North-West University
The North-West University (NWU) is a public research university located on three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark in South Africa. The University came into existence through the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, which also had a branch in Vanderbijlpark, and the University of North-West (formerly the University of Bophuthatswana) in 2004.[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]
Former names | Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education Potchefstroom University University of Bophuthatswana |
---|---|
Motto | Dit Begin Alles Hier (Afrikaans)
Gotlhe Go Simolola Fano (Setswana) |
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 Linda du Plessis (Acting)[2] |
Students | 53,997 |
Undergraduates | 46,806 |
Postgraduates | 7,191 |
Location | , |
Campus | Suburban |
Colours | Purple, Turquoise and Grey |
Nickname | NWU |
Affiliations | AAU ACU HESA |
Website | www |


The head offices of the university are located on the Potchefstroom campus.[5]
Faculties
The university is home to 8 faculties including:[6]
- 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
- Mercantile Law
- Public Law
- Private Law
- 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
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Theology
- Christian Ministry and Leadership
- Ancient Language and Text Studies
In 2018 the North West University's Potchefstroom Campus created a new worldwide usable model (by their researchers) to control the Fall Army Worm pest. The prototype does an accurate prediction of the worldwide spread of the worm. The researchers has also identified a natural process to deal with it, by using a parasitoid.[7]
Our Campuses
An innovative institution with a proud heritage, an exceptionally rich culture and an unwavering strive towards excellence - that is the Mahikeng Campus.
A unique student experience coupled with a research-driven dynamic, the Potchefstroom Campus is where all are geared towards bringing a brighter future to all.
As picturesque as it is productive, as pioneering as it is progressive. The Vaal Campus is the epitome of what quality entails.
Alumni
- Dirk Hermann Trade unionist
- Gerhard Mostert South African Rugby player, who played for the Springboks and Stade Français. He plays lock.[8]
- Warren Whiteley South African Rugby player, who played for the Springboks and Lions. He played eightman and was springbok Captain[9]
- Katlego Maboe award-winning television presenter[10]
- Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters Miss Universe 2017.[11]
Chancellor
- Leruo Molotlegi, 2004-2019
- Anna Mokgokong, 2019-
Vice-Chancellor
- Theuns Eloff, 2004-2014
- Dan Kgwadi, 2014-2022
- Linda du Plessis (Acting) 2022-
Deputy Vice-Chancellors
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Community Engagement and Campus Operations (Mahikeng Campus)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Information Technology and Campus Operations (Potchefstroom Campus)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Planning and Campus Operations (Vanderbijlpark Campus)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation

References
- "Chancellor". Retrieved 22 February 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "Vice-Chancellor". www.nwu.ac.za. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - NWU (North-West University). s.a. NWU @ a glance. https://www.nwu.ac.za/content/nwu-glance Date of access: 4 Feb. 2022
- "Student statistics of the North West University" (PDF). Retrieved 22 February 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "CHE | Council on Higher Education | Regulatory body for Higher Education in South Africa | Education | Innovation | University | South Africa". www.che.ac.za. Archived from the original on 2020-05-24. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
- "Faculties | NWU | North-West University". www.nwu.ac.za. Archived from the original on 2018-04-02. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
- Lehihi, S (23 August 2018). "Scientists at the North West University create pest control model". SABC news. Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
- Scheppel, K. (3 August 2011). "Mostert rugby institute's third Bok". NWU. Archived from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
- Pienaar, W. (25 June 2016). "(Afrikaans)Warren Whiteley: Van Pukke 0.20 C-span na Springbok Agtsteman (translated : from university under twenty C team to Springbok Eightman)". Potchefstroom Herald Newspaper. Archived from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
- "Katlego Maboe". Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
- Santana, M. (27 March 2017). "NWU alumna crowned as Miss SA 2017". Archived from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2018.