When do NWU applications open?

Applications open on 1 June.

When do applications close?

• Selection courses: 30 June 2026
• All other courses and residences: 31 August 2026
• Postgraduate applications close: 30 November 2026

What is the administration fee?

• A non-refundable administration fee of R150.00 for prospective students (South African citizens) is applicable.
• A non-refundable administration fee of R600 is applicable for international applicants.

You will have to pay this fee before you can submit on the online application portal.

What do I need before I apply?

• Your own valid email address (like Gmail)
• Your ID document or passport
• Your final Grade 11 or 12 results in digital format (like jpeg of PDF)
• A non-refundable administration fee of R150

POSTGRADUATE (Honours, Masters, PhD) 

• Certified copy of your South African ID (both sides) – PDF or clear JPEG
• Certified copies of ALL degree certificates
• Certified full academic transcripts for every qualification
• Research concept / proposal (master’s & PhD – required at application)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Additional:

• SAQA evaluation certificate (if any qualification is from outside South Africa) – compulsory
• Certified marriage certificate if name changed

 DISTANCE LEARNING

• Distance uses the same documents as above depending on level, but students must also have:
• For BEd programmes: proof of current employment in education / SACE certificate
• PRO2 forms
• Bed Education Distance also requires Police clearance

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• Valid passport (certified copy) – not SA ID
• Final school results (Grade 11/12) or degree certificates + transcripts
• SAQA evaluation for all non-SA qualifications
• Proof of payment of administration fee (R600 for 2027 cycle)
• English proficiency proof if schooling was not in English (some faculties request IELTS/TOEFL)

How do I apply for residence?

Select “Yes” during your application. If you receive a conditional offer, log on to the application portal, go to the “Application Status” bar, click on the “Show Interest in Residence” button and apply. For more information, visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/residences

Can I change my course after applying?

No. Please take the Interest-Index survey if you are unsure about what to study.

What does my application status mean?

Understand your application status 

• Accepted: You met all conditions and have officially been accepted to study at NWU. 

• Subject to Final Grade 12 Results: Based on your results so far, you currently meet the admission requirements for your chosen qualification. However, your final offer of admission will only be confirmed once we have evaluated your official final Grade 12 results. 

• Subject to Faculty Evaluation: Your application is currently under review by the relevant faculty. The faculty will make the final decision regarding your admission, and you will be notified once an outcome has been reached. 

• Subject to the Selection Process: Based on your current results, you meet the admission requirements for your chosen qualification. However, please note that final admission is subject to a selection process, which may vary depending on your programme. For more information, visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/undergraduate-studies/selection 

• Subject to Outstanding Documents: We are currently unable to finalise the evaluation of your application, as there are supporting documents still outstanding. To avoid any delays, please read the letter we have sent you and upload the required documents to your online application profile as soon as possible.
• Unsuccessful: Your application for the current academic year was not successful due to capacity constraints or academic reasons. 

How long does feedback take?

We work to respond as soon as possible.

Does a conditional offer guarantee admission?

No. Final admission depends on meeting all requirements.

Does NWU accept late applications?

No. If you miss the deadline, apply via Central Application Service (CAS)

What are the admission requirements?

Visit the fields of study: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/undergraduate-studies/fields-study

How do I calculate my APS?

Use the APS calculator: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/aps-calculator

I don’t know what to study. What can I do?

Use the Interest-Index survey to explore options based on your interests.

Do I need to write NBTs?

No, NWU does not require NBT tests.

What if I studied at another institution?

Submit your academic record and matric certificate. Admission is faculty-based.

What if I need career guidance?

Contact Student Counselling and Development:
Tel: 018 299 2893 | Email: SCDpotch@nwu.ac.za 

Can I get a quote for my studies?

Get a tuition fee estimate so you can plan with confidence: https://feequote.nwu.ac.za/ShoppersFeeQuotation

Does NWU have bursary options?

Yes. For more information, visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/bursaries-and-loans

How do I apply for NSFAS?

NSFAS operates independently. For more information, visit: https://my.nsfas.org.za

Where can I check my NSFAS status?

NSFAS operates independently. For more information, visit: https://www.nsfas.org.za

What about Funza Lushaka?

Funza Lushaka operates independently. For more information, visit: http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/

What is a town residence?

A student community for those living off-campus, offering the same student life structure.