North West University
#8
In South Africa
#801-1000
In the world
NWU is a practical choice if you want options across three campuses and solid programs. For some BCom degrees, you need at least 24 APS with Maths.
Ranking source: THE 2026
www.nwu.ac.za is the official North West University site. Always confirm programme cutoffs in the current prospectus before you apply.
How does NWU calculate APS?
NWU uses standard best-6 aps. Your best 6 NSC subjects are converted to APS points using the standard bands: 80-100% = 7, 70-79% = 6, 60-69% = 5, 50-59% = 4, 40-49% = 3, 30-39% = 2, and 0-29% = 1. Life Orientation is excluded from the core APS total. NWU is one of the more accessible best-6 universities, but faculty cut-offs and required subjects still change by programme.
Does NWU include Life Orientation in APS?
No. Life Orientation is excluded from the core APS total.
What's the NWU APS system at a glance?
- Method
- Standard best-6 APS
- Max APS
- 42
- LO rule
- No
- Basis
- Standard best 6 (LO excluded)
How to calculate your NWU APS step by step
- Convert each eligible subject into APS points using the 1-7 bands.
- Keep English and the course-required subjects in the mix where a faculty asks for them.
- Add the best eligible subjects on that university's calculator method and compare the total with the programme cut-off.
Popular programs
Min. APS
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
24
Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Accountancy (CA)
32
Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Accountancy (CA) Extended Programme
28
Bachelor of Commerce in Forensic Accountancy
36
Diploma in Animal Health
22
About NWU
NWU sits across three campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vanderbijlpark. It’s known for making quality degrees accessible, especially if you’re not sitting on a crazy-high AP...
Campus & res
Each campus has its own res options and you can apply when you fill in your main application. Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vanderbijlpark all have on-campus residences. Res fees ra...
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