation in cultural activities at university.
Sports Bursary
Awarded to contracted students and prospective students with provincial colours. Apply in the year before you plan to study at NWU.
Support Bursary
For students with physical disabilities or from orphanages/foster care systems. Requires university admission before applying.
Leadership Bursary
Once-off bursary for students who were head boy, head girl, or chairman in Grade 12. Provides additional discount on first year of study.
NWU Faculties
North-West University offers comprehensive programmes across eight faculties:
Engineering
Law
Theology
Education
Natural & Agricultural Sciences
Economic & Management Sciences
Health Sciences
Humanities
Frequently Asked Questions
NWU does not charge an application fee for South African citizens. The application process is completely free.
NWU has three campuses: Mahikeng Campus, Potchefstroom Campus, and Vanderbijlpark Campus. Each campus offers specific programmes.
APS (Admission Point Score) is calculated using your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation). Each percentage range earns points (e.g., 80-89% = 7 points). You can use the NWU APS calculator on their website.
Yes, you can select up to two study programmes, which may be on different campuses. However, each programme is linked to a specific campus.
You need certified copies of your ID, final Grade 11 or 12 results, and any academic records. International students need additional documents including passport and SAQA evaluation.
NWU offers various bursaries including academic merit, family discount, arts & culture, sports, support, and leadership bursaries. Each has specific requirements and application processes.
Contact Information
General Application Enquiries
For application-related questions, contact the NWU Contact Centre or visit the specific campus admissions office.