North-West University has officially opened registrations for the 2026 academic year, giving both new and returning students the opportunity to secure their place for the year ahead. Registration applies to first-year and senior students, across contact and distance learning modes, and follows a structured, capacity-based process.
Because each qualification has a limited number of spaces, students are encouraged to register as early as possible to avoid missing out once capacity is reached.
Important Notice About Capacity-Based Registration
Registration at NWU is strictly capacity-driven. Once a programme reaches its approved limit, no additional registrations will be accepted. This makes early action essential, especially for popular qualifications and faculties.
Students are advised to regularly check official university communication platforms for updates, as availability can change depending on academic requirements and space.
Registration Dates for First-Year Students (Contact and Distance)
All faculties follow the same registration period for first-year students.
Registration opens on 19 January 2026 and ends on 7 February 2026, subject to qualification capacity.
First-year students should ensure that all admission conditions, academic requirements, and financial arrangements are finalised before attempting to register.
Registration Dates for Senior Students (Contact and Distance)
To ensure an organised process, NWU has assigned specific registration dates for returning and senior students by faculty.
Early Returns
Students returning early for academic reasons or student leadership responsibilities may register on 19 January 2026.
Faculty-Specific Registration Schedule
- Business School: 19 January 2026
- Faculty of Education (Senior Students): 26 to 27 January 2026
- Faculty of Health Sciences (Senior Students): 28 to 29 January 2026
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (Senior Students): 30 January 2026
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Senior Students): 2 February 2026
- Faculty of Humanities (Senior Students): 3 February 2026
- Faculty of Engineering (Senior Students): 4 February 2026
- Faculty of Theology (Senior Students): 5 February 2026
- Faculty of Law (Senior Students): 5 February 2026
Final Opportunity for Outstanding Registrations
Students who miss their allocated faculty registration dates may still have an opportunity to register during the final window on 5 to 6 February 2026, subject to approval and space availability.
Registration for Honours, Master’s and PhD Students
Postgraduate students are granted a longer registration period to accommodate research approvals and administrative processes.
Honours, Master’s and PhD registrations run from 20 January to 31 March 2026.
Postgraduate candidates are strongly encouraged to confirm faculty requirements, supervisor approvals, and funding arrangements before proceeding with registration.
Important Registration Tips for 2026
Students should take note of the following to ensure a smooth registration experience:
- Monitor official NWU announcements and student portals regularly
- Confirm that all academic and financial requirements have been met
- Register as early as possible to avoid losing your place due to capacity limits
- Distance learning students should confirm online access and module availability before submitting registration
Where Registration Takes Place
All registrations for the 2026 academic year must be completed through the official North-West University registration system.
🔗 Registration Portal: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/registration
Students should ensure they are using the correct platform and logging in with their valid student credentials.
Final Reminder to Students
NWU’s 2026 registration process is structured, time-sensitive, and strictly capacity-based. Missing your assigned registration window may result in delayed enrolment or the loss of your place for the academic year.
Plan ahead, register on time, and secure your academic journey at North-West University in 2026.
