North-West University (NWU) publishes its undergraduate programme information online in its fields of study pages, with an application FAQ booklet and a study fees guide. Together, these work as NWU's prospectus. Here is what they contain and how to use them.
Fields of study pages
NWU's fields of study pages list the programmes in each faculty, with their admission requirements and the campuses where they are offered. The faculties include:
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Campuses and study modes
NWU teaches at Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark, and through distance learning. Certain programmes are offered only on certain campuses, and some are available by distance learning while others are full-time contact programmes.
The application FAQ booklet
NWU's FAQ booklet explains when applications open and close, how to apply for residence, which documents you need, what the application statuses mean, how conditional offers work and how to contact NWU.
Study fees information
NWU's study fees pages explain the administration fee of R150 for South African applicants, the first minimum payment, residence cost estimates and NWU's Academic Merit Bursary. NWU also offers a personalised tuition fee estimate on its website.
Selection courses
Some NWU programmes are selection courses with an earlier closing date. For the 2026 intake, selection courses closed on 30 June 2025, two months before general applications.
How to use NWU's information
- Find your field of study and check the admission requirements and campus.
- Check whether it is a selection course with an earlier deadline.
- Make sure you meet the requirements for both your study choices.
- Apply online with a personal email address, which becomes your username.
Merit bursaries
NWU's study fees pages also explain its automatic Academic Merit Bursary for full-time first-years: 25% of tuition for an average of 75% to 79.99%, 75% for 80% to 84.99%, and 100% for 85% or more.
Contacts
For study questions, email studies@nwu.ac.za, call 0860 169 698, WhatsApp 060 070 2606 or SMS 31750.
Open days
NWU holds open days on each campus, which are a good chance to explore programmes. In 2025, they were in May.
Documents
Keep your ID and final Grade 11 or 12 results ready in digital format, each scanned as a separate file, before you start your application.
Closing dates
For the 2027 intake, general courses and residence applications closed on 31 August 2026.
Meeting the minimum
NWU notes that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, and that its admission decision is final, with no appeals.
Related pages
See the NWU admission requirements, NWU courses and how to apply to NWU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NWU have a prospectus?
NWU publishes its programmes online in its fields of study pages.
Can I study at NWU by distance learning?
Yes, some programmes are offered by distance learning.
Do NWU selection courses close early?
Yes. For 2026, they closed on 30 June 2025.