The NWU prospectus is your shortcut to a confident application: it shows what you need to get in, what it costs, where you could live and how to apply, all in one document. If you're a Grade 11 learner (or a parent helping one), here's how to use it.

What is the NWU prospectus?

The NWU Grade 12 prospectus is the university's undergraduate guide. It covers all three campuses (Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark and Mahikeng), admission requirements per faculty, bursaries, accommodation, sport, arts and a step-by-step application guide. It's interactive too, with links to the pages that matter.

1. Find out if you qualify

For a bachelor's degree, you need an NSC or ISC that shows you meet bachelor's requirements, plus at least 50% in four 20-credit subjects. Each programme then sets its own Admission Point Score (APS), calculated from your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation.

Requirements vary widely. A BCom in Marketing Management needs an APS of 24, while Engineering asks for 34, with 70% or higher in both Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Check your own marks with the NWU APS calculator, then browse fields of study or go straight to your faculty: Health Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Humanities, Education, Engineering, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences or Theology.

Reality check: meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee a place. Popular programmes may select on Grade 11 results, with final acceptance once your Grade 12 results arrive.

2. Not sure what to study? Start there

The free Interest-Index is for learners in Grades 8 to 12. It matches your interests to subjects, fields of study and careers. Then take the virtual tour: choose your campus, pick up to three courses and explore residences and student life.

3. Work out how you'll pay

The prospectus lays out NWU's bursaries, and the first-year Academic Merit Bursary is the headline:

• 85–100% average: 100% of tuition fees
• 80–84.99%: 75% of tuition fees
• 75–79.99%: 25% of tuition fees

Your average excludes Life Orientation. There are also family discounts (up to 15% for siblings), and bursaries for leadership, arts and culture, sport, and learners living with a disability, orphaned or in foster care. Browse every option on the NWU bursaries page, and see NSFAS for government funding.

4. Choose your home away from home

Residence is a two-step process. Tick "Yes" for residence interest on your application, then, once you've accepted a conditional offer, apply through the StarRez portal and rank three residence choices. Pay the security deposit within 21 days to secure your place (NSFAS or bursary-funded students with proof don't pay it). Explore the options on the residences page.

5. Look beyond the lecture hall

The prospectus lists sports from rugby and netball to e-sport and rock climbing, and arts groups from the Symphony Orchestra to Thalia Drama Society. See what's on offer at NWU Sport and in student life.

6. Know the 10 steps to apply

Create your profile, check your email for login details, get oriented, choose up to two study options, fill in personal details, add academic results, set residence and funding, upload documents, submit, then track your application. Keep your application number safe. Have your ID and results ready as PDF or JPEG. Full details are on the application page.

Important: NWU's closing dates are early (selection courses 30 June, general courses and residence 31 August in the last cycle), and t it does not accept late applications.

Your next steps

1. Read the prospectus and shortlist two programmes.
2. Calculate your APS and take the Interest-Index.
3. Check the Grade 11 information page and NWU Open Days.
4. Questions? Email studies@nwu.ac.za, call 0860 169 698, WhatsApp +27 (0) 60 070 2606 or SMS 31750.

Study information is subject to change, so confirm programme details in the NWU yearbooks. For more student stories and tips, browse the #MyNWU blog.