North-West University (NWU) is a leading South African institution known for its diverse academic programs across multiple campuses—Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark—and its commitment to quality education. If you’re considering studying at NWU in 2026, this blog post provides an up-to-date and detailed overview of the wide range of undergraduate courses available, helping you make an informed choice about your academic future.
Faculties and Fields of Study at NWU
NWU offers a broad selection of programs across several faculties, including Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Agriculture, and Theology. Below is a breakdown of some key courses and their requirements.
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) with various specializations such as Accounting, Business Operations, Economic Sciences, Marketing, and Transport Economics.
- Extended BCom Programmes designed for students who meet minimum admission criteria but require additional academic support.
- Bachelor of Economic Sciences with majors like Agricultural Economics and Risk Management, Econometrics, and Finance.
Entry requirements: Mathematics level 3 or higher, depending on the specialization, with an Admission Point Score (APS) of around 24 to 28.
Faculty of Education
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees focusing on Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, and Senior Phase teaching.
- Programmes include options for teaching Life Sciences, Mathematics, and other subjects.
- Extended Curriculum Programmes are available to support students needing extra academic assistance.
Entry requirements: English proficiency at level 4, with subject-specific requirements depending on the teaching phase.
Faculty of Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in fields such as Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, and Mining Engineering.
- Special bridging modules available for students who do not meet all entry requirements but show potential.
Entry requirements: Mathematics level 5 or higher and Physical Science level 4 or higher, with an APS of about 26.
Faculty of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Health Sciences with majors including Public Health, Nursing, and Epidemiology.
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences and related fields.
Entry requirements: Vary by program, generally requiring strong performance in Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.
Faculty of Humanities
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) with majors such as Afrikaans and Dutch, English, Creative Writing, History, Philosophy, and Languages including Setswana and isiZulu.
- Programs in Social Sciences, Psychology, and Communication.
- Distance learning options available for several humanities courses.
Entry requirements: English proficiency at level 4, with some language-specific requirements.
Faculty of Law
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Extended LLB programs.
- The LLB is a four-year degree, while the extended program lasts five years and provides additional academic support.
Entry requirements: Home Language and First Additional Language at level 5 for the standard LLB, and level 4 for the extended program, with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirements.
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) with combinations such as Chemistry and Physics, Computer Science and Mathematics, Biochemistry and Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and more.
- Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences with majors like Animal Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, and Agricultural Economics.
Entry requirements: Mathematics level 4 or 5 and Physical Science level 4, with an APS typically around 26.
Distance Learning and Extended Programmes
NWU offers many courses via distance learning, providing flexibility for students who cannot attend campus full-time. Extended programmes are also available in various faculties to support students who need extra academic assistance.
Application Tips
- Ensure you meet the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) and subject-specific requirements for your chosen course.
- Apply early through the NWU online application portal to avoid missing deadlines.
- Prepare certified copies of your ID and academic transcripts for upload.
- Consider distance learning options if you require flexibility.
- Contact NWU’s admissions office for guidance if you have questions about eligibility or application procedures.
North-West University offers a comprehensive and diverse range of courses tailored to various academic interests and career paths. Whether you’re passionate about commerce, engineering, health sciences, humanities, or agriculture, NWU’s programs provide solid foundations and opportunities for growth.
For the most current and detailed information, prospective students should consult the official NWU 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus and visit studies.nwu.ac.za.