The cost of studying at North-West University (NWU) depends on your qualification, your campus and whether you live in a residence. The NWU publishes estimated tuition fees for its main qualifications, along with its rules on payments. The figures below come from the NWU's 2026 financial information and fee rules.
The minimum first payment
Before you can register, you must pay a compulsory minimum amount, and it must show as a credit on your student account. In 2026, this was made up of the following:
- Registration fee: R2,525 for all students, non-refundable
- First payment on tuition: R10,330
- First payment on residence fees: R11,320 for residence students
That made a total of R24,175 for residence students and R12,855 for students who live off campus or study by distance. International students pay the full cost. NSFAS-funded students do not have to make the minimum first payment.
Estimated yearly tuition in 2026
The NWU's 2026 estimates for tuition alone include:
- Accounting: about R80,072
- Engineering: about R70,345
- Economics: about R63,156
- Computer Science (IT): about R63,036
- Education: about R61,912
- Business Management: about R60,015
- Pharmacy: about R59,784
- Law: about R58,109
- Nursing: about R56,396
These estimates exclude accommodation, transport, meals and study materials. The NWU's online fee estimator gives a personal quote for your exact programme.
Residence fees
Once the NWU offers you a residence place, you pay a non-refundable confirmation amount of R4,000 within 30 days, and it is credited to your account. Residence fees vary by campus and residence. For example, on the Mahikeng campus, single rooms in 2026 ranged from R33,920 to R46,130 a year, and all the residences there are self-catering. Leaving a residence in the first term still makes you liable for the full year's fee.
Meals and other costs
Because the Mahikeng residences are self-catering, budget for food as well. The NWU's fee rules suggest an estimated R3,120 a month for meals. The registration fee also cannot be paid off in monthly instalments, so you must pay it in full before you register.
Discounts
If you settle your tuition and residence fees in full at the start of the year, you may qualify for a 2.5% early settlement discount, as long as the credits reflect on your account by the end of March. The NWU also offers a family discount bursary to families with two or more members studying at the same time.
Funding your studies
Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, and many companies fund NWU students in accounting, engineering and the sciences. Browse our bursaries, or read the NWU overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the NWU minimum first payment?
In 2026, it was R24,175 for residence students and R12,855 for other students. NSFAS-funded students are exempt.
How much is the NWU registration fee?
In 2026, it was R2,525, and it is not refundable.
Does the NWU give a discount for paying early?
Yes. There is a 2.5% discount if you settle tuition and residence fees in full by the end of March.