How To Apply To North West University

By | July 13, 2022

How To Apply To North West University

Step 1: Getting a student number (start at step 2 if you already have one)

Please note that the allocation of a student number does not mean that you have completed the application process. Please go through all the steps below to ensure that your application is complete and that it reaches us. Incomplete applications will not be processed by the University.

Step 2: Log in
When you receive a student number, use that together with the PIN number you created to log in.
Step 3: What do you want to study?
Complete all the fields. Use the yearbooks to obtain more information about the qualifications, modes of delivery and curricula.

Step 4: Upload supporting documents
In order to consider your application, please upload the following supporting documents:

  • Available grade 12 marks (or gr 11 if the gr 12 marks are not available yet), or a copy of your matric certificate – if you have already passed matric.
  • Copy of your ID
  • Copy of your academic record (if applicable).
  • Additional documents for international prospective students:
    • A copy of relevant results
    • A copy of your passport

Step 5: Submit application
Please make sure that you press the Submit application button when you have finished ensuring that we receive your application.

Payable Fees

  • More information on payable fees

Banking details:

  • ABSA account number: 409 169 1369
  • Name of account: NW University Online Registrations
  • Branch code & name: 632 005, Tom Street
  • Reference:
    • A + Prospective student’s ID no OR
    • A + student no OR
    • A+ Date of birth and surname

North-West University Application Closing Dates

Non-selection courses: 30 September
Selection courses: 30 June
Undergraduate enquiries
018 285 4320
applicationsug@nwu.ac.za
Click here for More on NWU Application Closing Dates

North West University Postgraduate Application

How to apply for master’s degree and doctoral studies

  • Getting a student number/university number does not imply that the applicant has been accepted for the programme they applied for. A student number/university number is issued for administrative purposes only.
  • All documents must be certified by a commissioner of oaths, attorney and/or university official.
  • If any of your qualifications were obtained at any non-South African institution, an evaluation certificate as issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) must be submitted. Applicants can apply for the evaluation certificate from  SAQA.
  • Please note that if any of the documents you have to submit were issued in your maiden name, you have to also submit a certified marriage certificate.
  • Additional information may be required by the relevant faculty.

Guidelines for applicants

Apply as follows:

I am a current NWU student (I just can’t get enough of the NWU)

  1. Apply online
  2. The following supporting documents must be added online to your form (SA citizens):
  • A certified copy of your SA ID document (or your passport if you are an international student).
  • Certified copies of academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained from other tertiary education institutions.
  • Certified copies of all certificates/diplomas/degrees from other tertiary institutions.

I am an alumnus (former student) of the NWU (I want more of the NWU)

  1. Apply online
  2. The following supporting documents must be added online to your form (SA citizens):
  • A certified copy of your SA ID document (or your passport if you are an international student).
  • Certified copies of academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained from other tertiary education institutions.
  • Certified copies of all certificates/diplomas/degrees from other tertiary institutions.

I am a new NWU applicant (I want to be a part of the NWU):  South African citizens

  1. Apply online
  2. The following supporting documents must be added online to your form (SA citizens):
  • A certified copy of your SA ID document (or your passport if you are an international student).
  • Certified copies of academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained from other tertiary education institutions.
  • Certified copies of all certificates/diplomas/degrees from other tertiary institutions.

I am a new NWU applicant (I want to be a part of the NWU): International applicants
Please note:

  • All international students must pay the full amount for their proposed study and relevant costs in advance before registration can be finalised.
  • Upon receipt of all the relevant documents, your application will be evaluated by the relevant faculty. Please note that it can take up to six months to process an application, however, postgraduate registrations are accepted up to the end of March of each year. The academic year at North-West University runs from January to December.
  • All prospective international students must report to the International Office of the North-West University upon arrival on campus for assistance regarding study permits and accommodation. Please submit the following when reporting to the International Office:
    • A sworn statement or bank guarantee must be submitted to ensure that you have access to the necessary finances that will enable you to undertake your studies and to cover your living expenses for the full duration of your studies;
    • Proof of medical cover for the duration of your studies at North-West University. The International Office will provide assistance if needed.
  • Further guidelines

Apply here:

  1. Apply online
  2. The following supporting documents should accompany your application form:
    1. A certified copy of your passport
    2. Certified copies of all academic transcripts, including final results of all qualifications obtained.
    3. Certified copies of all certificates/diplomas/degrees (An evaluation certificate as issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) must be submitted if your previous qualification was obtained in a foreign country. The evaluation certificate may be obtained by visiting the SAQA website www.saqa.org.za.)
    4. A certificate of conduct, as issued by the registrar of the university/college/technikon where you were (or are currently) registered.
    5. A certificate of proof of English proficiency:
      • Prospective students from non-English speaking countries must submit a certificate of English language proficiency, either the TOEFL score sheet or results of the University of Cambridge International English Language Testing System. Students who completed their studies through an English-medium institution prior to submitting their application may apply in writing for exemption from the TOEFL test. Find the TOEFL test here:http://www.ets.org.toefl/.
    6. Proof of payment of the application fee (non-refundable) of R550 for international students
    7. Bank details:
      • Account name: NWU Online Registrations 
      • Bank: ABSA
      • Account number: 4091691369    
      • Branch code: 632-005
      • Reference number:
        • NWU student number/university number OR
        • H + ID number if the applicant is a South African citizen e.g. H8401235057089 OR
        • H + date of birth and surname if the applicant is not a South African citizen e.g. H840123Jacobs

Types of Selection At NWU:

Paper / Academic selection: Selection is done on the academic achievement of Gr 11 or Gr 12 marks and the best candidates are selected. Average performance is also taken into account.
Faculty selection
Selection tests
Closing date: 30 June
Faculty selection:
BCur Nursing –
B Consumer Studies
B Consumer Sciences:
Sciences in Food Product Management Sciences in Fashion Retail Management
BA Graphic Design
BSc Dietetics
BPharm (Pharmacy)
Biokinetics
Diploma in Coaching Science
BHSc (with Human Movement Sciences)
BA Music & Society: contact Jané Muller +27(18) 299 1692
Diploma in Music: contact Jané Muller +27(18) 299 1692
BMus (Music): contact Jané Muller +27(18) 299 1692
Courses that require selection tests:
Selection is done on the basis of academic achievement based on Gr 11 or Gr 12 marks as well as a psychometric assessment. The psychometric evaluation includes personality, aptitude and other questionnaires, as required by the specific studying direction. Some courses also require subject specific tests such as Mathematics or Chemistry and Physics. When appointments are made for the tests, students will be notified if they also have to write subject-specific tests and what to study for these.
Law (LLB, BA Law and BCom Law)
B Social Work
Theology
BSc in Urban and Regional Planning
In order to book a selection test, the appointment form can be completed electronically or appointments may be made telephonically using any of these numbers 018 299 2890/2896/2893. Be sure to contact us to obtain information about the venues.
Test centres (dates are available on the electronic appointment form):
Bloemfontein
Durban
George
Kempton Park
Mahikeng
Middelburg (Mpumalanga)
Nelspruit
Polokwane
Potchefstroom
Pretoria
Stellenbosch
Upington
Vanderbijlpark
Vryburg
Walvisbaai (Namibia)
Windhoek (Namibia)
Please do not make an appointment if you have not yet applied.
Engineering
After you have submitted your application, you will receive a letter informing you whether you meet the criteria to be subjected to the selection process. As soon as you have received the letter (issued by the CAAO / Admissions Office), you may contact the Faculty of Engineering for an appointment to write the Engineering Test. Read more about the selection process for Engineering and find all the available dates for the Engineering test.
HEQSF alignment
All universities in South Africa were obligated by law to take part in a National Project driven by the regulatory bodies (Department of Higher Education an Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), to align all qualifications with the Higher Education Qualification Sub Framework (HEQSF). The NWU is thus currently in an ongoing process of aligning our qualification and programme offering with the requirements of  the HEQSF.
Prospective students must take notice of the fact that NWU qualification names, programme names as well as the composition of curricula may change due to the HEQSF Project, prior to registration for the 2018 academic year.
Successful candidates are advised to contact the relevant faculty in order to ensure that they register for the correct qualification, programme and /or curriculum.

Change Of Application Details

Prospective applicants (only those who have already submitted their applications) can amend/change their personal details, or request a change of qualification or campus by submitting a request to applicationsug@nwu.ac.za. Please be sure to include your student number and contact details in the e-mail.

Contact details for help/information