NWU 2027 Application: Key Dates, Requirements, and How to Apply

The 2027 application window is now open, and North-West University (NWU) is currently accepting applications from prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students. This period allows the university to receive applications from interested candidates and assess them before making final admission decisions.

Find the opening date, closing date(s), required documents, application fee, and application process for North-West University from this article.

NWU 2027 Application Date Breakdown

Applications for the North-West University (NWU) 2027 academic year open on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

The closing dates are as follows:

Selected programmes: Applications close on 30 June 2026. These programmes include:
- Music
- Graphic Design
- Occupational Hygiene
- Urban and Regional Planning
All other qualifications: Applications close on 31 August 2026.

Document Requirements for NWU 2027 Applications

You must provide the relevant documents according to your level of qualification. These documents include, but are not limited to, the following:

Undergraduate students

Grade 12 results, Grade 11 results (final results only)
Copy of your matric certificate – if you have already passed matric.
Copy of an Applicant’s Identity document
Copy of Applicant’s academic record (if applicable).
Applicants who are currently upgrading their grade 12 results, will only be considered after the improved results are presented to the NWU.
Applicants who follow Cambridge, GED, or any other non-NSC curriculum, or who may qualify for exemption based on advanced age or post-school qualifications, must provide an exemption certificate as issued by USAF.
Completed undertaking. see details on the official website
Additional documents for international prospective applicants:
- A copy of relevant results
- A copy of your passport

Postgraduate students

Completed mandatory undertaking
Copy of your ID
Copy of your academic record (if applicable).
Additional documents for international prospective students:
- A copy of relevant results
- A copy of your passport

N.B.: Ensure all the documents above are certified and scanned before you submit them.

NWU Application Fee

The application fee is compulsory for both local and international applicants, with the following rates:

South African citizens: R150
International students: R600

How to Apply Online for NWU 2027

To apply online:

Go to the NWU online application portal.
Click “New application” and select “Create new student number.”
Complete all fields to activate your NWU ID.
Log in using your student number and PIN.
Access the application portal with your login details.
Select at least 2 study courses.
Check that you meet all program requirements.
Fill in your personal and academic information.
Upload required documents
Verify the accuracy of your information and documents.
Ensure all sections are complete before submitting.
Click “Apply” to submit your application.
Save a copy of your application confirmation.
Regularly check your application status on the NWU portal

What are the minimum requirements for a Degree, Diploma, and certificate?

Bachelor’s Degree: An NSC with at least 30% in the language of instruction and instruction used by the higher education institution (HEI), as well as an accomplishments rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in any four (4) NSC subjects other than life orientation.

Diploma: A passing grade for a diploma is 40 percent in four subjects with higher credits, 30 percent in three subjects with lesser credits, and one subject may fail.

Certificate: A certificate pass requires a 40% pass in your home language, 2 subjects above 40%, 4 subjects above 30% and you may fail 1 subject. This pass allows you to study for a higher certificate.

How to Check Your NWU Application Status

To track the status of your application:

Use a compatible browser to visit the NWU Application Status Portal at www.nwu.ac.za.
Select the “2026 Application Status” link.
Log in with your University Number and PIN.
Click to view your application status at NWU.

Who Can Apply to North-West University (NWU)?

North-West University is currently accepting applications from the following categories:

New and returning applicants
Individuals without an NWU student number
International students
Students with special needs
Grade 11 learners
Transfer students
Anyone who wishes to begin a new qualification

Contact North-West University

If you require help or have inquiries about your application, get in touch with NWU directly.

Tel: 018 299 4383/4130/4263/2445
Tel: 018 285 2227/2332
Email: applicationsug@nwu.ac.za

For more information on North-West University, visit the official website