Before you apply
How to Apply
I know online application portals can feel like a maze, but NWU's process is straightforward if you take it step by step. Apply at studies.nwu.ac.za through the Undergraduate Application Portal, open from 1 April 2026 to 31 August 2026 for the 2027 intake. The application fee is R150 for South African applicants, or R600 if you're applying from outside the country. Have your ID or passport, final Grade 11 or matric results, and a completed undertaking form ready as PDF or JPEG uploads.
Use one personal email address for your whole application, and don't share it with friends applying too. NWU uses it to track your progress, and you can check your status anytime on the application status page at studies.nwu.ac.za. If you want to study through distance learning, apply at distance.nwu.ac.za instead, where postgraduate applications close 30 November. Grab the 2027 Grade 12 prospectus PDF from NWU's site for subject-specific requirements on your program.
Application fee
General: R0
Closing date
NWU usually closes around August or September 2026, so finish your web application early once you have your university number.
How you apply
Online, through the university's portal
Know what you're applying for
Before you apply, work out what you're interested in studying and check whether you meet the entry requirements — it decides which programmes are worth putting on your application.
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your ID or passport
- Certified copy of your latest results (Grade 11 or matric, whichever you have)
- Academic transcript — only if you're a transfer student from another institution
- SAQA evaluation — only if you did your schooling outside South Africa
- Proof of residence — only if you're applying for a res spot
Don't forget NSFAS
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a separate application from your university application, with its own closing date. Applying to North West University does not apply you for NSFAS — you need to do both.
Apply for NSFAS at nsfas.org.zaAdvertisement
Applying
- 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.
After you apply
NWU usually follows up by SMS or email, so check both while you keep your portal details close.
An NWU update can still be conditional if your faculty needs extra interviews, tests, or final results before it confirms your place.
Accept your offer officially, then move on residence applications and any extra faculty checks without delaying.
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.
