Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about registration 2026

When does the registration period start?

Starting dates for the 2026 registration period:

Registration dates: first-year (contact and distance) students

First-year students all faculties 

19 January 2026

Registration for first-year students closes, considering qualification capacity. 

7 February 2026

Registration dates: senior (contact and distance) students 

Early returns for academic reasons, and student leaders 

19 January 2026

Business School 

19 January 2026

Faculty of Education senior students 

26-27 January 2026

Faculty of Health Sciences senior students 

28-29 January 2026

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Seniors 

30 January 2026

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Seniors 

2 February 2026

Faculty of Humanities Seniors 

3 February 2026

Faculty of Engineering Seniors 

4 February 2026

Faculty of Theology Seniors 

5 February 2026

Faculty of Law Seniors 

5 February 2026

Final opportunity to register for all outstanding students 

5 -6 February 2026

 

For more information, please visit:  https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/first-year-students-2026

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

The 2026 Orientation Programme for first-year students from 31 January – 07 February 2026. For more information, please visit:  https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/first-year-students-2026

Where do I get my proof of registration?

Once you have registered, log in to the Student Portal, and click on “Registration” to download your proof of registration from the drop-down menu.

What are the move-in dates?

First-year students can move into NWU residences from 29 January 2026; continuing onwards as registration process unfolds. For more information, please visit: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/first-year-students-2026  

How and when can I make changes to my courses (modules)?

You can make changes to your courses (modules) during the registration period. When registration closes, the amendment period ends.

How and when can I make changes to my qualification?

If you need to change your qualification, log in to the Student Portal, open the Student Helpdesk, and submit a request under the Registration: Student Requests category.

What is my registration status?

Your registration status is displayed on the Student Portal, and registration portal dashboard when you log in.

Can I register conditionally?

You cannot register “provisionally” or “conditionally”. 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, 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.

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

If you want to drop a course after initially registering, you can use the unregister option within the registration platform during the registration period. A confirmation prompt will appear to ensure that you wish to proceed, making it easy to manage course changes within one system.

After the registration period, you can submit a request under the Registration: Student Requests category on the Student Helpdesk.

How can I deregister? | How can I cancel my studies?

Log in to the Student Portal, open the Student Helpdesk, and submit a “Cancellation of studies” request under the Registration: Student Requests category.

How can I choose electives?

When you register, you will see two types of courses based on your faculty’s yearbook. The registration page will show the core courses for the year, followed by a list of electives. When selecting electives, make sure you stay within the credit limit (e.g. a total of 12 credits).

If you exceed this limit, you will be prompted to adjust your selection. This will ensure that you remain within the required elective credit limits for your qualification. The system will also alert you if there are any conflicts with your schedule.

How do I change my qualifications or campus?

During the amendment period in their first academic year, prospective students can apply to change their qualification. However, admission is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. On the Student Portal, 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?

For the NWU registration fees and minimum first payments, visit:  http://services.nwu.ac.za/student-accounts-and-bursaries/payable-fees

How can I pay my registration fees?

Pay your minimum payable fees via the payment portal: https://sos.nwu.ac.za/nwu-payment-portal/

How do I contact the Registration Office?

Please log your registration enquiry on the “Student Helpdesk” section of the Student Portal.

When do I need to pay the minimum fees?

Please pay your minimum fees after you have accepted your final offer from NWU. An online payment option is available. For the latest information on payable fees, please visit: https://services.nwu.ac.za/student-accounts-and-bursaries/payable-fees.

Can I register if I have outstanding fees?

No, you cannot register if you have outstanding fees. Ensure that all fees owed to the NWU are paid in full before the 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 be notified 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”.

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

NSFAS students should ensure that your funding has been approved by NSFAS and sign the Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) where applicable. For payment arrangements, contact the Debt Collection Department, and upload bursary and loan letters on the student portal. 

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?

Yes, 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 2026. 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 Helpdesk. Select the “Student Finance” category and then the “Debt Collection” sub-category for help and advice on how to settle the debt.

When can I sign the Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) form?

The AOD form will be available on the Student Portal for NSFAS-funded students enrolling for the 2026 academic year. Make sure you complete it before proceeding with your registration.

When can I get a fee quotation?

First-time applicants will receive a fee quotation upon acceptance of the conditional offer and again upon acceptance of the final offer. Current or senior students can request a fee quotation online by navigating to the Student Portal > My Finance > Fee Quotation.

How do I access eFundi?

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

Do you have browser issues when you try to login to the Student Portal?

Please do not open multiple versions of the Student Portal on a single screen or device, as the portal may remember your previous login, which could cause issues. Please ensure you sign out of your account by clicking the User icon at the top of the Student Portal before logging in again.

Why is my account on the Student Portal blocked (Access is blocked by the organization)?

Please ensure you are not logging in with your “mynwu.ac.za” email address. Use your Student Portal login username, which should contain “mysis-nwu.ac.za”.
If the issue persists, clear your browser history and restart your computer or mobile device.

Do not open multiple versions of the Student Portal on a single screen or device, as it may remember your previous login, causing issues. Always sign out by clicking the User icon at the top of the Student Portal before logging in again.