North-West University
Public university in South Africa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The North-West University (NWU) is a public research university located on three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark in South Africa.
Potchefstroom University University of Bophuthatswana
| |
Former names | Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education Potchefstroom University University of Bophuthatswana |
|---|---|
| Motto | Dit Begin Alles Hier (Afrikaans) |
Motto in English | It All Starts Here |
| Type | Public university |
| Established | 2004 (by merger of existing institutions) |
| Chancellor | Dr Anna Mokgokong[1] |
| Vice-Chancellor | Prof Bismark Tyobeka |
| Students | 56,000 |
| Location | , |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Colours | Purple, turquoise and grey |
| Nickname | NWU |
| Affiliations | AAU ACU HESA |
| Mascot | Eagi (main mascot) Mafika, Pukki, Vuvu (siblings)[2] |
| Website | www |
 | |
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).[3] 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.[4]
As of 2023, NWU ranks among top universities locally, in Africa and globally.[5] In 2024, NWU became a member and service provider of AGRIS.[6] In 2025, construction began on the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine at the universityâs Potchefstroom Campus. Once completed, it will become South Africaâs 11th medical school and is expected to enroll its first students in 2028.[7][8]
Campuses
- Mahikeng Campus
- Potchefstroom Campus (main campus)
- Vanderbijlpark Campus[9]
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[10]
- Gerhard Mostert, rugby player[11]
- Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Universe 2017[12]
- Mamokgethi Phakeng, former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town[13]
- Arrie Rautenbach, group CEO of Absa Group Limited since March 2022[14]
- Warren Whiteley, rugby player[15]
| University rankings | |
|---|---|
| Global â Overall | |
| QS World[16] | 951-1000 (2026) |
Rankings
Faculties
The university is home to eight faculties:[31]
- 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, 2004â2019
- Dr. Anna Mokgokong, 2019â2025 (vice chancellor)
Student profile
| Ethnic enrolment, 2021 | Percentage | Total number |
|---|---|---|
| African | 64,17% | 28 005 |
| White | 30,85% | 13,466 |
| Coloured | 3,67% | 1602 |
| Asian | 1,18% | 516 |
| Other | 0,12% | 53 |
| Total | 100% | 43,642 |
| 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 |
