The importance of the right subject choices cannot be underestimated. 

Why is subject selection so important?

The academic curriculum from Grade R to Grade 9 prepares you for making subject choices. You have to choose a minimum of seven subjects for Grade 10, which will form the basis for possible further studies as well as your future career choices.

The seven subjects you choose will include three compulsory and four elective subjects. The subjects you choose should be done based on the knowledge you’ve acquired so far, how much you’ve enjoyed the subjects, and what skills you’ve learned and want to take forward. You must understand the degree of difficulty of the subjects. Will you be able to master your chosen subjects?

Vocational guidance is extremely important and should form part of making an informed decision. Professional vocational guidance is naturally the best option when subject choices are involved. Trained professionals assess you based on your interests, values, aptitude, and academic achievements to give you the best possible options.

If you can’t afford this service, the NWU’s free Interest-Index is a good starting point. It gives you possible careers based on your interests which will guide your study options and subject choices. Or you can contact the NWU Career Centre for psychometric testing.

The right subject choices determine the success of your dreams – choose well. 

 

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Requirements for Grade 10 subjects

Seven subjects:

  • Four compulsory subjects (2 Languages, Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy and LO)
  • Three further subjects from the 25 approved subjects.

NSC 20-Credit Approved Subjects (25)

(Choose minimum 3 subjects)

Agricultural Science, Drama, Music, Visual Art, Accounting, Business Studies, Economy, Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), Geography, History, Religious Studies, Information Technology (IT), Life Science, Physical Science, Consumer Studies, Agricultural Management Practices, Agricultural Technology, Dance Studies, Design, Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Computer Applications Technology (CAT), Hospitality Studies and Tourism.

Requirements for admission to study at NWU

  1. A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an endorsement for a bachelor’s degree, issued by Umalusi.
  2. An NSC with at least 50% in any four NSC 20 credit subjects.
  3. The admission requirements of the particular university with regards to the language of learning and teaching (at least 50% to 70% in the language of instruction).
  4. The required Academic Point Scale (APS) or Cambridge level is determined by universities for specific study programmes.
  5. Subject-specific requirements for specific study programs (e.g. Mathematics 70% and Physical Science 60% for Engineering).

Compulsory school subjects required to study at NWU

Language 1: English or Afrikaans

  • Medium of teaching and learning.
  • Compulsory for all programmes.
  • 50% − 70% minimum accepted.

Language 2

Mathematics

  • Compulsory for all BCom, BSc, and Engineering.

Mathematics and Literacy

  • Acceptable for all BA, BCom, and BCom Extended Degrees.
  • BA Law: Math / Maths Literacy
  • BCom Econ and Marketing: Math 50%
  • BCom CA: Math 60%, Accounting 50%
  • BA Communication Official Language 70%, 2nd Language 60%

Admission requirements

Please note the above admission requirements can change pending selection and possible faculty-specific requirements.

Study information is also subject to change, and this is a summary of the general fields of study. This information was compiled for introduction and orientation purposes and the North-West University accepts no liability for inaccuracies that may occur in this guide. The official yearbook of the University must be consulted in all cases during the process of compiling a programme for a specific field of study. The appropriate yearbook is available on request at:

Please note that owing to specific capacity constraints, the University reserves the right to select candidates for admission to certain study fields. 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 based on their Grade 12 results for admission to these fields.