You’re in Grade 12 or have just completed Grade 11, and want to secure your place at an innovative, globally competitive, and top-ranking university in South Africa. North-West University (NWU) should be on your radar as one of  South Africa’s local options; it stands out and is ranked in the top 4.5% of global universities. Considered among the best universities in South Africa, NWU is renowned for excellent contact or distance learning programmes, 9 diverse faculties and 3 welcoming campuses. You may feel daunted as you contemplate how to apply for university, but that needn’t be the case. With a straightforward, free (for South Africans) and easy-to-navigate online application process, there’s no reason to delay.

At NWU, we want to guide you through our online application process and ensure your greatest likelihood of success.

Important Information Before Applying

Applying for university is a weighty and vital step in opening up future career opportunities, and it must be taken seriously.

• NWU only allows one application per person per academic year. You must make sure all information is correctly stated on the application.

• When applying, NWU applicants can select up to two study choices at various campuses.

• You need a unique email address to remember to participate in the application process.

• The application does not need to be completed in one sitting and can be saved and returned to over time, giving you the best opportunity to put your best foot forward.

 

• You must have an ID document (not a birth certificate) and your final Grade 11 or Grade 12 results (if you have already completed matric) on hand during the application process.

• Meeting the minimum requirements for your desired course does not guarantee acceptance. Admission decisions are final, and no appeals are allowed.

 

How To Apply For University At NWU

Let’s unpack the online application process so you can understand how to apply for university (specifically NWU) and give it your best shot:

Step 1:

Visit www.nwu.ac.za and click the ‘Study at NWU’ tab on the homepage. Click the ‘Apply Here’ option and select the ‘NWU online application’ button (or simply click the last hyperlink 😉)

 

Step 2:

Create your application profile by filling out your details on the application portal. Note that the username refers to your email address. Make sure that all your details are recorded to mirror your ID document since your profile will be connected to your details as per your ID.

 

Step 3:

Go to your email to find your username and temporary password and log in with those details. You have the option to change your password. The new password must include at least eight characters, including capital letters, numbers, and special characters.

 

Step 4:

Log in and select the ‘Apply Now’ button to move on to the detailed application screen.

 

Step 5:

Select either contact (on-campus) or distance (remote) learning options and select the undergraduate degree option. Choose from the full-time or part-time option and your preferred campus (Potchefstroom, Mahikeng or Vanderbijlpark). Note that fields of study are linked to particular campuses, and you cannot study certain courses at the campuses where they are not offered. Choose your two study choices (putting your preferred option as ‘study choice one’). You must select a corresponding campus for each study choice, as some campuses offer the same options. Select ‘save and continue’ before moving on. 💻

 

Step 6:

Move on to the ‘Personal Details’ screen and permit NWU to disclose your personal information as per the POPI Act.  Fill out your personal information, mirroring your ID document with full first and second names.

 

Step 7:

Proceed to the ‘Previous Education’ section and click the ‘Add’ button, selecting your high school and most recent high school results. Note that if you are in Grade 12, your Grade 11 end-of-year results are relevant here. Your final Grade 12 examination results are relevant here if you have completed school. Remember to select the ‘Education board’, for example, NSC or IEB. Click to add your subjects (7 subjects and life orientation must be included). The ‘grade’ refers to the percentages achieved on your report card. ✏️

 

Step 8:

Continue to the ‘Additional Information’ section and select who is funding your studies (whether it be self-funded or through a bursary or NSFAS). Indicate your interest in applying for a residence placement. Note that this interest does not secure you a spot in the residence. Residence applications can only occur after a conditional acceptance is granted for one of your study choices. ✅

 

Step 9:

Upload all the required documents in either JPEG or PDF format. Read the declaration screen and check the checkbox to indicate acceptance of the declaration.

Take note of the application bar at the top of the screen, which tells you if your application is complete. Review your application from start to finish, ensuring all information is correct.

 

Step 10:

Once confident of your application, click ‘Submit Application’. 💥

 

 

 

The system will then return to the dashboard, providing an overview of your progress and an application number, status and preferred study choices.

If you want to correct an error, you may download an application summary and then re-upload your documents.

Check out this step-by-step video to guide you on how to apply for university (for your undergraduate degree):

 

 

Next Steps

Now that you know how to apply for university, you must give NWU time to review your application before checking your status.

Note that selection requirements differ from one course to another (use the APS calculator to work out if your APS score is sufficient to gain entry for your desired course of study).

Some in-demand courses (for example, engineering and theology) require further testing in addition to submitting the application form.

Remember to check out the admission requirements for your desired field of study before applying.

Fees can become a hurdle to gaining admission and accessing any form of higher education. NWU is transparent concerning payable fees, so you can budget ahead of time to anticipate any necessary payments. Click here to check out an estimate of your relevant payable fees if you are accepted.

 

Fulfil Your Potential

Stagnation is declared the enemy of growth and prosperity at NWU. Don’t delay your application and hold back your opportunity to become one of the vibrant students and relevant graduates produced by NWU.

Heed the NWU call to embrace diversity, transparency and excellence in all endeavours. Become part of a community of innovative learning, teaching and cutting-edge research and discover your place in the world.

It all starts with a strong application. Submit yours today!