NWU Tuition Fees

Planning for your university education requires more than just academic preparation. One of the critical factors to consider is the cost of tuition. If you’re considering North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, this guide covers everything you need to know about the tuition fees, payment options, and other financial obligations for the 2024 academic year.

NWU 2024 Registration and Tuition Fees Overview

Every student at NWU must be registered annually in accordance with the General Academic Rules, the Statute of North-West University, and the Higher Education Act. Registration typically happens at the beginning of February, and students are encouraged to settle any outstanding fees from the previous year before registering for the next academic year.

For the 2024 academic year, NWU has outlined a clear structure for tuition and residence fees. Whether you’re a first-year student or a senior, understanding the breakdown of these fees will help you plan better.

Estimated First Minimum Payable Fees 2024

Here is a breakdown of the minimum fees that students will need to pay to secure their spot at NWU for the 2024 academic year:

  • Residence Students (All campuses): R21,870
  • Non-Residence Students: R11,810
  • Distance Learning Students: R11,810
  • International Students: Full cost of study (see below)

It is essential for international students to note that they are required to pay the full amount for their studies in advance before registration can be finalized.

NWU Tuition Fees by Program (First Year 2024)

For first-year students, tuition fees vary depending on the program of study. Below are the tuition fees for selected programs in 2024:

  • Engineering: R72,347
  • Pharmacy: R59,015
  • BCom Economic Sciences: R60,585
  • BSc IT: R62,087
  • BSc Actuarial Sciences: R73,965
  • Nursing Science: R55,881
  • B.Ed. Senior & FET: R56,475
  • LLB: R53,124
  • BA Communication: R52,415
  • BA Law: R53,290
  • BCom Chartered Accountancy (CA): R65,361

Residence Fees at NWU Campuses

Living in residence can also contribute significantly to your overall costs. Here’s an estimate of residence fees based on the campus:

  • Mahikeng Campus: R25,680 to R43,320
  • Potchefstroom Campus: R31,290 to R44,710
  • Vanderbijlpark Campus: R31,350 to R49,070

Important Payment Information

To ease the registration process, NWU encourages students to pay their minimum payable fees in December or January. This payment ensures you can smoothly register when the registration period opens.

For international students, all fees (tuition and other costs) must be paid in advance before registration is confirmed.

Banking Details for NWU Payments

Payments can be made into the following NWU bank accounts:

  • ABSA
    Account Number: 40 7009 9350
    Branch Code: 632005
  • FNB
    Account Number: 6216 190 7335
    Branch Code: 240438
  • Nedbank
    Account Number: 1713 378 531
    Branch Code: 171338
  • Standard Bank
    Account Number: 33 038 446 5
    Branch Code: 052838

For international payments (Namibia):

  • FNB Namibia
    Account Number: 6224 883 9823
    Branch Code: 281174 (Old Power Station)

Important Contacts for Fee Inquiries

For further assistance regarding tuition fees or any other financial matters, you can contact the relevant campus:


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.