If you’re thinking about studying this year, now is the best time to look into the application processes of the Universities you would like to attend. North-West University has created a streamlined application process that enables learners to find a suitable programme and launch their dreams into reality.
How To Apply To North-West University (NWU)
To become one of Africa’s internationally recognised schools, North-West University is taking steps to ensure this happens. This includes creating a more competitive learning environment for prospective students, in addition to embracing digital platforms. Now, students can complete the North-West University registration online in an easy-to-follow process.
Step 1: Create A New Application
To get the ball rolling, visit nwu.ac.za. Then click ‘Study at NWU’ and then select ‘apply here’ from the drop-down menu.
Once on the Application page, click to expand your level of study, whether that is Undergraduate or Postgraduate, and then click on ‘Apply Online.’ Once you’re on the ‘Apply Online,’ page click ‘New Application’ on the left side of the screen, and then click, ‘Create New Student Number.’
You will then be required to fill in your personal information and enter a pin. Remember that you should have access to the contact information you provide and remember the pin you choose, as this will be essential to continue the application process.
After completing this process, NWU will provide you with a student number.
Note:
To ensure the application process continues without any challenges, North-West University suggests using Google Chrome. If you don’t have the browser, you can download it here.
Step 2: Login Using Your Credentials
After receiving your student number, you can then log in using your student number and pin to complete your application process.
Step 3: Select What You Would Like To Study
After logging in, the online portal will prompt you to choose a programme you want to attend. You can do this by reviewing the yearbook, in addition to cross-referencing it with admission requirements to determine whether you are likely to be accepted into the course with your grades.
The NWU yearbooks give you insight into the rules and guidelines about attendance and passing marks, in addition to the curriculum and modules, you will complete in each semester. Having this knowledge enables you to determine – with certainty – if this is the programme you want to attend.
Once you’ve made your selection, you can review the basic admission requirements to be accepted into the programme.
Step 4: Upload Your Supporting Documents
Once you’ve selected your programme, you will be required to upload supporting documents.
The University needs these documents to consider your application.
All prospective undergraduate students will need to upload the following:
- Grade 12 results, Grade 11 results (final Grade 11 results), or a matric certificate if you’ve already passed matric.
- Completed and signed Undertaking. You can download the University’s Undertaking here.
- Copy of your ID
- Copy of your academic record (if applicable)
Once you’ve uploaded your documents click ‘Submit’ to complete your application, as NWU will not accept any incomplete applications.
NWU Registration Fees
For the 2027 application cycle, NWU charges a non-refundable administration fee of R150 for South African applicants and R600 for international applicants. It must be paid online before submission. Registration and minimum initial study payments are separate from the application administration fee and become payable according to the current financial rules. These fees can be paid at the beginning of the academic year using the banking details found below.
The amounts below are NWU’s published minimum first payments for 2026, not a 2027 quotation. NSFAS-funded students are exempt from the minimum first payment. International and other special categories follow separate rules. Obtain the official quotation for your intake before paying.
First-Year Residents Students:
Registration Fee (2026): R2 525
First Payment on Tuition Fees (2026): R10 330
First Payment on Residence Fees (2026): R11 320
R&O package: the former separate R1 200 amount is not part of the published 2026 minimum-payment table; confirm any additional charge with NWU
Total Compulsory First Payment (2026): R24 175
First Year Non-Residents Students
Registration Fee (2026): R2 525
First Payment on Tuition Fees (2026): R10 330
First Payment on Residence Fees: None
R&O package: confirm any separate current charge with NWU; it is not an additional item in the published 2026 minimum-payment table
Total Compulsory First Payment (2026): R12 855
You can pay your first compulsory minimum fee into:
Bank: ABSA
Account Number: 407 009 9350
Name of Account: NWU STUDENT
Branch Code: 632 005,
Branch Name: Tom Street
For tuition, residence and other student-account payments, use your eight-digit NWU student number as the reference. The old application-payment reference alternatives below are not current instructions for paying a study-fee account:
Do not use an A-prefixed ID number for a study-fee payment.
Use the eight-digit NWU student number, without an A prefix.
Do not substitute a birth date and surname for the student-account reference.
What Are North-West University’s Acceptance Requirements?
Each course has its own APS that prospective students will need to meet to be eligible to apply for that course. If you’re currently in Grade 12, your APS will be based on your Grade 11 results. However, you will still need to confirm your final Grade 12 results to ensure you’re accepted. You can determine what your APS needs to be by going to the Fields of Study Admission Requirements
Can You Get A Discount on NWU Fees?
To get a discount on your fees, consider early payment.
The University gives a 2.5% settlement discount for early payments. However, this discount does not apply to registration fees and only to tuition and residence fees. Additionally, students who are receiving financial assistance do not qualify for this discount.
For 2026, the early-settlement deadline was 31 March: the full tuition and residence balance had to be reflected by then. Confirm the settlement amount in advance and request the 2.5% discount in writing; it is not automatic and excludes students receiving financial aid. Check the new financial rules for any 2027 deadline.
Email the prospective campuses to confirm the discount:
Mahikeng Campus: mc-studyfees@nwu.ac.za
Potchefstroom Campus: pc-studyfees@nwu.ac.za
Vanderbijlpark Campus: vaalaccounts@nwu.ac.za
When Is North-West University’s Closing Date for Applications?
For 2027 entry, NWU’s current application page lists an opening date of 1 June 2026. Selection courses closed on 30 June 2026; other courses and residence applications closed on 31 August 2026. The programme-specific dates below replace the old 2022 schedule:
For Music, check the current programme page for audition and selection arrangements; do not use an earlier 31 August deadline as the general selection deadline.
For Graphic Design, check the current portfolio and selection requirements and their deadlines.
For Engineering, Occupational Hygiene, and Urban and Regional Planning, consult the current programme page; the 2027 general final deadline was 31 August 2026.
For Pharmacy, use the current faculty selection deadline; the 2027 general selection deadline was 30 June 2026.
For other selection programmes, the 2027 general deadline was 30 June 2026; consult the specific programme for any earlier requirements.
Read Also: How to Track NWU Application and Access Prospectus
What Does My Application Status Mean?
If you’re tracking your application status, you should understand what your status means to ensure your application doesn’t fall through the cracks. This brief overview will give you a better understanding of what your application status means.
Subject to Selection:
If the course you applied to includes a selection process, your application is pending until the University confirms you meet the selection criteria.
Subject to Faculty:
The faculty for your programme will determine your application process based on your year-end results.
Subject to Fin Gr12:
Your application is provisionally approved. However, to confirm this approval, your final Grade 12 results will need to be reviewed to determine if you meet the course’s minimum requirements.
Waiting List:
Due to capacity restrictions, your application is currently on a waiting list. If capacity allows, NWU will reconsider your application subject to capacity and its current admissions schedule.
Waiting for Approval:
This indicates your application has been received and is currently awaiting approval. If you haven’t received any updates in three weeks, you can contact NWU.
Next Choice Being Co:
If you haven’t been accepted to your first choice, this status indicates your next choice is being considered.
If you get stuck with the application process at any point, consider reaching out to NWU by contacting 0860 169 698. The school also has a WhatsApp line that you can reach on +27 60 070 2606.
