NWU Courses You Can Study with 21 APS Points or Below

If you’re planning to study at North-West University (NWU) in 2027 with an Admission Point Score (APS) between 18 and 21, there are still plenty of study options available. While many traditional degree programmes require higher APS scores, NWU offers Programmes and diplomas designed to give you access to higher education and help you succeed.

This article gives a clear breakdown of courses you can study at NWU with 21 APS points or below.

Programmes That Require a Lower APS at NWU

The following programmes offered at North-West University (NWU) require a minimum APS of 18 and a maximum of 22 for admission.

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

This faculty offers several Extended Programmes for students with an APS of 20–21.

BCom in Economic Sciences (Extended) – APS 20

• Econometrics (Mahikeng campus) – APS 20, English Level 3
• Statistics – APS 20, English Level 3
• Information Systems (Mahikeng campus) – APS 20

BCom in Management Sciences (Extended) – APS 20

• Business Management (Mahikeng & Vanderbijlpark campuses) – APS 20

Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin) (Extended) – APS 21

• Human Resource Management (Mahikeng campus) – APS 21
• Industrial and Organisational Psychology (Mahikeng campus) – APS 21

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities offers both degree and diploma options for students with APS scores of 20–21, especially in management and creative fields.

Bachelor of Administration in Development and Management

• Local Government Management (Mainstream) – APS 21 (Mahikeng campus)
• Local Government Management (Extended) – APS 20

Diploma in Music – APS 21

• Requires a practical audition (Grade III UNISA / Grade IV Royal Schools)
• Includes a music theory placement test

Faculty of Health Sciences

If you’re interested in sports and physical development, this faculty offers one of the lowest APS entry requirements at NWU.

Diploma in Coaching Science – APS 18

• Duration: 2 years
• Focus: Sport Coaching
• Offered at Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses

Important Admission Requirements

Meeting the APS requirement is just the first step. Ensure you satisfy the following requirements as well:

1. Language Requirements

• Most programmes require Level 4 (50–59%) in English or Afrikaans
• Some extended programmes accept Level 3 (40–49%)

2. Additional Selection Criteria

• Certain courses (e.g. Music, Coaching Science) may require:
  • Auditions
  • Interviews or selection processes

3. Limited Space

• NWU may limit student intake per programme
• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

4. APS Calculation

• Based on your six best NSC subjects
• Life Orientation is excluded

When to Apply

North-West University (NWU) will open applications for the 2027 academic year from 1 June 2026 until the official closing date (yet to be confirmed).

If you’re planning to apply—regardless of your APS score—it’s important to submit your application as early as possible, as spaces in many programmes are limited and may fill up quickly.

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• NWU Prospectus for 2027 Applications- Download PDF