The NWU Yearbook is an official publication that outlines the academic framework, including rules, qualifications, and program details across various faculties. It is an essential resource for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing them with the necessary information to navigate their academic journey successfully.
Importance of the Yearbook
- Guidance on Academic Rules: The Yearbook contains the General Academic Rules (A Rules), which were recently updated. Understanding these rules is vital for students to ensure compliance with university standards and regulations.
- Program Information: It provides detailed descriptions of the various undergraduate and postgraduate programs available, helping students make informed decisions about their academic paths.
- Facilitates Academic Planning: The Yearbook assists students in planning their studies by detailing prerequisites, course offerings, and program structures.
Key Updates for 2024
As of January 1, 2024, a new set of General Academic Rules has been implemented, although some provisions will not be fully operational until January 1, 2025. Here are some critical highlights from the updated Yearbook:
Effective from January 1, 2024
- General Provisions: Rules 1.1 to 1.8 are now in effect, laying the groundwork for the new academic year.
- Undergraduate Qualifications: Rules 2.1 and 2.2 provide essential guidelines for undergraduate programs, including degree structures and academic requirements.
- Postgraduate Programs: Sections regarding bachelor honors degrees and postgraduate diplomas (Rules 3.1 and 3.2) have been updated to reflect current academic standards.
Effective from January 1, 2025
- The full set of NWU General Academic Rules will be in effect, including updates to rules governing research and professional doctoral degrees (Rules 5.2 and 5.5).
- The ‘old’ rules regarding the termination of studies will continue to apply until the new rules take full effect.
Faculty-Specific Information
The Yearbook also details information specific to various faculties at NWU, which include:
- Economic and Management Sciences (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
- Education (Undergraduate, In-Service Training Programs, PGCE, Postgraduate)
- Engineering (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
- Humanities (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
- Law (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
- Health Sciences (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
- Theology (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
These sections help students understand the breadth of academic offerings at NWU and guide them in selecting the programs that best suit their interests and career goals.
How to Access the NWU Yearbook
Students can access the NWU Yearbook online through the NWU website. It is advisable for students to familiarize themselves with its contents, especially regarding the rules and regulations that pertain to their specific programs.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.