North-West University NWU Application For 2026 | Opening & Closing Dates
For the 2026 academic year, North-West University (NWU) applications open on April 1, 2025, with closing dates of June 28, 2025, for specific courses and August 31, 2025, for all other courses
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the application process for NWU in 2026:
Key Dates:
Application Opening: April 1, 2025
Closing Date (Specific Courses): June 28, 2025
Closing Date (All Other Courses): August 31, 2025
Online Application: You can apply online through the NWU website.
Registration: You will need a valid, unique, and personal email address to register and apply.
Required Documents: Prepare scanned copies of your ID document and final Grade 11 or 12 results.
Postgraduate Applications: For postgraduate applications, also upload your research concept.
Application Fee: The application is free.
Apply Once: You can only apply once per academic year.
Choose Study Options: Choose up to two study options that align with your goals and interests.
Important Notes:
- Screening: Some programs may require a screening phase, which may include a portfolio submission, academic record, and/or an interview.
- Capacity Limitations: NWU reserves the right to select candidates for admission to certain fields of study, and prospective students who meet the minimum requirements may not be automatically admitted.
- Track Application Status: You can track your application progress by logging into the application portal using your email address and password.
Registration: Check with NWU once your application is successful for registration dates
- Orientation Week: Expect orientation week to take place just before the start of the academic year.
- HEQSF: NWU is in an ongoing process of aligning its qualification and program offerings with the requirements of the HEQSF, so prospective students should be aware that qualification names, program names, and curricula may change.
- Late Applications: NWU does not accept late applications. If you miss the deadline, you can register on the government initiative, the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH).
- Online Application: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/apply
- 2026 Prospectus: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/
Here is what you should do before applying to NWU:
What will I need before I can apply – minimum requirements?
- A valid, unique, and personal email address.
- You will need to register with this email address before you can apply. Your email address will also be used as your username and will be used to log in to your application profile after you have registered.
- You will also receive a temporary password at first and after you have changed it, you will always use your email address and new password to log onto your application profile.
Prepare the documents that you need to electronically upload:
- Keep your ID document and final Grade 11 or 12 results handy in digital format.
- The documents must be individually scanned as they are uploaded separately. Preferably available as PDF, jpeg, etc.
- For postgraduate applications, please also upload your research concept!
Now you are ready to first register to apply and then complete your application.
- Apply once per academic year: You can only apply once for the academic year. Choose up to two study options that align with your goals and interests.