Waiting for final acceptance can feel like your whole future is buffering. One minute you’re excited, the next you’re spiralling — refreshing emails, reloading the portal, and wondering if you missed that one important step. If you’ve already submitted your university application, pause for a second. You’re not behind, and you’re not the only one in this position. NWU knows that the ‘How to apply for university’ journey can feel stressful, especially when ‘conditional offers’ and deadlines are involved.
That’s why NWU has clear processes and support systems to guide you from application to registration — and breathe a sigh of relief.
Let’s help you calm the nerves, clear the confusion, and confidently secure your final NWU offer.
Step 1: Track Your Application Status Like a Pro
After submitting your university application, your next move is simple but crucial: check the NWU application portal regularly.
This portal is your official source of truth — not social media, not group chats, not “my cousin said”.
Here’s what the key statuses mean:
- Application submitted
Your application has been received and is currently under review by NWU.
- Application verified
NWU has confirmed your personal details, academic records, and supporting documents. Based on this information, your application has been reviewed and accepted — often leading to a conditional offer.
Staying informed is a major part of a successful university application. Checking your portal daily helps you act fast and avoid missing time-sensitive steps (schedule a reminder on your phone).
Check your NWU application status now.
Step 2: Accept Your Conditional Offer (Within 15 Days!)
This is the step where many students accidentally fumble. We want to make it crystal clear.
What is a conditional offer?
A conditional offer means NWU is offering you a place pending certain conditions. Most commonly, this depends on your final Grade 12 results. It’s a real offer, but it comes with rules and deadlines.
How long do I have to accept my conditional offer?
You have 15 days to accept it.
This is non-negotiable:
- Miss the 15-day window, and your offer is forfeited
- NWU will not reissue the offer
- Even if you qualify later, the space may already be filled.
If you’re researching ‘How to apply for university’, this is one of the most important details to remember.
What do I do after accepting my conditional offer?
Once accepted, you must complete a financial undertaking form. This confirms that you understand and can meet the financial requirements of studying at NWU.
What to expect:
- Submit the form online via the portal
- If it’s not approved, fix the errors and resubmit
- Wait for confirmation before moving to the next stage.
This step is essential in the university application process and helps prevent registration delays later.
Explore undergraduate bursaries.
Step 3: Secure Your Final Offer and Register Successfully
Once final Grade 12 results are released, NWU automatically receives them from the Department of Education — no uploads needed (flex).
What happens next?
If you meet the requirements:
- You’ll receive your final offer via SMS and email
- The offer will appear on the application portal
- You can officially accept and prepare for registration.
After accepting your final offer, NWU will issue you with an 8-digit university number, for example: 12345678@mynwu.ac.za
This unlocks your NWU student email and access to official systems.
Registration: don’t skip this part
Registration is only possible once the minimum payable fees are settled, including:
- Registration fee
- Residence fees (if applicable)
- First tuition payment.
Payments must be made through the official NWU payment portal. If fees are not paid, your account will remain on registration hold, even if your university application was successful. Always check the payable fees page for the latest updates.
FAQs Students Ask All the Time
Can I change my course if my application is unsuccessful?
No, you may only apply once per academic year. Carefully consider your two study choices to ensure that you meet the bachelor’s degree pass requirements, admission criteria, and that they align with your career goals.
If my second choice at NWU has been accepted, can I still be considered for my first choice?
NWU’s admissions process only allows you to be accepted into one course of study. If your second choice is accepted, you will not be considered for your first choice.
What is a conditional offer?
A conditional offer means you have been assessed based on your Grade 11 results to determine whether you meet the minimum admission requirements for your selected degree. If you meet these requirements and any additional selection criteria, you will receive a conditional acceptance. To secure final acceptance, you must achieve similar results in your final National Senior Certificate (Grade 12).
Got more questions? We’re in your corner.
Why NWU Is Worth Saying “Yes” To
Choosing a university is a major, life-altering decision. NWU backs that decision with real outcomes, not just promises. If you’re exploring how to apply for university and want confidence in your choice, NWU delivers:
- Ranked among the top 8 universities in South Africa
- Placed in the top 4.1% of universities worldwide
- One of South Africa’s leading sporting universities
- 85%+ undergraduate success rates, showing strong academic support
- Diverse faculties, including Law, Theology, Engineering, Health Sciences, and more
NWU is inclusive, student-centred, and built to help South Africans succeed (in academics, job-readiess, and confidence to take hold of the future).
Accept the Offer to a Brighter Future
Your university application isn’t only about applying — it’s about following through.
If you track your status, accept your conditional offer within 15 days, and prepare properly for registration, you give yourself the best chance to start strong at NWU.
If you’ve been Googling how to apply for university and feel overwhelmed, remember: NWU is here to guide you. You’ve got this.
Review your available offers on our application portal.