North-West University

North-West University is a public university formed in 2004 by merging Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education with the University of North-West, with campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark. It offers programs in fields from theology, law and education to engineering, pharmacy and the natural sciences. Most teaching is in English, and applicants with foreign school-leaving qualifications usually need an exemption certificate from Universities South Africa.

• A completed secondary school certificate for bachelor's, a relevant bachelor's degree for master's, and usually a master's for a PhD
• IELTS, TOEFL or another test the university accepts, unless English is your first language or you studied in English
• Official transcripts and certificates, with certified translations if they are not in English
• Applicants with foreign school certificates need an exemption certificate from Universities South Africa (USAf) for bachelor's study
• For master's and PhD: a CV, statement of purpose and academic references; PhD applicants usually also need a research proposal and an agreed supervisor
• A valid passport and proof that you can pay tuition and living costs for the student visa

• Choose your program and check its entry requirements, language of instruction and deadline on the university website
• Apply directly through the university's online application
• Upload transcripts, language scores, your passport and, for postgraduate programs, CV, statement of purpose and references
• Pay the application fee if the university charges one, and apply before the program deadline
• Apply for a South African study visa with your acceptance letter, proof of funds and medical cover from a South African provider

13 scholarships, 9 universities and 1 program in South Africa. 9 of the scholarships are fully funded, and the next deadline is 31 October 2026 (Stellenbosch University Postgraduate International Scholarship).

Language

English/Afrikaans

Currency

ZAR (R)

Living costs

$500–900/mo

Typical tuition

Approx ZAR 50,000-120,000 per year for international students (about USD 3,000-7,000), plus an international levy at some institutions

• Stellenbosch University Postgraduate International ScholarshipPartial Funding · 25 days left
• AIMS Scholarship (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences)Fully Funded · Deadline 15 Mar 2027
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Postgraduate Merit AwardPartial Funding · Deadline 31 Mar 2027
• Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027 (South Africa)Fully Funded · Deadline 14 Apr 2027