What You Need to Know About North West University
NWU runs three campuses: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences covers Accounting Sciences, Economic Sciences, Industrial Psychology and HR Management, and Tourism Management. Its accounting programs link you to bodies like SAICA, SAIPA, CIMA, ACCA, and ICFP. That matters if you want to become a Chartered Accountant one day.
NWU also runs strong Health Sciences and Education faculties, plus distance learning for people studying while working. Diploma programs start from as low as 18 APS. Most degree programs sit around 25 to 26 APS. That makes NWU a realistic option if your matric marks are solid but not top of the class.
What APS Do You Need?
NWU uses your best 6 subjects out of 8 on its point ladder. Life Orientation doesn't count towards your total, and the max score is 48. For general admission, you typically need around 25 APS. You also need Level 4 (50-59%) in Physical Sciences, Maths, or Life Sciences, plus Level 4 in your language of tuition.
Specific programs vary a lot. The Diploma in Coaching Science only asks for 18 APS, at Mahikeng and Potchefstroom. The Bachelor of Health Sciences with Sport Coaching and Human Movement Sciences needs 26 APS. The BCom in Economic Sciences with Agricultural Economics and Risk Management also wants 26 APS, with 50% for Maths and 50% for Afrikaans, only at Potchefstroom.
Teaching degrees like the BEd in Senior and Further Education and Training want 26 APS too, with Level 4 in both your home language and first additional language. Some programs, like Biokinetics, let you in with Mathematical Literacy instead of Maths. It's safer to check your exact program's subject list before you apply.
Fees and Funding
Money stresses everyone out, but here are the real numbers. Your first payment, covering registration and part of tuition, is R24,175 if you're staying in res. It's R12,855 if you're not in residence or studying via distance learning. International students pay the full cost upfront.
Some programs cost more per year. Accounting runs around R80,071.56, Dietetics around R67,257.99, Nursing around R56,396.18, and Agricultural Sciences around R56,328.49. NSFAS covers registration and tuition if you qualify, so it's worth applying even if you're not sure you'll get it. If you're going into science, engineering, or technology, look into the CSIR Bursary Programme for full-cost funding.
Check the official NWU fees page for exact details on your specific program.
Life on Campus
Your NWU experience depends on which campus you land at: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, or Vanderbijlpark. Residence spots fill up fast, so get your application in early if you want to stay on campus. If res doesn't work out, there are private student residences near all three campuses with their own facilities. Check the official NWU accommodation page for exact options and costs at your campus.
Not sure if your marks stack up? Use our free APS calculator to check where you stand before you apply.
