Mark your calendar!
NWU Applications for 2027 Academic Year Open: 1 June 2026
Please note that applications for the 2027 academic year will open on 1 June 2026. Prospective applicants will be able to submit their applications online from 1 June 2026 until the closing date which will be announced in due course.
We urge the NWU stakeholders, including staff and students to share this information widely to prospective students, parents, and communities.
Selection Information
Paper / Academic Selection
Selection is based on the academic achievement of Grade 11 (final) or Grade 12 (June or final) results. The best candidates are selected, but average performance is also considered. Successful candidates must still meet the minimum requirements in the final Grade 12 exam.
Selection Tests
In addition to academic performance, some programs may require selection tests, which may include psychometric questionnaires. Please refer to the specific program information below.
Closing Dates for Selection Courses
- Music: 30 June 2025 — Visit the School of Music website for full information on the compulsory audition process.
- Graphic Design: Closing date and other important dates
- Urban and Regional Planning: 31 August
- All Other Selection Courses: 30 June
Important Notice:
Selection does not mean you must write a selection test. Different courses have different selection processes. Please carefully read the information on this page to determine if a selection test is required for your course.
Courses Requiring Selection and Admission Criteria
- Law (LLB and Extended LLB, BCom in Law, and BA in Law)
- Selection consists of the Grade11 marks (or final Grade 12 if available).
- The best candidates according to a ranking system based on results will be selected.
- Results of the selection will be made known before or by the end of August.
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- BA Graphic Design
- See selection information on Graphic design
- Music [Diploma in Music | BA Music & Society | BMus]
- Closing date for applications: 30 June 2025
- Selection consists of successful completion of up to two audition rounds.
- Visit the School of Music website for full information on the compulsory audition process.
Courses that require selection tests
Selection is done on the basis of academic achievement based on Grade 11 or 12 marks as well as a psychometric assessment. The psychometric evaluation includes personality, aptitude, and other questionnaires, as required by the specific academic programme.
- Theology
- Selection consists of Grade 11 marks (or Grade 12 if available). Only students who wish to train for the ministry in the Reformed Churches in South Africa must also undergo psychometric assessment. Information about the assessment arrangements will be communicated directly to the student by the faculty. Please note that distance learning students who wish to qualify for ministry within the Reformed Churches in South Africa must report to Potchefstroom Theological School (TSP) and undergo the necessary selection tests.
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Selection consists of the Grade 11 marks (or Grade 12 if available), an online questionnaire, and an interview with an Urban Planner.
- The interview with an Urban Planner document must be completed and submitted by 30 November (with the possibility of extension until registration).
- Select candidates may be asked to complete a psychometric assessment.
- Selection for Engineering - closing date for applicaitons: 31 August 2025
Once you submit your application, you will receive a letter informing you whether you meet the criteria for engineering studies. If you do not meet all the program requirements with your Grade 11 marks, you are still welcome to apply and wait for your Grade 12 results. Applicants who do not meet the program requirements may be considered for the Xcel program. .
Need help with your application? Watch our video guide!
Contact us!
E-mail: studies@nwu.ac.za | Toll free number: 0860 169 698 | WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 60 070 2606 | SMS number: 31750