When do the NWU’s applications open each year?

NWU’s applications open annually on 1 April.

What are the admission requirements?

The admission requirements for our various courses can be found at https://studies.nwu.ac.za/undergraduate-studies/fields-study.

What is my application status?

To check or verify your status, click here, and log in with your university number that was allocated to you when you first applied.

Please contact the Admissions Office on 018 285 4320.

How can I retrieve my university number?

To retrieve your university number, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the application portal.
  2. Click on the option “Forgotten University Number.”
  3. Follow the provided instructions and fill out the required information.

Your university number will be sent to the email address and cell phone number you have confirmed.

How can I retrieve my PIN?

Retrieve your PIN by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Go to the “Login window”.
  • Step 2: Click on “Forgotten your PIN”.
  • Step 3: Read the instructions and complete the required fields. Click “Next”.
  • Step 4: Your PIN will be sent to the email address and cell phone number you applied with.

If the above was unsuccessful, please contact the Applications Office on 018 285 4320.

Can I get a quote for studies?

You can contact our finance offices for a quotation using the following email addresses:

Or visit: https://services.nwu.ac.za/student-accounts-and-bursaries/quotations

What is the application fee?

There is no application fee payable at the time of application. For international students there is a fee of R575.

How can I apply for bursaries?

Information on bursaries is available at: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/bursaries-and-loans. If you have specific questions or would like to apply, you can contact the following email addresses based on your campus:

Mahikeng Campus:

Potchefstroom Campus:

Vanderbijlpark Campus:

For sports bursaries, please contact Corene Middleton directly at corene.middleton@nwu.ac.za.

Where can I check my NSFAS status?

NSFAS functions on its own. NWU only receives a list of successful applicants and then opens their accounts for registration. To check your NSFAS status, please visit the official NSFAS website at https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/index.html

How and where do I apply for NSFAS?

Visit: https://my.nsfas.org.za/mynsfas/selfservice.html for information on NSFAS. If you don’t have access to online resources, you are welcome to visit any tertiary institution that will assist you in applying for NSFAS online.

  • Please ensure that you have a valid email address, cell phone number and the required supporting documents.

I haven’t heard anything from Funza Lushaka.

Funza Lushaka operates independently, and NWU only receives confirmation of successful applicants towards the end of March. If you haven’t heard from them, please visit the official Funza Lushaka website at http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/ to enquire about the status of your application.

When are your Open Days for NWU?

The NWU’s three campus open days are in May. For more information, please visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/open-days

We encourage prospective students to apply at https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/apply and view our course offerings at https://studies.nwu.ac.za/undergraduate-studies/fields-study.

When do NWU’s applications close?

The closing date for selection courses and residence applications is 30 June.

  • It’s important to note that if you wish to apply for residence admission, you must submit your application before the closing date for selection courses.

For all other courses, the closing date is 31 August.

    Can I change my course after I have applied?

    You can change your course provided that there are places available in the faculty of your choice and that you meet the admission requirements for the new course. To initiate this change, please send your request to the Admissions Office at 018 285 4320.

    How do I apply for the residences?

    You can apply for the residences when you apply to the NWU by completing the online application. The options for the different residences are listed on the online application.

    Where can I find out about my residence status?

    Please contact the following offices to find out about your residence status:

    Can I get information on how to take a psychometric test in order to make subject choices?

    You can book a career guidance session using the Student Counselling & Development (SCD) Consultation Form. You can also complete our Interest-Index survey: https://interestindex.co.za for assistance.

    Can I still qualify to study at NWU, if I have studied at another institution?

    When you apply, you still need to add your matric certificate along with the academic record from your current institution. The faculty will decide on admission and credits.

    I am experiencing technical difficulties during the online application process – who can I contact?

    Watch this helpful video – it will guide you through the application process. Please contact the Admissions Office at 018 285 4320 for assistance.

    How long does it take to get feedback after applying?

    We aim to reply as quickly as possible, but we receive a large number of applications. This also depends on whether all the relevant documents have been submitted and the timeframe in which you apply.

    My ID number already exists on the system when I want to apply online – who can I contact?

    Contact the Admissions Office on 018 285 4320.

    For which courses do I qualify?

    If you’re unsure about which course to pursue, you can begin with our Interest-Index tool at https://interestindex.co.za. It will help identify potential qualifications based on your interests. Afterward, you can explore our faculty pages at https://studies.nwu.ac.za/undergraduate-studies/fields-study for details about our courses and their respective admission requirements.

    I am disabled or need additional support. Who can I contact or where can I register for it?

    During the online application process there is a section during the process where this information can be captured. You are also welcome to contact Thuso at 018 299 1777.

    Do I have to write the NBTs? How does selection work at the NWU?

    No, NWU does not make use of NBT tests. For our selection procedure, visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/undergraduate-studies/selection

    I am experiencing problems with my online application.

    Contact the Admissions Office on 018 285 4320.

    My application was unsuccessful due to academic motivations. What does this mean?

    You do not adhere to one or all of the following requirements:

    • Do not qualify for Baccalaureus (university admission)
    • Correct APS
    • Specific subject requirement for the degree.

    My application was unsuccessful due to capacity limitations. What does this mean?

    Please note that, owing to specific capacity constraints, the NWU reserves the right to select candidates for admission to certain fields of study.
    This means that prospective students who comply with the minimum requirements will not automatically be admitted to the courses in question. Because of the capacity limitations and the high demand from students for admission to particular fields of study, students will be selected on the basis of their Grade 12 results for admission to these fields.

    What is a town residence and how does it operate?

    Students who do not reside in on-campus residences (such as those living in rooms, apartments, outside rooms, or with their parents) can engage in organised student life by joining a “town residence”.
    Town residences operate similarly to traditional on-campus residences and follow the same organizational structure and guidelines.

    Can I use a birth certificate for my application?

    No, you must provide an ID for your application.

    What is the difference between BA in Law and LLB?

    An LLB is a degree focused specifically on law and is a requirement for registration as an Advocate or Attorney. The duration of the LLB degree is 4 years.

    The duration of the BA Law is 3 years and consists of law subjects and one of the following main subjects: English, Industrial Psychology, Philosophy, Political Studies, and Psychology. After completing the BA degree, students can pursue an additional two years of full-time study to obtain an LLB degree.

    How can I update my contact details?

    If you have already submitted your application, you can update your contact details on the applications webpage. 

    Follow these steps:

    1. Log in with your university number and your chosen PIN.
    2. Click on “Already have a university number”.
    3. Select “Update contact details on existing application”.
    4. You will be directed to the Contact Details page where you can make the necessary updates, and these changes will be reflected throughout your application.

    How can I update my application details?

    If you have already submitted your application and wish to change your qualification or campus, please contact the Admissions Office at 018 285 4320.

    • Please include your university number and contact details in your email.