North-West University (NWU) has residences on its Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark campuses. You apply for residence placement as part of your study application, and the costs differ from campus to campus. The details below come from NWU's application FAQs and its study fees information.
When to apply
Residence placement applications open on 1 April and close on 31 August, the same closing date as general study applications. For the 2027 intake, general courses and residence applications closed on 31 August 2026.
How to apply
- Indicate that you want residence placement when you apply to study.
- Wait for a conditional offer from NWU.
- Once you have a conditional offer, choose your top three residence preferences.
- Complete your residence application.
Accept your conditional offer within 15 days, so that your application can move forward.
Residence costs
NWU's cost estimates for residences are:
- Mahikeng: R33,920 to R46,130 a year
- Potchefstroom: R36,630 to R50,280 a year
- Vanderbijlpark: R42,210 to R55,080 a year
The first minimum payment
In 2026, residence students paid a first minimum payment of R24,175 before registration, compared with R12,855 for non-residence students. Confirmed bursary students have a special arrangement and pay a confirmation amount of R4,000. Students who are provisionally funded by NSFAS can register without paying the first minimum amount. Pay through NWU's online payment portal.
Choosing a campus
Certain programmes are offered only on certain campuses, so your residence choice depends on where your programme is taught. Check this before you list your preferences.
Day students
If you do not get a residence place, or you prefer to live at home, you are a non-residence student. Your first minimum payment is then lower, and you arrange your own accommodation.
Visit the campus
NWU holds open days on each campus. In 2025, they were on 10 May at Mahikeng, 17 May at Potchefstroom and 24 May at Vanderbijlpark. They are a good chance to see the residences before you choose.
Applying for your studies first
Your residence application depends on your study application. To create an application profile, use a valid personal email address, which becomes your username. Have your ID and final Grade 11 or Grade 12 results ready in digital format, each scanned as a separate file.
The administration fee
All prospective students pay a non-refundable administration fee of R150, or R600 for international applicants. It can only be paid online, and NWU credits it to the accounts of admitted students.
Contact
For residence and application questions, email studies@nwu.ac.za, call 0860 169 698, or WhatsApp 060 070 2606. Include your application number, course and contact details. See also the how to apply to NWU page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do NWU residence applications close?
On 31 August. For 2027, they closed on 31 August 2026.
How many residence preferences can I choose at NWU?
You choose your top three residence preferences after receiving a conditional offer.
How much does an NWU residence cost?
NWU estimates R33,920 to R55,080 a year, depending on the campus.