NWU Engineering Requirement

By | October 3, 2024
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Admission requirements

Please note that the below admission requirements are subject to change pending selection and possible faculty-specific requirements.

Study information is subject to change and is a summary of the general fields of study. This information was compiled for introduction and orientation purposes and the North-West University accepts no liability for inaccuracies that may occur in this guide. The official yearbook of the University must in all cases be consulted during the process of compiling a programme for a specific field of study. The appropriate yearbook is available on request at: studies@mynwu.info / 018 285 4320 / applicationsug@nwu.ac.za.

Please note that, owing to specific capacity constraints, the University reserves the right to select candidates for admission to certain fields of study. This means that prospective students who comply with the minimum requirements will not automatically be admitted to the courses in question. Because of the capacity limitations and the high demand from students for admission to particular fields of study, students will be selected on the basis of their Grade 12 results for admission to these fields.

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DegreeFieldRequirementsAPSCampus Possible Career Opportunities
Bachelor of Engineering (BIng) Chemical EngineeringChemical Engineering with Mineral ProcessingElectrical and Electronic EngineeringComputer and Electronic Engineering Electromechanical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringIndustrial EngineeringMechatronic EngineeringNS(C) with full matriculation exemptionMathematics level 6Physical Sciences level 6Home OR First Additional Language at least Level 5Additional entry route: students with 50% in both Mathematics AND Physical Sciences may have the opportunity to write a test as additional point of entry or enrol for the Xcel bridging program.DURATION: 4 years34PotchefstroomChemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering with Minerals ProcessingChemical Engineers are involved in the research, design, development and management of industrial processes where raw materials are converted to products with higher economic value. For instance, turn corn to cornflakes, hops to beer, coal to petrol and algae to electricity.  The chemical industry is one of the greatest gross domestic product contributors in South Africa. Chemical engineering is one of the top 10 scarce skills in South Africa.Minerals Processing is a specialist field in Chemical Engineering and deals with the physical and chemical processes used especially to extract metals from ores. The chemical industry is one of the greatest gross domestic product contributors in South Africa. Chemical engineering is one of the top 10 scarce skills in South Africa.Chemical manufacturers and other industries, such as: petroleum refining, synthetic fuel manufacture, food processing, brewing, minerals processing, paper and pulp, pollution control, manufacture of synthetic fibres, fertilizers and explosives Consulting firmsGovernment departments UniversitiesElectrical and Electronic Engineers enable the modern world by moving electrical energy from the source to the point of application. They do this as efficiently as possible, by applying their knowledge of power systems, power conversion, power conditioning, and electrical machines. Training provided by leading experts in power quality, power electronics and electrical machines, sets NWU Electrical and Electronic Engineers apart in industry. Our engineers thrive in power utilities and electrical consulting industries and relate well to the challenges of utilizing renewable energy sources as part of the energy solution of the future. Electrical and Electronic engineering is the number one scarce skill in South Africa.Your options as an electrical, electronic or computer engineer in South Africa and abroad are:TelecommunicationsEnergy and electric powerSemiconductorsAerospaceBio-engineeringManufacturingEducation and researchTransportationAutomotiveComputer and electronic engineers make the world a more efficient place by connecting humans and the world we live in, to the digital world of computer systems and the internet. They do this by using electronics, embedded computers and the skill of programming to control mechatronic systems and to build the internet. Computer and electronic engineering is the number one scarce skill in South Africa.As a computer and electronic engineer you will have great employment prospects in South Africa and abroad. Industries include:TelecommunicationsEnergy and electric powerSemiconductorsAerospaceBio-engineeringManufacturingEducation and researchTransportationAutomotiveElectromechanical engineers ensure the safe and efficient operations of plants and factories by combining elements of electrical and mechanical engineering. Their knowledge of electrical machines, power electronics, strength of materials and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, together with legal knowledge with respect to occupational health and safety make them invaluable to industry. Electromechanical engineering is under the top 10 scarce skills in South Africa.Any mine or manufacturer in South Africa and abroad will greatly benefit from your skills.Mechanical Engineers are involved with the development, manufacturing, management and maintenance of transport, energy conversion, manufacturing, generator, weapon and cooling and heating systems, as well as industry installations, process equipment, manufacturing machinery and mining equipment. (Nuclear Engineers (post grad studies) design systems that utilizes nuclear processes for energy.) Mechanical and nuclear engineering is under the top 3 scarce skills in South Africa.As a mechanical engineer you will work in South Africa or abroad in the following industries:ManufacturingAerodynamicsEnergy technologyPower generationSystem maintenanceRoboticsPlant layout and managementFood processing plantsIndustrial Engineers enable people, technology, information, materials, methods and money to work together productively and effectively. Industrial Engineering originated more than a century ago from the industrial revolution when industries started to search for the best, cheapest and fastest way to manufacture products. However, today it is imperative to employ Industrial Engineers in various industries due to advancements in technology and the current demand of the market place. Industrial engineering is under the top 10 scarce skills in South Africa.As an industrial engineer you will work in South Africa or abroad in the following industries:Manufacturing, mining and energyFood and beveragesIT and telecommunicationsLogistics and supply chainAerospace and aviationHealthcareBanking and financeAgricultureConsultingMechatronic Engineers develop and support the advanced industrial automation systems of the future that make use of the internet of things. They accomplish this by combining knowledge of electronics, measurement and actuation, embedded systems and control theory to control mechanical structures and mechanisms. Their knowledge of computer programming and data analytics allow them to develop intelligent and effective mechatronic systems.Mechatronic Engineers will find employment in:The process controls Automotive Manufacturing Medical device developmentAgricultural processing environmentsThe North-West University offers hands-on practical experience in on-campus laboratories for electronics and industrial automation.

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
See also  Cape Peninsula University of Technology Application fees

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
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  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
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  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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