NWU online application for 2026: Dates, prospectus, fees, status, contacts
The North-West University (NWU) is a South African public research university with three campuses: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. Since all prospective students are encouraged to apply online, learn about the NWU online application for 2026 below.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- NWU online application for 2026 undergraduate and postgraduate
- What is the NWU application payment fee?
- Which courses are available at NWU?
- Does NWU have student accommodation?
- How do you apply for the NWU residences?
- How can you contact NWU?
- Does NWU have an application fee?
- What is the application fee for NWU international students?
- How much is the registration fee at NWU for 2026?
- Can you register at NWU without paying the registration fee?
- Which NWU campus is the best?
- What happens when you deregister at NWU?
- Can you change campuses at NWU?
- Which applications are still open for 2026?
- How many APS are needed for teaching at North West University?
Key takeaways
- North-West University opened applications for the 2026 academic year on 1 April 2025 and closed on 30 June 2025 and 31 August 2025.
- The institution does not accept late applications or walk-in enquiries.
- No application fee is required for most undergraduate online applications for South African citizens.
- International students pay a non-refundable application fee of R600.
NWU online application for 2026 undergraduate and postgraduate
NWU was formed from the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the University of North-West.
The NWU online application portal is open for a specified period each year. During this time, anyone interested in joining the institution's diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs can submit their application.
How to apply online to NWU?
You can only apply once for the academic year and choose up to two study options that align with your career goals and interests. Here is a breakdown of the NWU undergraduate online application process for 2026:
- Visit the NWU official website.
- Click "Study at NWU" and select "Apply Here."
Source: UGC
- Click "NWU Online Application."
- Register on the website by filling out the required details.
- Enter your email address and click "Submit."
Source: UGC
- NWU will send you an email with a verification code (a temporary password) so you can log in to the portal.
- Ensure you do not copy or add any spaces when copying the verification code.
- You can proceed with the application process until you are done.
- Ensure you upload scanned copies of your ID and final Grade 11 or 12 results separately, preferably in PDF or JPEG format.
- You can change your temporary NWU online application login password (verification code) later.
- Only successful applicants are contacted and invited to go through the NWU admission process.
What documents are needed at NWU?
Ensure you have the following things and documents when applying at NWU online:
- A valid email address
- A valid phone number
- A scanned copy of your Grade 11 or Grade 12 results (South African students).
- A scanned copy of your Grade 11 or Grade 12 results or equivalents (international students).
- A scanned copy of a valid ID card (South African students).
- A scanned copy of a valid passport (international students).
Is North West University open for 2026 applications?
The NWU online application for the 2026 opening date is on 2nd April each year for prospective students to submit their applications.
What is the NWU closing date for the application?
The NWU application portal closes the selection of courses and residence applications on 30th June of every year. For all other courses, the closing date is 31st August.
Source: UGC
Does NWU accept late applications?
NWU online late applications for 2026 are not accepted by the university. If you've missed the application deadlines, register on the government's Central Applications Clearing House (CACH).
The CACH facility sends your information to universities with potentially available spots. If you meet the necessary criteria, these institutions may contact you. Alternatively, you can apply the following year when the NWU portal opens.
How can you change your NWU application details?
Applicants who have submitted their applications should call 0860 169698 or email studies@nwu.ac.za to request that NWU amend or change their applications. Ensure you have your student number when making the call.
NWU application status check in 2026
Log in to the NWU online application portal and check your application status.
What is the NWU application payment fee?
The application is free for South Africans, while international students must pay a R600 application fee.
NWU fees (compulsory 1st-semester minimum fees)
The following NWU fees are payable by direct bank deposit or electronic bank transfer before registration. NWU cannot register you until these amounts are reflected as a credit on your student account:
Fees | Residence students | Non-residence students | Distance students | International Students
|
NWU Registration Fees | R2 320 | R2 320 | R2 320 | R2 320 |
First Payment on Tuition Fees | R9 490 | R9 490 | R9 490 | Full Cost |
First Payment on Residence Fees | R10 060 | 0 | 0 | Full Cost |
Total compulsory 1st-semester minimum fees | R21 870 | R11 810 | R11 810 | Full Cost |
Which bank does NWU use?
All students can use these banks to pay their NWU fees:
Bank | Account number | Branch |
ABSA | 40-7010-0351 | 632-005 |
FNB | 6216-191-6849 | 240-438 |
NEDBANK | 1713-378-558 | 171-338 |
Standard Bank | 33-038-243-8 | 052-838 |
FNB Namibia | 6224-883-9823 | 281-174 (Old Power Station) |
What are the requirements for studying at NWU?
The NWU prospectus and e-Yearbooks outline all admission requirements, including the minimum APS scores for each course.
Which courses are available at NWU?
North-West University offers more than 160 undergraduate courses across eight faculties. Below are each faculty's courses and the required minimum APS:
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Programs in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences include:
Courses | APS |
BCom in Accounting (general) | 24 |
BCom in Chartered Accountancy | 32 |
BCom in Chartered Accountancy (Extended) | 28 |
BCom in Financial Accountancy | 28 |
BCom in Financial Accountancy (Extended) | 24 |
BCom in Forensic Accountancy | 36 |
BCom in Management Accountancy | 30 |
BCom in Operations Research | 24 |
BCom in Statistics | 24 |
BCom in Statistics (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Logistics Management | 24 |
BCom in Logistics Management (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Transport Economics | 24 |
BCom in Transport Economics (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Agricultural Economics and Risk Management | 26 |
BCom in Econometrics | 26 |
Courses | APS |
BCom in Econometrics (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in International Trade | 26 |
BCom in International Trade (Extended) | 24 |
BCom in Informatics | 26 |
BCom in Information Systems | 26 |
BCom in Information Systems (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Risk Management | 26 |
BCom in Risk Management (Extended) | 24 |
BAdmin Human Resource Management | 23 |
BAdmin in Human Resource Management (Extended) | 21 |
BAdmin in Industrial and Organizational Psychology | 23 |
BAdmin in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Extended) | 21 |
BA in Industrial & Organizational Psychology & Labor Relations Management | 26 |
BCom in Human Resource Management | 30 |
BCom in Industrial & Organizational Psychology & Labor Relations Management | 30 |
Bachelor of Human Resource Development (BHRD) | 20 - 22 |
Courses | APS |
BAdmin in Local Government Management | 21 |
BAdmin in Local Government Management (Extended) | 20 |
BAdmin in Public Administration | 21 |
BAdmin in Public Administration (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Business Management | 24 |
BCom in Business Management (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Communications Management | 24 |
BCom in Communications Management (Extended) | 24 |
BCom in Marketing Management | 24 |
BCom in Marketing Management (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Marketing and Tourism Management | 24 |
BCom in Sports Business Management | 24 |
BCom in Safety Management | 24 |
Courses | APS |
BAdmin in Local Government Management | 21 |
BAdmin in Local Government Management (Extended) | 20 |
BAdmin in Public Administration | 21 |
BAdmin in Public Administration (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Business Management | 24 |
BCom in Business Management (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Communications Management | 24 |
BCom in Communications Management (Extended) | 24 |
BCom in Marketing Management | 24 |
BCom in Marketing Management (Extended) | 20 |
BCom in Marketing and Tourism Management | 24 |
BCom in Sports Business Management | 24 |
BCom in Safety Management | 24 |
BA in Tourism Management | 22 |
BCom in Tourism Management | 24 |
BCom in Tourism and Recreation Skills | 24 |
Faculty of Education
These are the programs offered in the Faculty of Education:
- BEd Intermediate Phase: Mathematics, Science, and Technology
- BEd Intermediate Phase: Life Skills and Social Sciences
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Afrikaans for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Life Science for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: IT Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: English for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: History for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Geography for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Life Orientation
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Art for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Physical Sci. for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Business Studies for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Accounting for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Computer Applications Technology Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Mathematics for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Setswana (M) for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Engineering Graphics & Design for Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Mechanical Tech. Ed.
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Civil Tech. Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Electrical Tech. Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Math Literacy Education
- BEd Senior & Further Education & Training phase: Sesotho (M) for Education
Faculty of Engineering
The Faculty of Engineering offers the following courses:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Computer and Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Electromechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechatronic Engineering
Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences offers the following programs:
Courses | APS |
Diploma in Coaching Science | 18 |
BSc in Physiology and Biochemistry | 24 |
BSc in Physiology and Psychology | 26 |
BSc in Sport Coaching and Human Movement Sciences | 24 |
BSc in Recreation Sciences and Psychology | 26 |
BSc in Recreation Sciences and Tourism Management | 24 |
BSc in Sport and Recreation Administration | 24 |
Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology | 26 |
BA in Psychology & Geography & Environmental Management | 26 |
BA in Psychology & Labor Relations Management | 26 |
BA in Psychology and Tourism Management | 26 |
Bachelor of Consumer Studies | 24 |
B.Consum. Sci in Food Product Management - food comm. | 24 |
B.Consum. Sci in Food Product Management - Food supply | 24 |
B.Consum. Sci in Fashion Retail Management - fashion supply | 24 |
B.Consum. Sci in Fashion Product Management - fashion comm. | 24 |
Bachelor of Social Work | 28 |
Bachelor of Pharmacy | 32 |
BSc in Dietetics | 30 |
BSc in Occupational Hygiene | 27 |
BSc in Biokinetics | 32 |
Bachelor of Nursing | 25 |
Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities offers the following courses:
Courses | APS |
BA in Humanities with Social Sciences | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Psychology | 24 |
BA in Humanities with History | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Geography | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Afrikaans and Dutch | 24 |
BA in Humanities with English | 24 |
BA in Humanities with French | 24 |
BA in Humanities with German | 24 |
BA in Humanities with History of Art | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Latin | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Setswana | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Sesotho | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Politics | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Social Anthropology | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Sociology | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Philosophy | 24 |
BA in Humanities with History and Society | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Psychology and Society | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Geography and Society | 24 |
BA in Humanities with Politics and Society | 24 |
BPhil in Philosophy, Politics & Economics PPE | 26 |
BA in Behavioral Sciences with Sociology & Psychology | 22 |
BA in Sociology and Geography | 22 |
BA in Sociology and Labor Relations Management | 22 |
BA in Public Governance - Public Administration | 25 |
Courses | APS |
BA in Public Governance - Politics & Public Admin. | 25 |
BA in Public Governance - Municipal Mgmt. & Leadership | 25 |
BA in Public Governance - Public Administration & Social Studies | 25 |
BA in Public Governance - Public Administration and Geography | 25 |
BA in Public Governance - Public Admin. & Labor Relations Mgmt. | 25 |
BA in Public Governance with Policing Practice | 25 |
B.Soc.Sc. in Political Studies & International Relations | 24 |
B.Soc.Sc. in Development Studies | 24 |
B.Soc.Sc. in History | 22 |
B.Soc.Sc. in Economics | 22 |
B.Soc.Sc. in Geography | 22 |
B.Soc.Sc. in Psychology and the Social Sciences | 22 |
B.Soc.Sc. in Population Studies | 22 |
B.Soc.Sc. in Sociology | 22 |
B.Soc.Sc. in Social Anthropology | 22 |
BA in Graphic Design | 24 |
BA in Communication | 24 |
BA in Language and Literary Studies | 24 |
BA in Language and Literary Studies - Language Practice | 24 |
BA in Language and Literary Studies - Language Practice & Comm. | 24 |
BA in Language and Literary Studies with Languages | 24 |
BA in Language Technology | 24 |
BA in Graphic Design with Communication | 24 |
BA in Music and Society | 21 |
Bachelor of Music | 24 |
BAdmin in Development Management - Local Govt Mgmt. | 21 |
BAdmin in Development Management - Local Govt Mgmt. (extended) | 20 |
Diploma in Music | 18 |
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law offers these programs:
Courses | APS |
BA in Law with Politics | 28 |
BA in Law with Industrial Psychology | 28 |
BA in Law with Psychology | 28 |
BCom in Law | 30 |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB Extended) | 28 |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | 30 |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) after a BA in Law | 30 |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Law | 30 |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) after BCom in Law | 30 |
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
These are the courses that the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences offers:
Courses | APS |
Diploma in Animal Health | 22 |
Diploma in Animal Science | 22 |
Diploma in Plant Science | 22 |
BSc in Financial Mathematics | 28 |
BSc in Quantitative Risk Management (Extended) | 28 |
BSc in Business Analytics (Extended) | 28 |
BSc in Information Technology (Extended) | 24 |
BSc in Chemistry and Physics | 26 |
BSc in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Applied Mathematics | 26 |
BSc in Applied Mathematics and Chemistry | 26 |
BSc in Biochemistry and Chemistry | 26 |
BSc in Physics and Mathematics | 26 |
BSc in Physics and Applied Mathematics | 26 |
BSc in Applied Mathematics and Electronics | 26 |
BSc in Electronics and Mathematics | 26 |
BSc in Electronics and Physics | 26 |
BSc in Physics and Computer Science | 26 |
BSc in Chemistry and Computer Science | 26 |
BSc in Computer Science and Electronics | 26 |
BSc in Computer Science and Statistics | 26 |
BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics | 26 |
Courses | APS |
BSc in Computer Science and Economics | 26 |
BSc in Mathematics and Economy | 26 |
BSc in Geography and Applied Mathematics | 26 |
BSc in Statistics and Mathematics | 26 |
BSc in Mathematics | 26 |
BSc in Applied Mathematics and Mathematics | 26 |
BSc in Financial Mathematics | 32 |
BSc in Quantitative Risk Management | 32 |
BSc in Business Analytics | 32 |
BSc in Actuarial Science | 32 |
BSc in Information Technology | 26 |
BSc in Botany and Chemistry | 26 |
BSc in Chemistry and Microbiology | 26 |
BSc in Zoology and Chemistry | 26 |
BSc in Chemistry and Geology | 26 |
BSc in Geology and Geography | 26 |
BSc in Geology and Botany | 26 |
BSc in Geology and Microbiology | 26 |
BSc in Zoology and Geology | 26 |
BSc in Zoology and Geography | 26 |
BSc in Geography and Botany | 26 |
Courses | APS |
BSc in Chemistry and Geography | 26 |
BSc in Geography and Computer Science | 26 |
BSc in Tourism and Zoology | 26 |
BSc in Tourism and Geography | 26 |
BSc in Tourism and Botany | 26 |
BSc in Microbiology and Biochemistry | 26 |
BSc in Microbiology and Botany | 26 |
BSc in Zoology and Microbiology | 26 |
BSc in Zoology and Biochemistry | 26 |
BSc in Botany and Biochemistry | 26 |
BSc in Zoology and Physiology | 26 |
BSc in Chemistry and Physiology | 26 |
BSc in Zoology and Botany | 26 |
BSc in Urban and Regional Planning | 28 |
BSc in Agricultural Economics | 26 |
BSc in Animal Health | 26 |
BSc in Animal Science | 26 |
BSc in Agronomy and Horticulture | 26 |
BSc in Agronomy and Agricultural Economics | 26 |
BSc in Indigenous Knowledge Systems | 26 |
Faculty of Theology
The Faculty of Theology offers the following programs:
Courses | APS |
Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Languages | 24 |
Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Psychology | 26 |
Bachelor of Divinity | 24 |
Bachelor of Theology | 24 |
Bachelor of Theology in Christian Ministry | 24 |
Does NWU have student accommodation?
NWU has student accommodation on its three campuses, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark, and Potchefstroom. The university provides residential accommodation to students who need it. Therefore, local and international students can opt for on-campus NWU accommodation if they so wish.
How do you apply for the NWU residences?
Fill out the NWU residence accommodation forms alongside your admission application forms between 2nd April and 30th June. On receiving and accepting a conditional offer, complete a formal residence application and indicate your preferred residence.
How can you contact NWU?
Here are the different ways you can contact the university.
- Email: applicationsug@nwu.ac.za
- Telephone: 018 285 2227/2334 or 018 299 4383/4130/4263/2445
- Mahikeng Campus: Corner of Albert Luthuli and University Drive
- Potchefstroom Campus: 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom
- Vanderbijlpark Campus: Hendrik Van Eck Blvd, Vanderbijlpark
- X (formerly Twitter): @theNWU
- Facebook: mynorthwestuniversity
- Instagram: @my_nwu
- Website: nwu.ac.za
Source: UGC
Does NWU have an application fee?
Application is free for South Africans, while international students pay R600.
What is the application fee for NWU international students?
NWU international students pay an application fee of R600.
How much is the registration fee at NWU for 2026?
The NWU registration fee is R2 320 for all students (residence, non-residence, distance, and international students).
Can you register at NWU without paying the registration fee?
NWU cannot register you until the compulsory 1st-semester minimum fees, which include the R2 320 registration fees, are reflected as a credit on your student account.
Which NWU campus is the best?
NWU's Vanderbijilpark Campus was once again recognized as the highest-rated institution for higher education at the prestigious 2023 PMR.
What happens when you deregister at NWU?
All NWU bursaries and/or loans are immediately refundable when you cancel your undergraduate studies. For a postgraduate student, all NWU bursaries received during uncompleted postgraduate studies will be reversed, and the student will be liable for the total cost of fees.
Can you change campuses at NWU?
Only those who have submitted their applications can amend/change their details on the online application form or request a change of qualification or campus (if capacity allows). Contact the Central Applications Office on 018 285 4320 to help change your campus.
Which applications are still open for 2026?
Several universities in South Africa still accept late applications for the 2026 academic year, depending on course availability. Institutions such as Tshwane University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, University of Zululand, and Mangosuthu University of Technology.
How many APS are needed for teaching at North West University?
To study teaching at North-West University in South Africa, you generally need a minimum APS score of about 26 for the Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme.
The NWU online application for 2026 process is relatively straightforward, making it easy and convenient for both resident and international applicants to choose, apply, and check their admission status online. There is also an easy offline application process for those who prefer not to apply online.
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Source: Briefly News
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Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
