North-West University Application Opening Date 2026

Applications for admission to North-West University (NWU) for the 2026 academic year will open on April 1, 2025. Both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants can submit their applications through the official NWU website at www.nwu.ac.za. Be sure to apply early, as deadlines and specific program requirements may vary.

The following information outlines key dates, required documents, and application details to help guide you through the application process.

Key Dates for NWU 2026 Applications

Applications for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the 2026 academic year are now open. Ensure that you apply within the dates and timeframes indicated.

All Courses Application Opening Date: April 1, 2025
Deadline for most undergraduate applications: September 30, 2025

Courses with Earlier Deadlines at NWU:

Engineering, Graphic Design, Urban Planning, and Regional Planning: August 31, 2025
These programs will not accept applications after this date.

Postgraduate Programs:

Deadlines for postgraduate diplomas, certificates, master’s, doctoral, and honours degrees vary by program. Ensure you check specific deadlines for your intended course.

What are the needed documents to apply?

The required documents will vary depending on the qualifications you are applying for. However, some of the common documents include:

Prospective Undergraduate students

Grade 12 results; grade 11 results (final results only)
A copy of your matric certificate if you have already passed matric.
An exemption certificate as issued by the USAF. (Applicants who follow Cambridge, GED, or any other non-NSC curriculum)
Copy of your ID Document
Copy of your academic record (if applicable).
A copy of relevant results and passport (international students)

Prospective Postgraduate Candidates

A copy of your ID
Copy of your academic record (if applicable).

Does NWU charge an application fee?

Earning a bachelor’s degree or any other credential shouldn’t be hindered by the cost of applying. Fortunately, there isn’t an application fee for anyone looking to enroll at North-West University (NWU). For both undergraduate and graduate programs, there is currently no application fee for students from South Africa and other countries.

What is the minimum entry requirement for NWU?

The minimum entry requirement for NWU is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a university exemption. Selection is based on the academic achievement of Grade 11 (final) or Grade 12 (June or final) results. The best candidates are selected. Average performance is also considered. Successful candidates must still meet the minimum requirements for the final Grade 12 exam. In addition to academic performance, some programs may require selection tests that may include psychometric questionnaires

How to Apply to NWU 2026

You can apply online through the NWU website by following the steps below

Visit the North-West University portal for 2026 online applications. www.nwu.ac.za
When you click it, you will see the application login screen.
After selecting “Create a new student number,” complete all of the fields.
To log in, use your generated PIN and the student number provided.
Select two or more study courses.
Fill up each field.
Upload any necessary supporting paperwork.
To ensure that NWU receives your application, please click the “Submit Application” button when finished.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

The application process can be competitive, so it is important to apply early.
Make sure you meet all of the program requirements before you apply.
Proofread your application carefully before you submit it.

NWU contact information:

Central Applications Office: 018 285 4320
Mahikeng Campus: 018 389 2252 | 018 389 2272
Potchefstroom Campus: 018 285 2692 | 018 285 2715
Vanderbijlpark Campus: 016 910 3114 | 016 910 3154

Visit the official website for details

I hope you find this information useful. Kindly notify me if you have any additional inquiries.

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