North West University flooded by 420,000 applications as only 11,800 students secure places
The North-West University (NWU) has received an unprecedented surge in applications for the 2026 academic year, leaving tens of thousands of qualified matriculants without places due to capacity constraints.
The university said it had received more than 420,000 applications across its eight faculties on three campuses, far exceeding the number of students it is able to admit.
“We can admit only 11,800 first year students (contact and distance) for the 2026 academic year in terms of the enrolment target(s) approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training,” the institution said.
Despite strong academic performance among applicants, NWU acknowledged that limited capacity has forced it to turn away many candidates who meet minimum entry requirements.
The university said approximately 90,000 applications submitted before the August 31, 2025, closing date had an Admission Points Score (APS) of 30 or higher.
“Regrettably, due to limited capacity, we are unable to accept all the applications including those whose Admission Points Score (APS) meet the degree/programme requirements,” the university stated.
NWU confirmed that first-year applicants who received conditional admission offers will be notified of their final status shortly after the release of the National Senior Certificate results.
Prospective students have been urged to check their application outcomes online rather than visiting campuses in person.
The university has also ruled out any late applications or walk-in enquiries for the 2026 academic year.
“Therefore, we will not allow any walk-in admission enquiries or applications for the 2026 academic year,” NWU said, adding that applicants who missed the 2025 application window would have to wait for the 2027 intake.
NWU said details of the 2027 application period would be communicated in due course.
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