NWU Health Sciences Requirements

By | October 3, 2024

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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DegreeFieldRequirementsAPSCampusPossible Career Opportunities 
Diploma in Coaching ScienceCoachingNational Senior CertificateAcademic paper selection; Best average markDURATION: 2 years18PotchefstroomMahikeng Coaching InstructorSport Organiser and Administrator
Bachelor of Health Scienceswith Physiology and BiochemistryMathematics level 5 AND Physical Science level 4 Academic paper selection; Best average markDURATION: 3 years24PotchefstroomLife Science TeacherResearch Laboratories
Bachelor of Health Sciences with Physiology and PsychologyMathematics Level 3 AND Physical Science Level 4Academic paper selection; Best average markDURATION: 3 years24PotchefstroomLife Science TeacherPsychologist 
Bachelor of Health Scienceswith Sport Coaching and Human Movement SciencesAcademic paper selection; Best average markDURATION: 3 years24PotchefstroomMahikeng Fitness InstructorSport Organiser
Bachelor of Health Sciences with Recreation Science and Psychologywith Recreation Science and Tourism Managementwith Sport and Recreation AdministrationAcademic paper selection; Best average markDURATION: 3 years24PotchefstroomRecreation ConsultantAdventure InstructorAdventure TherapistTeam-building SpecialistRecreation Centre Manager
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Scienceswith Psychology and Labour Relations ManagementAcademic paper selectionDURATION: 3 years24PotchefstroomVanderbijlparkLabour Relations Specialist / PractitionerResearchTeacherLecturerAnalyst
Bachelor of Artswith Psychology and Geography & Environmental Managementwith Psychology and Tourism ManagementAcademic paper selectionDURATION: 3 years24PotchefstroomEnvironmental ManagerAtmospheric ScientistClimatologistDisaster ManagerTourism MarketerAccommodation ManagerEvents ManagerTourism ResearcherGame Farm Manager
Bachelor of Consumer Studies  At least one natural science subject at level 4 recognizedAt least one subject from the Natural Sciences passed on level 4 (natural science subjects: Mathematics OR Physical OR Agricultural OR Life Sciences).A pass rate of at least 60% (level 5) for non-designated modulesAn average mark above 70% in Mathematical Literacy will be consideredApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritSELECTION: Academic achievement. A discussion among members of a selection panel; and completion of a selection testDURATION: 3 years24PotchefstroomFood/Fashion in Retail/IndustryProject ManagementConsumer ConsultantClient Service Manager
Bachelor of Consumer Sciences in Food Product Management    with Food CommunicationAt least one subject from the Natural Sciences passed on level 4 (designated natural science subjects: Mathematics OR Physical OR Agricultural OR Life Sciences).A pass rate of at least 60% (level 5) for non-designated modulesAn average mark above 70% in Mathematical Literacy will be consideredApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritSELECTION: Academic achievement. A discussion among members of a selection panel; and completion of a selection testDURATION: 4 years24Potchefstroom Retail / IndustryFood and Innovation ManagerProduct / Flavour DeveloperQuality Assurance / ManagementFood TechnologistHospitality Manager
Bachelor of Consumer Sciences in Food Product Management with Food SupplyMathematics on level 4If Chemistry is chosen as an elective, Mathematics AND Physical Sciences on level 4 is requiredA pass rate of at least 60% (level 5) for non-designated modulesApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritSELECTION: Academic achievement. A discussion among members of a selection panel and completion of a selection test.DURATION: 4 years24Potchefstroom Retail / IndustryFood and Innovation ManagerProduct / Flavour DeveloperQuality Assurance / ManagementFood TechnologistHospitality Manager
Bachelor of Consumer Sciences in Fashion Retail Management    with Fashion CommunicationAt least one subject from the Natural Sciences passed on level 4 (designated natural science subjects: Mathematics OR Physical OR Agricultural OR Life Sciences).A pass rate of at least 60% (level 5) for non-designated modulesAn average mark above 70% in Mathematical Literacy will be consideredApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritSELECTION: Academic achievement. A discussion among members of a selection panel; and completion of a selection testDURATION: 4 years24Potchefstroom Sales RepresentativeBuyerPlannerVisual MerchandiserSpace plannerClient Advisor / Stylist Manager
Bachelor of Consumer Sciences in Fashion Product Management  with Fashion SupplyMathematics on level 4A pass rate of at least 60% (level 5) for non-designated modulesApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritSELECTION: Academic achievement. A discussion among members of a selection panel and completion of a selection test.DURATION: 4 years24Potchefstroom Sales RepresentativeBuyerPlannerVisual MerchandiserSpace plannerClient Advisor / Stylist Manager 
Bachelor of Social Work Language requirement: A pass mark of level 4 in the language of learning and teaching on Home Language OR First Additional Language level.Applications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritTAKE NOTE:The General admission requirements are described according to A-rules 1.5 and further applicable regulations in Faculty Rules.No student will be allowed into the BSW programme unless he/she has furnished written proof the he/ she has not been convicted of any offence against a child in terms of the Sexual OffencesAct (Act 23 of 1957) and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 32 of 2007A student should be in possession of a full Matriculation exemption certificate with an average pass mark of at least 60% during the matriculation examination SELECTION PROCESS:Completion of a psychometric selection tests;Completion of a questionnaire that will be given at the testing centre; andA possible interview with experts in a selection panelDURATION: 4 years28PotchefstroomMahikeng VanderbijlparkSocial WorkerSocial Work AdministratorResearchPlanner
Bachelor of Social Scienceswith PsychologyAt least level 4 for English as Home Language OR at least level 5 for English as First Additional LanguageAcademic paper selectionDURATION: 3 years24Mahikeng   
Bachelor of PharmacyPharmacyMathematics level 5Physical Science at level 5Academic paper selection; Best average markApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritDURATION: 4 years32PotchefstroomCommunity PharmacyHospital Pharmacy (private and public)Pharmaceutical Manufacturing IndustryWholesale PharmacistsHealthcare managersMedicine control officers (These positions are available at medical aids, local governments, the central government, etc)
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics Mathematics level 4Physical Science at level 4Academic paper selection & InterviewApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritDURATION: 4 years26PotchefstroomPrivate sectorFood IndustryFood service Management Consultant or Representative for Pharmaceutical FirmsPrivate HospitalsGymnasiumsMiningMedia ServicesFast Food FirmsHealth CarePharmaceutical IndustryPrivate HospitalsPrivate Practice
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Occupational Hygiene Mathematics level 5Physical Science at level 5Academic paper selection; Best average markApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritDURATION: 4 years27Potchefstroom Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)SASOLCity councilMining companies (Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Impala Platinum, etc)ESKOMNational Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH)Department of Labour (DoL)Occupational hygiene consultants and Approved Inspection Authorities Great demand internationally for qualified occupational hygienists 
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics Mathematics level 3 OR Mathematics Literacy level 4Physical Science OR Life Sciences at least level 4.Academic paper selection; Best average markTAKE NOTE:Students should, prior to starting the course in Biokinetics, be medically fit for the fitness component of the courseApplications close 30 JuneLate applications will be considered on meritDURATION: 4 years32PotchefstroomBiokineticist
Bachelor of Nursing  Nursing Sciences A potential student must be in possession of:A National Senior Certificate with university exemption OR an equivalent qualificationPhysical Sciences OR Mathematics OR Life Sciences level 4English OR Afrikaans at least level 4Furthermore, the School of Nursing Sciences, requires candidates:SELECTION: Selection test for first year nursing studentsParticipation in the “job shadowing programme” (40 hours) is compulsory before selection is finalisedDURATION: 4 years25Mahikeng Potchefstroom  

 

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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  NWU Admissions website for Vaal International students

📚 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.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  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.