1.    What is the difference between application and registration?

Application precedes registration. If a student is admitted to a programme, the student may proceed with registration for the relevant academic year. Application for a specific qualification is a once-off process, whereas registration is an annual process for as long as it takes to complete the qualification.

2.    Which programmes are offered by the NWU?

The NWU offers fully accredited Masters and Doctoral programmes across eight faculties. Detailed information may be found in the various faculty yearbooks available here.

3.    Where can I find NWU’s admission requirements?

The admission requirements for prospective students are listed in the various faculty yearbooks available here.

4.    How do I apply?

Simply apply online. You may also download the pdf fillable application form by using the same link.

5.    How much are the application fees?

International students are charged with an application fee of R600. South African citizens are exempt from paying application fees.

6.    Where may I obtain a total cost estimate?

You may request a quotation by making use of the Study Fee Cost Estimation application on the student self-service portal available here. You may also request a quotation from MC-studyfees@nwu.ac.za / PC-studyfees@nwu.ac.za / vaalaccounts@nwu.ac.za

7.    How many choices of study may I apply for?

It is advised that students who apply for master’s and doctoral studies may indicate no more than two choices of study.

8.    Does the NWU have only one annual academic intake for Masters and Doctoral students?

The academic year starts in January of every year, and concludes in December of the same year, with one annual intake of higher degree students. No second semester entry is offered.

9.    Where and how can I submit my application?

You may submit your application via online application process or by emailing the pdf fillable application form to your faculty advisor. Contact details available here. You may also submit the pdf fillable application form to MC-HigherDegrees@nwu.ac.za (Mafikeng Campus), HigherDegree-Enquiries@nwu.ac.za (Potchefstroom Campus), VTC-HigherDegrees@nwu.ac.za (Vanderbijlpark Campus).

10.    What about a supervisor/promoter?

A supervisor/promoter is an academic staff member who will provide guidance and assistance to students in order to carry out their research and present their results to the student’s best advantage.  Appointment of supervisors/promoters is a Faculty specific process, and the relevant Faculty will be in contact with the student regarding the appointment of supervisors/promoters.

11.    How long does the application process take?

Please allow 4 – 6 weeks before checking on the status of your application. Your faculty advisor in the Higher Degree Administration Office will communicate the result of your application to you via e-mail.

12.    Where can I find the closing dates for applications?

M studies: The closing date for most postgraduate programmes is 30 October. Please note that some programmes have different closing dates - please consult with the relevant Faculty on programme specific closing dates.

PhD studies: There is no closing date for PhD applications, it is advised that you contact a probable promoter prior to your application for studies at the NWU.

13.    How do I confirm my application status?

By visiting the Student 360 application (academic information) on the student self-service portal available here.

14.    I have been admitted for next year, but will not be able to make it. How do I defer my admission to the following year?

Please inform your Higher Degree office contact to defer your application to the following year. Please take note that the application will have to be re-evaluated for admission for the following year, and admission to the programme is not guaranteed. This can only be done once. If you wish to defer for a second time, the application lapses and you must re-apply for admission from scratch. Contact details available here.

15.    My admission letter states that I have been conditionally/provisionally accepted, what does that mean?

This means that your admission will be final only once you have met the final requirements/conditions stated in your letter of conditional admission.

16.    If I have received a student number, does that mean that I have been accepted by the NWU?

Receiving a student number does not imply that you have been accepted by the NWU. Your application still needs to be evaluated by the relevant faculty.

17.    Who accredits North-West University's degrees, and who is the awarding body?

No higher education institution in South Africa may offer a programme unless it has been accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC). This is to protect students against poor-quality programmes. Rest assured that all degrees awarded by NWU are fully accredited by both the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the HEQC. This means NWU itself is the awarding body.

18.    I want to apply for postgraduate studies at North-West University. Do I have to ratify my existing qualifications with the South African Qualifications Authority to be eligible to study at NWU?

If the institution that awarded your previous qualification(s) is accredited, you do not need to ratify your qualifications with SAQA. However, should we be uncertain about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.

19.    When do I register?

In the year you have applied to study, and only after your application has been approved. Comprehensive information on the registration process will be available on the NWU website in due course.

20.    How do I register?

Simply register online. Contact your faculty advisor in the Higher Degree Administration office, if you are unsuccessful with the online registration. Contact details available here.  A registration form will be emailed to you which should be signed and returned. Please take note that the first minimum payment is due prior to registration – even in the case of online registration.  International students should settle their full student account prior to registration.

21.    Do I need to register every year?

In terms of General academic rule 2.3.1.1 all students are required to register annually.

22.    Where can I request a registration form if I do not make use of the online registration process?

You may contact your faculty advisor in the Higher Degree Administration office. Contact details available here.

23.    What is the minimum payment for registration?

The first minimum payment is due prior to registration – even in the case of online registration.  International students should settle their full student account prior to registration. The required amount increases annually.

24.    How do I confirm my registration status?

By visiting the Student 360 application on the student self-service portal available here.

25.    Where can I obtain my proof of registration?

Once you have registered, the Proof of Registration will be emailed to you. You may retrieve your proof of registration from the Student 360 application on the student self-service portal.

26.    I want to update my address details

You may use the Address Details application on the student self-service portal available at Student 360 application: http://diyservices.nwu.ac.za/apps/postgraduate-students

27.    I want to update my contact details

You may use the Contact details app application on the student self-service portal available here.

28.    I want to update my personal details

You may use the Personal Details application on the student self-service portal available here.

29.    I have a bursary. How do I register?

In the case of NWU bursaries – the bursary office will provide you with a letter that the bursary was granted, and you may proceed with registration. In the case of external bursaries, a letter from your bursar should be submitted to the Financial Department in order for you to obtain clearance for registration.

30.    Where can I request an academic record/transcript?

You may retrieve your academic record from the student self-service portal (Formal Student Documentation): http://diyservices.nwu.ac.za/apps/postgraduate-students or send a request to MC-HigherDegrees@nwu.ac.za (Mafikeng Campus), HigherDegree-Enquiries@nwu.ac.za (Potchefstroom Campus), VTC-HigherDegrees@nwu.ac.za (Vanderbijlpark Campus).

31.    Where may I request a letter of confirmation of qualification obtained when an academic record will not suffice?

Contact the Higher Degree Administration Help Desk: Tel: +27 (0) 18 299 4044/+27 (0)18 285 2618 or email HigherDegree-Enquiries@nwu.ac.za

32.    Does the NWU offer financial assistance?

Yes, information available here.