North-West University (NWU) offers an automatic Academic Merit Bursary to strong first-year students, as well as bursaries for leadership, sport, arts and culture. Many NWU students are also funded by NSFAS and the Funza Lushaka bursary. The details below come from NWU's study fees and funding information.
The Academic Merit Bursary
Full-time first-year students receive a merit bursary based on their average percentage, calculated without Life Orientation:
- 75% to 79.99%: 25% of tuition fees
- 80% to 84.99%: 75% of tuition fees
- 85% to 100%: 100% of tuition fees
NWU awards the Academic Merit Bursary automatically, so you do not need to apply for it.
Other NWU bursaries
NWU also offers bursaries for leadership, sport, arts and culture, and more. These have their own criteria and application processes, which NWU sets out on its bursaries page. Check them early, because many close before the academic year starts.
NSFAS
NSFAS funds qualifying South African students from low-income households. If you were funded for a certificate qualification, or you are moving from a TVET college to a university undergraduate qualification, you must re-apply for NSFAS. For 2026, NSFAS online applications closed on 15 November 2025.
Before you register, check your NSFAS funding status on the myNSFAS portal. If your status shows that you are provisionally funded, NWU clears you to register without paying the first minimum payment. The Student Finance Department gives further instructions once you have registered.
Funza Lushaka
The Funza Lushaka bursary from the Department of Basic Education funds students who want to become teachers. Apply on the Funza Lushaka website, and call 012 357 3000 for enquiries.
Confirmed bursary students and residence
NWU has a special arrangement for confirmed bursary students in residences, who pay a confirmation amount of R4,000 instead of the full first minimum payment for residence students.
What your funding needs to cover
For 2026, the first minimum payment was R24,175 for residence students and R12,855 for non-residence and distance students. Applicants also pay a non-refundable administration fee of R150, or R600 for international applicants, which is credited to admitted students' accounts. Read more on the NWU fees page.
Fee quotations
First-time applicants receive a fee quote when they accept their conditional offer, and again when they accept their final offer. This helps you and your funder plan.
The financial undertaking form
NWU provides a financial undertaking form for download, with a guide on how to complete it, as part of its application information.
Contacts
- Mahikeng: MC-Studyfees@nwu.ac.za
- Potchefstroom: PC-Studyfees@nwu.ac.za
- Vanderbijlpark: vaalaccounts@nwu.ac.za
Browse our bursaries for more funders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the NWU merit bursary?
No. NWU awards the Academic Merit Bursary automatically.
What average do I need for a full NWU merit bursary?
85% or more, which covers 100% of tuition fees.
Do NSFAS students pay the first minimum payment at NWU?
No. Students shown as provisionally funded can register without it.