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2027 Intake · It All Starts Here
Apply to North-West University — one of South Africa's leading multi-campus universities.
Formed in 2004 through the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the University of the North-West, NWU serves students across three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark. Here's exactly what you need to apply for 2027, and by when.
8Faculties
R150Application Fee (SA)
31 Aug2026 General Closing Date
About the university
It All Starts Here, since 2004
North-West University came into being on 1 January 2004 through the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the University of the North-West, with the Sebokeng campus of Vista University also incorporated. The merger brought together very different institutional histories under one university, spanning two provinces.
NWU operates from three campuses — Potchefstroom (home to the Institutional Office), Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark — and offers programmes across eight faculties. Applications for the 2027 academic year have drawn strong demand, with close to 20,000 applications received within days of opening, against roughly 11,900 available first-year spaces.
Good to know
NWU's Admission Point Score (APS) is calculated from your six best subjects in your final school year, excluding Life Orientation. Check your target programme's specific APS and subject requirements before applying, as these vary across NWU's three campuses and eight faculties.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
NWU applies an earlier closing date for selection programmes, with general programmes and residences following about two months later — always check your specific programme before you wait.
1 JUNE 2026
Applications open
The NWU online application system opens for the 2027 academic year, for first-time, returning and transfer applicants alike.
30 JUNE 2026
Selection programmes close
Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Music and other selection-based, high-demand courses close on this earlier date.
31 AUGUST 2026
General closing date
Final date for general undergraduate programmes and residence applications. Late applications are rarely accepted, and only if space remains.
30 NOVEMBER 2026
Postgraduate closing date
The closing date for postgraduate applications. The official NWU prospectus and website may list additional, programme-specific deadlines — always verify directly.
Online only
How to apply to NWU
NWU applications are submitted online, with a non-refundable administration fee required from all applicants.
01
Before you start
- Calculate your APS score using your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID or passport and your latest school results or matric certificate.
- Have proof-of-payment ready for the R150 (South African applicants) or R600 (international applicants) administration fee.
02
Submit online
- Go to the official NWU online application portal at studies.nwu.ac.za.
- Register with an active email address to receive your university number and PIN.
- Select up to two study programmes and your preferred campus, then complete your personal and academic details.
- Pay the administration fee online, upload your supporting documents, and submit before your programme's closing date.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 final results, or latest Grade 12 results if you're a current matriculant
- National Senior Certificate interim or final results, once available
- Proof of payment for the administration fee, paid online through the application portal
- SAQA evaluation and certified passport copy for international applicants
Costs
Application fees
South African applicantsR150 (non-refundable)
International applicantsR600 (non-refundable)
Payment methodOnline application portal only
⚠️ Meeting the minimum APS and subject requirements does not guarantee admission — NWU can only accommodate around 11,900 first-year students for 2027. Apply as early as possible, especially for selection programmes.
Where you could study
Faculties at a glance
Faculty
Economic and Management Sciences
Business, accounting, economics and management-related programmes with an entrepreneurial focus.
Faculty
Education
Foundation, intermediate, senior and FET phase teaching qualifications across NWU's campuses.
Faculty
Engineering
Selection-based engineering disciplines based mainly at the Potchefstroom Campus.
Faculty
Health Sciences
Nursing, Pharmacy, Dietetics and Occupational Therapy among the faculty's selection programmes.
Faculty
Humanities
Language, communication, social science and Music programmes across NWU's campuses.
Faculty
Law
Legal studies preparing graduates for practice and further legal training.
Faculty
Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Science, agriculture, environmental and mathematical sciences programmes.
Faculty
Theology
Theological studies based primarily at the Potchefstroom Campus.
Three campuses, two provinces
Where NWU is based
Potchefstroom
Main campus and Institutional Office, in North West province.
Mahikeng
Serves students across North West province.
Vanderbijlpark
NWU's campus in Gauteng, formerly the Vaal Triangle Campus.
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Frequently asked questions
When do NWU 2027 applications open and close?
Applications opened on 1 June 2026. Selection programmes like Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Music closed on 30 June 2026. General undergraduate programmes and residence applications close on 31 August 2026, and postgraduate applications close on 30 November 2026 — always confirm the exact date for your programme.
How much is the application fee?
R150 for South African applicants and R600 for international applicants, both non-refundable, required from all applicants for the 2027 academic year. Payment must be made online before the application can be submitted.
How is my APS calculated?
Your six best subjects from your final school year are added together, excluding Life Orientation.
Where is NWU located?
NWU has three campuses — Potchefstroom (main campus) and Mahikeng in North West province, and Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the University of the North-West, with the Sebokeng campus of Vista University also incorporated.
What faculties does NWU offer?
Eight faculties: Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Theology.
It all starts here — starts with applying.
Get your documents ready and submit your North-West University application before your programme's closing date.
Apply to NWU Now →