North-West University – It All Starts Here!
Why are your final Grade 11 results so important?
Your final Grade 11 results can shape your entire future, so make sure you do your best. At NWU and other universities, your Grade 11 marks are more than just report results – they are used to assess your university application.
- NWU uses your Grade 11 results to assess your application.
- These results create your first impression on a university level.
- Strong results may improve your chances of provisional admission.
- To secure your final acceptance, you need to maintain or improve your matric results.
What are the requirements to enter university?
- Obtain a National Senior Certificate (NSC) issued by Umalusi, which also indicates that you have fulfilled the requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
- The minimum requirements for admission to degree studies are an NSC with a minimum of 50% in four 20-credit NSC subjects.
- The APS is calculated using six (6) subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- Subject-specific requirements per faculty, which include the language of learning and teaching at 50%.
Explore your options
Explore the resources below to help you prepare for university:
- How to calculate my APS?
- Private and International School Systems
- Explore your study options (& admission requirements)
Find your future career with NWU’s Interest-Index!
The FREE NWU Interest-Index survey help you discover the careers and study fields that best match your interests and strengths
Once you've completed the survey, you'll receive a personalised report that will be vital in helping you make informed decisions about your academic journey, from choosing school subjects to pursuing tertiary education.
Please note:
- The Interest-Index is not intended to replace professional career guidance.
- For professional career guidance (psychometric testing), contact NWU Student Guidance Services Department on 018 299 2893. Or you can contact a Career Psychologist in your area.
- Book a consultation session with Student Counselling and Development (SCD)!
Choose your future career
NWU is known for its quality education and impactful qualifications. The university offers programmes across eight (8) faculties:
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Theology
Each faculty provides world-class programmes designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to soar in your chosen field. Whether you’re interested in business, education, or law, there is a programme that aligns with your goals.
What is a selection course?
When applying for your preferred field of study at the North-West University, it’s important to know that certain courses have additional assessments like a portfolio or an audition with the general requirements and expected academic performance levels (APS or Cambridge level).
Your Grade 11 results play a crucial role in the application process. Selection for various fields of study at NWU is primarily based on your academic performance in Grade 11 (final results) or Grade 12 (final results). We carefully consider these results, along with your overall academic performance, when identifying the best candidates for each programme.
Where is the NWU located?
Each NWU campus offers a unique student experience. Some qualifications are only offered at specific campuses, so it is important to check the correct campus for your chosen programme.
It All Starts Here!
Admission requirements
Please note that these admission requirements may change from year to year, and may also vary between faculties and programmes.
The information provided on this page is intended as a general guide. Prospective students should always refer to the latest edition of the NWU Yearbook for the most up-to-date programme information and admission requirements.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Due to limited capacity in some programmes, the University may select applicants based on their final Grade 11 results, with final admission being confirmed after the release of their final Grade 12 results.