What you should know about us

• Background
  On 1 January 2004 the former University of the North-West and the Potchefstroom University for Higher Education (PU for CHE) were merged to form a new institution called the North-West University (NWU). The staff and students of the Sebokeng Campus of the former Vista University were incorporated into the new institution, thus making it South Africa's sixth largest university, with almost 40 000 students and a staff complement of more than 4000.
  
  The campuses in Mafikeng, Potchefstroom and the Vaal Triangle operate as business units with specific programmes. The geographical spread of the physical campuses and various other off-campus learning modes make learning accessible to many prospective students. The campuses are supported by a head and institutional management (headed by the Vice- Chancellor) situated in Potchefstroom.

• Internationalization
  The University's mission on internationalization is first and foremost focused on the advancement of research, drawing in post docs and attracting postgraduate students on Masters and PhD level.
  
  The number of international students amounts to approximately 700 per year coming and going. This includes a relatively high number of students who, in terms of international agreements, take part in research projects and use research results for the completion of their theses and dissertations at their home universities.
  
  The international students on the Potchefstroom Campus represent 25 nationalities with quite a number of students from universities in the Netherlands. The Mafikeng Campus of the Institution has several hundreds of students from Botswana, many of whom are undergraduate students, supported by grants from the Government of Botswana. The other campuses have relatively small numbers of international students.
  
  In its continuous quest to be a university of international and modern standards the promotion of quality and innovation in education and research is a priority. The University (Potchefstroom Campus) made a decision to focus on core competencies - its so-called areas of expertise (research focus areas). With the allocation of extra research funds for the development of these focus areas and a comprehensive international quality system the University draws international fame.
  
• Research Focus Areas
  
  For all non-English speaking countries a certificate of English language proficiency (either the TOEFL score sheet or results of the University of Cambridge International English Language Testing system) must be submitted together with the application documents.

• Facilities and Services
  First-class facilities for study, research and recreation are available. Some of them are:
  
  Ferdinand Postma Library
  Tel: +27 (0) 18 299-2000
  Fax: +27 (0) 18 299-2999
  
  Internet Café
  J Chris Coetzee Building
  Tel: +27 (0) 18 299-2207
  
  Nashua Print Shop
  Between Administration building and the Sanlam Auditorium
  Tel: +27 (0) 18 299-2827
  
  Driving School
  27 Tom Street, Potchefstroom
  Tel: +27 (0) 18 299-1985