The North-West University (NWU) is a public research university located on three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark in South Africa.
History
The university came into existence through the merger in 2004 of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, a large, historical university dating back to 1869, which also had a branch in Vanderbijlpark, and the University of North-West (formerly the University of Bophuthatswana). With its merged status, the North-West University became one of the largest universities in South Africa with the third largest student population (full-time and distance education) in the country.
As of 2023, NWU ranks among top universities locally, in Africa and globally. In 2024, NWU became a member and service provider of AGRIS. In 2025, construction began on the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine at the university’s Potchefstroom Campus. Once completed, it will become South Africa’s 11th medical school and is expected to enroll its first students in 2028.
Campuses Mahikeng Campus Potchefstroom Campus (main campus) Vanderbijlpark Campus
Notable alumni Among the notable alumni of the university following the merger are: Dirk Hermann, trade unionist and head of Solidarity Katlego Maboe, television presenter Gerhard Mostert, rugby player Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Universe 2017 Mamokgethi Phakeng, former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town Arrie Rautenbach, group CEO of Absa Group Limited since March 2022 Warren Whiteley, rugby player
Rankings
NWU Times Higher Education ranking 2019 to 2024YearWorld rank2024601–8002023601–8002022501–6002021501–6002020501–6002019501–600
Faculties
The university is home to eight faculties:
Economic and Management Sciences Accounting Sciences Business and Governance (Business School) Economic Sciences Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management Management Sciences Tourism Education Language Education Psycho-Social Education Professional Studies in Education Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Commerce and Social Studies in Education Engineering Chemical and Minerals Engineering Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Industrial Engineering Health Sciences Human Movement Sciences Kinderkinetics Pharmacy Psychosocial Health Physiology Consumer Sciences Nutrition Occupational Hygiene Nursing Humanities Communication Studies Government Studies Languages Music Philosophy Social Sciences Law BA (Law) Bcom (Law) LLB LLM Course Work LLD Natural and Agricultural Sciences Physical and Chemical Sciences Biological Sciences Geo- and Spatial Sciences Agricultural Sciences Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Computer Science and Information Systems Business Mathematics and Statistics Theology Christian Ministry and Leadership Ancient Language and Text Studies
Chancellors
HM. Leruo Molotlegi, 2004–2019 Dr. Anna Mokgokong, 2019–2025 (vice chancellor)
Student profile
Ethnic enrolment, 2021 Percentage Total number African 64,17% 28 005White 30,85% 13,466Coloured 3,67% 1602Asian 1,18% 516Other 0,12% 53Total 100% 43,642
+ University of North West staff by race and gender (2021) Race Total number Percentage Female Male African 2,694 40.54% 1,375 1,319 Coloured 380 5.72% 221 159 Asian 114 1.72% 59 55 White 3,456 52.02% 2,033 1,423 Total 6,644 100% 3,684 2,960
References
External links
North-West University