When does the orientation programme for first-year students start?

The 2025 First-Year Orientation Programme will run from 1 - 8 February 2025. For more information, please visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/first-year-students-2025

Where can I get my proof of registration?

Log in to the Student Portal homepage, click on “Registration” to open the drop-down menu and download your proof of registration.

When does the registration period start?

The NWU’s registration period starts on 20 January 2025. Please note that you won’t be able to register online until you have received a final offer from the NWU. For more information, please visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/first-year-students-2025

What are the move-in dates?

The move-in period for first-year students placed in NWU residences is from 30 January to 2 February 2025. For more information, please visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/first-year-students-2025

When can I make changes to my courses (modules) or qualification?

You can make changes during the registration period. When registration closes, the amendment period ends.

If you need to change your course (module) or qualification, log on to the Student Engagement Portal, open the Student Helpdesk, and submit a request under the Student Records/Requests category. Then, choose the “Change qualification” subcategory.

Can I register conditionally?

You can no longer have a “preliminary” or “conditionally registered” status. Instead, students who haven’t paid their minimum fees, settled any outstanding debts or confirmed alternative funding (such as bursaries, student loans or NSFAS) will be placed in a registration hold group. Once the financial requirements are met, they will have full access to the NWU Student system and can register for courses.

How does the recognition of prior learning (RPL) or transfer of credits from previous study work?

Log in to the Student Portal homepage, click on “Academics” and select “Transfer Credits.” From there you can add any completed courses (modules) that are relevant to the qualification you are studying.

Where can I access my class schedule?

NWU’s system now includes real-time access to personal class and exam schedules, along with assignment grades and important university dates. When students select courses, the system automatically checks for schedule conflicts. If a clash occurs, the student is prompted to adjust their selection to resolve the conflict.

How can I deregister?

If a student wishes to drop a course after initially registering, they can use the unregister option within the registration platform, as long as it’s within the allowed timeframe. A confirmation prompt will appear to ensure they wish to proceed, making it easy to manage course changes within one system.

How can I choose electives?

When choosing electives, students must stay within the credit limits (e.g., a total of 12 credits). If they attempt to register for more than the allowed number of credits, a notification will pop up prompting them to adjust their selection. This will ensure that they remain within the elective credit limits required by their programme.

How do I change my qualifications or campus?

During the amendment period in their first academic year, prospective students may request to change their qualification. However, admission is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. On the Student Portal homepage, you can request assistance in changing your qualification through the “Student Helpdesk” section.
Certain programmes are only offered on specific campuses.

What are the registration fees?

NWU registration fees and minimum first payments can be found at: http://services.nwu.ac.za/student-accounts-and-bursaries/payable-fees

How do I remove/add a course (module)?

Log in to the “Student Portal homepage” and go to the registration section on the menu. To add a course, click the plus icon next to the course name on the “Course Offerings” page. Once added, the icon will remain green. To remove a course, click the minus icon next to the module you wish to remove. To cancel a course after the registration period has ended, click the drop icon. Please note that dropping a module after registration may have financial implications.

How can I contact the Registration Office?

There are several ways to make an enquiry in the “Student Helpdesk” section of the Student Engagement Portal.

When do I need to pay the minimum fees?

Please pay the minimum fees after logging into your Student Portal. An online payment option will be available. Make sure you have the correct bank details to complete the payment. For the latest information on payable fees, please visit the “Payable Fees” webpage on the NWU website.

What is my registration status?

Your registration status is displayed on the “Student Portal homepage”.

Can I register if I have outstanding fees?

Please ensure that all fees owed to NWU are paid in full before the next registration period. If you have outstanding fees from the previous year, this may prevent you from registering for courses. It’s important to understand that there are no exceptions to paying the required minimum fees: https://services.nwu.ac.za/student-accounts-and-bursaries/payable-fees.

What should students know about registering at NWU if they are waiting for confirmation of NSFAS funding or an external bursary?

NSFAS students must be listed on the “Funded” report before Student Finances will remove you from the “Registration Hold Group”.
All students placed on “Registration Hold’’ will receive notification of the steps to take to upload their Bursary, Bank or Fundi Loan Letters via the “My Documents” functionality available on the “Student Portal”. The Debt Collection Department will review each request and remove you from the “Registration Hold Group”.

Can I register if I have outstanding debts?

No, you cannot register if you have outstanding debts. You will need to clear the debt before you can proceed with registration. You must also pay the minimum registration fee.

What do I do if I have an outstanding balance and am funded by NSFAS?

If you are an NSFAS-funded student with an outstanding balance, you will need to acknowledge this debt by signing an Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) form. To sign the AOD online, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Student Portal using your student credentials.
2. Go to the “My Bursaries” section.
3. Select the AOD option.
4. Read the AOD document carefully to understand the details.
5. Sign and submit the form.

Once you’ve signed the AOD, you can proceed with your registration.

Why do I have an outstanding balance if I'm funded by NSFAS?

The outstanding balance could be due to:

• NSFAS payments that have not yet been received or processed.
• Costs that NSFAS does not cover according to its funding criteria.
• Balance from previous years when you were not approved for NSFAS funding.

If any of these apply to your situation, you must acknowledge the debt through the AOD process.

Is the Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) only for NSFAS students?

The AOD is specifically for NSFAS-funded students. It will only be available to you on the Student Portal if you are receiving NSFAS funding for 2025. You must sign the AOD to acknowledge your outstanding debt before proceeding with registration.

What should I do if I have other bursary or loan funding but still have outstanding debt from the previous year?

If you have funding from a bursary or loan and have outstanding debt from the previous year, you can get help by submitting a ticket through the Student Portal Helpdesk. Select the “Student Finance” category and then the “Debt Collection” sub-category to get assistance and guidance on how to settle the debt.

When can I sign the AOD form?

The AOD form will be available on the Student Portal for NSFAS-funded students enrolling for the 2025 academic year. Make sure you complete it before proceeding with your registration.

How do I access the AOD form?

To access the AOD form, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Student Portal with your student credentials.
2. Navigate to the "My Bursaries" section.
3. Select the AOD option.
4. Carefully read and sign the document.

Once submitted, your AOD request will be processed and you can proceed with your registration.

How do I access eFundi?

Log in to eFundi at https://efundi.nwu.ac.za/portal/ using your assigned NWU email address (e.g., 12345678@mynwu.ac.za).