Financial information 2026
2026 Estimated Costs per Qualification
Below is a list of estimated tuition fees per qualification for the 2026 academic year. These estimates cover tuition fees only and exclude additional costs such as accommodation (on-campus residence or private housing), transport, meals, study materials, and other living expenses.
|
Qualification |
Estimated Cost (ZAR) |
Estimated Cost (Dollar) |
|
Accounting |
R80,071.56 |
$ 4743,55 |
|
Agricultural Sciences |
R56,328.49 |
$3336,93 |
|
Biological Sciences |
R61,903.64 |
$3667,26 |
|
Biokinetics / Sport Science |
R52,147.91 |
$3089,30 |
|
Botany |
R61,903.64 |
$3667,26 |
|
Business Management |
R60,015.40 |
$3555,35 |
|
Business Mathematics |
R60,803.81 |
$3602,09 |
|
Communication |
R52,627.00 |
$3117,68 |
|
Computer Science (IT) |
R63,035.75 |
$3734,32 |
|
Consumer Sciences |
R51,865.66 |
$3072,59 |
|
Dietetics |
R67,257.99 |
$3984,43 |
|
Economics |
R63,155.52 |
$3741,43 |
|
Education |
R61,911.97 |
$3667,73 |
|
Engineering |
R70,344.99 |
$4167,31 |
|
Environmental Studies |
R64,653.20 |
$3830,11 |
|
Graphic Design |
R53,463.32 |
$3167,20 |
|
Humanities |
R63,975.18 |
$3789,94 |
|
Language Technology |
R62,330.65 |
$3692,55 |
|
Law |
R58,109.45 |
$3442,44 |
|
Music |
R68,073.48 |
$4032,71 |
|
Nursing |
R56,396.18 |
$3340,96 |
|
Occupational Hygiene |
R61,158.96 |
$3623,12 |
|
Pharmacy |
R59,784.18 |
$3541,66 |
|
Physical & Chemical Sciences |
R54,003.86 |
$3199,25 |
|
Psychology |
R60,928.79 |
$3609,50 |
|
Social Work |
R57,802.21 |
$3424,25 |
|
Theology |
R54,479.82 |
$3227,45 |
|
Tourism |
R64,564.67 |
$3824,90 |
|
Urban & Regional Planning |
R62,879.52 |
$3725,07 |
|
Zoology |
R64,653.20 |
$3830,11 |
Please note that the fees indicated are estimated costs and may be subject to change.
Application fees
- Administration fee of R150 for prospective students (South African citizens)
- Administration fee of R600 for prospective international students
Fees payable
First minimum payment: residence, non-residence & distance students
- Residence Students: R24 175
- Non-Residence Students: R12 855
- Distance Students: R12 855
- International Students: Full cost
Residences
- R4 000 confirmation amount (Special arrangement for confirmed bursary students)
Cost estimate for residences
Mahikeng – R33 920 to R46 130
Potchefstroom – R36 630 to R50 280
Vanderbijlpark – R42 210 to R55 080
NWU Bursaries
Academic Merit Bursary.
|
Student’s Average Percentage |
Merit bursary for full-time first-year students |
|
75% – 79.99% |
25% of tuition fees |
|
80% – 84.99% |
75% of tuition fees |
|
85% – 100% |
100% of tuition fees |
|
*Average calculated without Life Orientation |
|
The Academic Merit Bursary is awarded automatically, so there is no need to apply!
NWU also offer bursaries for leadership, sport, arts and culture, and more: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/bursaries
External bursaries
NSFAS
www.nsfas.org.za
info@nsfas.org.za
086 006 7327
FUNZA
How can I fund my studies?
I am a NSFAS student
All students that were funded for a qualification that is a “Certificate” or move from a TVET college to a university for their “undergraduate” qualification must re-apply for NSFAS. NSFAS online applications closes 15 November 2025.
- Make sure of your NSFAS funding status. Log on to MYNSFAS portal for confirmation.
- If your status indicated that you are PROVISIONALLY FUNDED, you will be cleared to register without paying the First Minimum Amount.
- The Student Finance Department will provide further instructions once you have completed the registration process.
How to make a payment?
Payments must be made through the online Payment Portal
Contact details
Mahikeng Campus
Tel: +27 (18) 389 2546 / 2646 / 2516 / 2410
Email: MC-Studyfees@nwu.ac.za
Potchefstroom Campus
Tel: +27 (18) 299 2667 / 68 / 69 / 70 / 71 / 72 / 73
Email: PC-Studyfees@nwu.ac.za
Vanderbijlpark Campus
Tel: +27 (16) 910 3531 / 3158 / 3156 / 3234
Email: vaalaccounts@nwu.ac.za
Enquiries from parents, sponsors, or other stakeholders regarding student accounts can be directed to the above contacts. Please note that all enquiries from students must be logged via the Student Portal by navigating to the Helpdesk menu.
Quotations
- First-time applicants will receive a fee quote upon accepting their conditional offer and again upon accepting their final offer.
- Senior students can request a fee quote via the Student Portal by navigating to My Finances > Fee Quotation on the menu.