Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa

North West UniversityAPS Calculator

In South Africa

#801-1000

In the world

NWU runs three campuses, Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark, and most degrees ask for around 25 APS , though diplomas can start from 18 APS .

Calculate my APS See full university guide

Closed01 Apr - 31 Aug 2026

NWU usually closes around August or September 2026, so finish your web application early once you have your university number.

How to apply to NWU

1
Generate your NWU university number
Start at studies.nwu.ac.za before you complete the full form.
2
Log in and complete the web application
Choose your campus and courses before you upload documents.
3
Upload your certified paperwork
Include your ID, Grade 11 results, and any required undertakings.
4
Submit before the published closing date
Do not wait for the last week if your faculty needs extra checks.

Fees & funding

Check the latest NWU fee notes and keep your NSFAS or sponsor application moving in parallel. Residence and selection steps can still sit outside the academic form.

How to apply for NSFAS

Key dates

Applications open

1 April 2026

Applications close

31 August 2026

Go to NWU application portal

Similar to NWU: UFS, TUT, SUN

NWU usually follows up by SMS or email, so check both while you keep your portal details close.

Check your application status

Track your NWU application online.

Understanding your response

An NWU update can still be conditional if your faculty needs extra interviews, tests, or final results before it confirms your place.

Got an offer?

Accept your offer officially, then move on residence applications and any extra faculty checks without delaying.

Didn't get in?

If NWU is not available right now, move quickly on your next realistic choices.

Rewrite matric

Improve your marks and reapply.

Try other unis

See where your current APS still fits.

Gap year

Work, volunteer, and plan your next cycle.

Similar to NWU: UFS, TUT, SUN

Applying to NWU: common questions

How do I apply to NWU?

Apply online through the official NWU application portal. Create a profile, choose your programme, upload certified copies of your ID and latest results, pay the application fee if there is one, and submit before the closing date. Keep the reference number you get at the end.

When do NWU applications open and close?

Most South African universities open applications between March and May and close between June and September for the next year. Selection programmes like medicine and actuarial science close earliest. Confirm the exact NWU dates on the official site before you apply.

Can I apply to NWU with my Grade 11 results?

Yes. NWU, like most South African universities, lets you apply using your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year results. Any offer is conditional until your final matric (NSC) results meet the requirements.

How much is the NWU application fee?

Application fees differ by university and change each year. Many universities waive the fee for South African citizens who apply online, while others charge about R100 to R250. Check the current fee on the NWU admissions page before you pay.

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at NWU?

Yes. Residence and NSFAS funding are separate applications from your academic application at NWU. Apply for all three at the same time, because residence places and funding deadlines fill up early.

How do I check my NWU application status?

Log in to the official NWU application or student portal with your reference number and ID number, and open the application status page. Many universities also let you check by SMS, WhatsApp or their call centre. Your status shows whether you are still in process, provisionally admitted, or not admitted.

How long does NWU take to respond?

NWU usually sends a conditional offer within a few weeks if you applied with Grade 11 marks. The firm offer comes after the final matric (NSC) results are released in mid-January, once the university can confirm you met the requirements.

What must I do if NWU makes me an offer?

Accept the offer in the portal as your firm choice, pay the registration deposit by the deadline to hold your place, and decline offers from other universities so someone on the waiting list can take them. Then confirm your registration and residence dates.

What if NWU does not accept me?

You still have options. Apply to another university that is still open, choose a TVET college, start with a Higher Certificate or a foundation programme that builds up to a degree, or upgrade your matric marks and apply again next year.

More on how to apply to university, and what happens next.

Full applying guide

Apply