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:

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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).

📚 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.