North-West University APS 2027: Points for all 3 Campuses

The Admission Point Score (APS) is a critical part of applying to North‑West University (NWU) for the 2027 academic year. 

The APS is the score that universities in South Africa use to assess your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results to see if you qualify for a degree programme. 

NWU has three main campuses in South Africa: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. 

Each campus offers degrees and programmes, and all use the APS in the admissions process. 

NWU requires you to apply online and to meet both the APS and specific subject requirements for your chosen field of study.

Most programmes at NWU calculate your APS by adding points from your six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation. 

The APS score helps the university determine which students meet the minimum academic requirements for undergraduate courses.

How APS Is Calculated at NWU

NWU uses a 7‑point scoring scale for NSC results. 

Your percentage for each subject from your final Grade 12 results is converted into a level, and each level has a specific point value.

You then add the points from your best six subjects to get your total APS. Life Orientation is not included in the APS calculation.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Calculating Your APS

1. Collect Your Final NSC Results
   Wait for your official Grade 12 results before calculating. You can also use Grade 11 results for conditional offers.
2. Choose Your Best Six Subjects
   Include your Home Language, First Additional Language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and your best three other subjects. Life Orientation is not counted in the APS total.
3. Convert Each Subject to APS Points
   Use the APS points table below to convert each subject percentage to the corresponding points.
4. Add the Points Together
   Add the points for your six subjects to get your total APS. This determines your eligibility for the programme you want to study.
5. Check Minimum Requirements for Your Degree
   Each degree has a minimum APS and specific subject requirements. Some faculties also require minimum subject levels.

NWU APS Table for 2027

NSC Percentage	NSC Level	APS Points
90% – 100%	Level 7	7
80% – 89%	Level 7	7
70% – 79%	Level 6	6
60% – 69%	Level 5	5
50% – 59%	Level 4	4
40% – 49%	Level 3	3
30% – 39%	Level 2	2
0% – 29%	Level 1	1

This table shows how your NSC percentage translates into APS points at NWU. Use this table to calculate your total APS score.

Applying to NWU for 2027

You can apply directly through NWU’s online application system.

The application process is the same regardless of which campus you choose. 

Each campus may offer different degrees, but the APS calculation and basic admission steps are consistent across all three.

General Application Steps:

1. Visit NWU’s Official Application Portal: Start your application on the NWU online application page.
2. Create Your Applicant Profile: Enter your personal details and contact information.
3. Select Your Campus and Programme: Choose your preferred campus: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, or Vanderbijlpark, and then select your degree.
4. Enter Your Subjects and Results: Input the percentages for your six best NSC subjects. Life Orientation is not included in the APS calculation.
5. Upload Required Documents: You will need your certified ID and academic results.
6. Submit Your Application: Review all information carefully before submitting, as changes may not be possible after submission.
7. Track Your Application: After submission, use your application number to check your status online.

Course Requirements by Faculty at NWU

Different faculties at NWU have different minimum APS requirements. These apply across all campuses offering the relevant degrees. 

Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee acceptance, especially for competitive programmes.

Faculty of Engineering (Potchefstroom & Vanderbijlpark)

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
  • Minimum APS: 34
  • Mathematics: 70%
  • Physical Science: 70%
  • Language: 60%
  • A conditional offer is available with slightly lower requirements.

Faculty of Health Sciences (Potchefstroom)

• Bachelor of Pharmacy – APS 32, Maths and Physical Science preferred
• Bachelor of Nursing – APS 25
• BHSc Programmes – APS 26
  Minimum subject levels apply.

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (All Campuses)

• BCom in Accounting – APS 24
• BCom Chartered Accountancy – APS 32
• BCom Financial Accountancy – APS 28
  These programmes often require strong Mathematics results.

Faculty of Humanities

• BA Degrees – APS 22–26
  Language and specific subject requirements vary by major.

Faculty of Education

• Bachelor of Education (BEd) – APS 26
  Specific subject requirements vary with phase and specialisation.

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

• BSc Programmes – APS 26
• Extended BSc Programmes – APS 24
• Actuarial Science & Quantitative Degrees – APS 32
  Strong Maths is an advantage.

Campus Options at NWU

NWU’s three campuses each have a range of programmes:

1. Potchefstroom Campus: Full range of faculties including Engineering, Health Sciences, Sciences, and Humanities.
2. Mahikeng Campus: Focus on Agriculture, Education, Commerce, and Law.
3. Vanderbijlpark Campus: Emphasis on Engineering, Commerce, and Information Technology.

Choose a campus based on the faculty and programme you want. Always check the latest prospectus for campus‑specific offerings.