Mahikeng: The North-West University (NWU) has announced that it will not allow any walk-in admission enquiries or applications during the registration of first-year students for the 2026 academic year, citing overwhelming demand and limited enrollment capacity.
Congratulating matriculants who passed the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, the university said it had received more than 420 000 applications across its eight faculties on three campuses. Despite this unprecedented interest, NWU can admit only 11 800 first-year students (contact and distance learning combined) for 2026, in line with enrollment targets approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The university revealed that approximately 90 000 applications submitted before the closing date of 31 August 2025 achieved an Admission Points Score (APS) of 30 or higher. “Regrettably, due to limited capacity, we are unable to accept all applications, including those that meet the minimum APS requirements,” NWU said.
Applicants who received conditional admission offers for 2026 will be informed of their final application status shortly after the release of the NSC results. Prospective students who are unsure of their admission outcome are urged to check their application status online via the NWU application portal.
Online registration for first-year students opens on 19 January 2026. From that date, applicants may contact the university through the following official channels:
Email: studies@nwu.ac.za
WhatsApp: +27 (0)60 070 2606
SMS: 31750
Call Centre: 0860 169 698
NWU stressed that no walk-in enquiries or late applications will be entertained for the 2026 academic year. Individuals who did not apply during the official application period, which ran from 1 April to 31 August 2025, will not be able to apply at this stage. Details regarding the 2027 application period will be communicated in due course.
The university also issued a warning against admission scams. “NWU does not charge any application or admission fees — only registration fees,” the statement said. Prospective students were cautioned to be wary of anyone claiming they can secure placement in exchange for payment. All admissions and registrations are handled exclusively by the official NWU Admissions Office. Any suspicious activity should be reported to nwu@whistleblowing.co.za.
Meanwhile, NWU Registrar Prof. Hennie Goede encouraged unsuccessful applicants to consider alternative pathways through the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH). The national CACH system allows students to register online for consideration at other higher-education institutions where spaces may still be available.
“The CACH service provides access to career development support and, where possible, opportunities at institutions with remaining capacity,” Prof. Goede said. The CACH call centre can be reached on 0860 690 722. Registered applicants’ details are shared with tertiary institutions, which may contact them if suitable spaces exist and entry requirements are met.
