The North-West University (NWU) is a public research university located on three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark in South Africa.
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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
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
Chancellors
HM. Leruo Molotlegi, 2004–2019
Dr. Anna Mokgokong, 2019–2025 (vice chancellor)