What you pay and when

Researched by the VarsityStart team from official university sources. Last checked 10 October 2026. How we check

First minimum payment (2026): R24,175 for residence students and R12,855 for non-residence and distance students. This includes a R2,525 registration fee that is non-refundable and cannot be paid in instalments. 2027 amounts were not published when we checked.
Residence confirmation payment: R4,000, non-refundable, due within 30 days of your residence offer letter. NWU's own document also says 21 days in a later paragraph, so pay early and check your offer letter. It is credited to your account once you are at admitted status. It does not apply to NSFAS-funded students or to bursary students who supply proof.
NSFAS-funded students are exempt. If MyNSFAS shows you as provisionally funded you can register without paying.
Pay after accepting your final offer, ideally in December or January. Amounts are subject to Council approval.
The balance can be paid in monthly instalments up to 31 July, with interest on overdue amounts.
Outstanding fees from a previous year can block registration. Debt collection: Mahikeng 018 389 2478 or 2163 (mc-collect@nwu.ac.za), Potchefstroom 018 299 2662 to 2665 (PC-Debtcollect@nwu.ac.za), Vanderbijlpark 016 910 3155 or 3530 (VC-Debtcollect@nwu.ac.za).