University Preparatory Programme (UnivPrep)

UnivPrep is a one-year preparatory programme which provides participants, who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to degree study, with an opportunity to demonstrate that they can successfully complete the programme and that they can be admitted to formal degree study based on their UnivPrep results.

Programmes available

1. UnivPrep BA participants who completed the programme successfully, can apply for admission to one of the following BA degrees:

• Public Administration which is offered full-time (at one of the NWU campuses where the degree is offered).
• Public Governance (with Policing Practice) which is offered only in the distance mode of delivery.

2. UnivPrep BCom participants who complete the programme successfully, can apply for admission to a BCom degree in full-time studies at one of the NWU campuses.

Important: The successful completion of the UnivPrep BCom programme does not guarantee admission to ALL the BCom degrees offered at the NWU.

3. UnivPrep BTh participants who complete the programme successfully, can apply for admission to the BTh degree either by means of distance education or full-time study at one of the NWU campuses where the degree is offered.

Admission requirements

Programme Fee

The total programme fee for 2025 is R15 700 (Excluding Study Material).

In order to be registered for the programme, successful applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee of R6 600.

NWU will not be providing textbooks to students, a list of the prescribed study material will be made available to the registered participants that they will have to procure on their own behalf.

How to apply

Via the "Application Link" at the top of this page.

Please note that you will be required to create or use a gmail account, to access the application portal.

Overview

• All UnivPrep programmes are only available in English as a medium of instruction.
• The duration of the programme is one year and it comprises academic modules as well as academic development modules. 

The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Degree is currently not being offered by the NWU by means of distance education.  After successful completion of the BCom UnivPrep programme, prospective students wishing to enrol for a BCom Degree, have to enrol for full-time studies at one of the NWU campuses.

• The UnivPrep BCom programme is aimed at providing ACCESS to BCom degree study at the NWU, but that does not mean that UnivPrep participants who completed the programme successfully will qualify for admission to ALL the BCom degrees offered at the NWU. Admission to formal BCom degree study and granting of recognition of prior learning will be based on faculty discretionary decision as well as the academic performance of the UnivPrep participant.
• UnivPrep is a one-year preparatory programme which provides participants, who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to degree study, with an opportunity to demonstrate that they can successfully complete the programme and that they can be admitted to formal degree study based on their UnivPrep results. Participants in a preparatory programme who did not take part in all the modules and who did not manage to pass all the modules in one year will not be able to re-register for the complete programme for a second year. Only those UnivPrep BCom participants who passed all their formative modules will qualify to re-register for a maximum of two outstanding academic modules. 

Minimum Admission requirements

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by Umalusi with university admission to Diploma- or Bachelor’s degree study, or equivalent qualification.
• Admission Points Score (APS) of 20, otherwise admission per Senate Discretionary rule. 
• Grade 12 level Mathematics 30% or Technical Mathematics 35% or Mathematical Literacy 65% or equivalent qualification.

​Specific Requirements:

To allow participation in learning and assessment activities, the following requirements are COMPULSORY for admission to the UnivPrep program:

• Possession of a laptop (or equivalent device) and mobile phone that meet the minimum specifications of the NWU namely: Wi-Fi enabled, Windows-, Android- or Apple operating system, 4G enabled (preferably) and 32 Gig
• Personal access to the internet
• Basic computer literacy

Modules/Curriculum

Academic Modules: Compulsory

• Bridging the Mathematical Gap (1st and 2nd Semester)

• Financial Accounting Special (1st and 2nd Semester)
• Introduction to Micro-economics (1st semester)
• Introduction to Macro-economics (2nd semester)

NB:  UnivPrep participants who are accepted for the UnivPrep BCom Programme and who were enrolled in Mathematical Literacy in Grade 12 as well as those who did not take Accounting in school, are STRONGLY ADVISED to take extra Maths and Accounting classes for additional support.

Academic Development Modules: Compulsory

• Academic Literacy Development  (1st and 2nd semester)
• Strategic Reading in the Content Areas (1st semester)
• Critical Thinking Skills (2^nd semester)

Schedule

• The programme will run from March 2025 at which time the full academic calendar will be provided. (Please note these start periods are subject to change and official dates will be communicated to ACCEPTED applicants only during January 2025).
• Assignments should be submitted as per the academic calendar.
• Continuous assessments will take place during June/July and October/November 2025. No second opportunity assessments will be provided.

Overview

• All UnivPrep programmes are only available in English as a medium of instruction.
• The duration of the programme is one year and it comprises academic modules as well as academic development modules. 

The Bachelor of Theology degree is also offered in the distance mode of delivery. After successful completion of the UnivPrep programme, UnivPrep participants will be able to apply for the BTh degree either by means of distance education or by means of full-time study at one of the NWU campuses where the degree is offered.

UnivPrep is a one-year preparatory programme which provides participants, who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to degree study, with an opportunity to demonstrate that they can successfully complete the programme and that they can be admitted to formal degree study based on their UnivPrep results. Participants in a preparatory programme who did not take part in all the modules and who did not manage to pass all the modules in one year will not be able to re-register for the complete programme for a second year. Only those UnivPrep BTh participants who passed all their formative modules will qualify to re-register for a maximum of one outstanding academic module.  

Minimum Admission requirements

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by Umalusi with university admission to Diploma- or Bachelor’s degree study, or equivalent qualification.
• Admission Points Score (APS) of 20, otherwise admission per Senate Discretionary rule. 

Specific Requirements:

To allow participation in learning and assessment activities, the following requirements are COMPULSORY for admission to the UnivPrep program:

• Possession of a laptop (or equivalent device) and mobile phone that meet the minimum specifications of the NWU namely: Wi-Fi enabled, Windows-, Android- or Apple operating system, 4G enabled (preferably) and 32 Gig
• Personal access to the internet
• Basic computer literacy

Modules/Curriculum

Academic Modules: compulsory          

• Introduction to the New Testament: History and General Canonics (1st and 2nd Semester)
• Introduction to Old Testament: Origin and Structure (1st and 2nd Semester)
• Pastoral Counselling (1st and 2nd Semester)

PLEASE NOTE: The three Theology specific modules, namely Introduction to Old Testament (AAAA173/OTES171), Introduction to New Testament (AAAA172/NTES171) and Pastoral Counselling (AAAB122/PAST121) are eLearning-based and UnivPrep participants will not attend lecture sessions in these modules. UnivPrep students will be able to interact with lecturers and access all study material (including videos in which concepts are explained) by means of interactive eFundi sites.

Academic Development Modules: Compulsory

• Academic Literacy Development  (1st and 2nd semester)
• Strategic Reading in the Content Areas (1st semester)
• Critical Thinking Skills (2nd semester)

Schedule

• The programme will run from March 2025 at which time the full academic calendar will be provided. (Please note these start periods are subject to change and official dates will be communicated to ACCEPTED applicants only during January 2025).
• Assignments should be submitted as per the academic calendar.
• Continuous assessments will take place during June/July and October/November 2025. No second opportunity assessments will be provided.

Overview

• All UnivPrep programmes are only available in English as a medium of instruction.
• The duration of the programme is one year and it comprises academic modules as well as academic development modules.
• UnivPrep BA participants who completed the programme successfully, can apply for admission to full-time BA degrees in Public Administration (at one of the NWU campuses where these degrees are offered) or for the BA Degree in Public Governance (with Policing Practice) which is offered only in the distance mode of delivery.
• UnivPrep is a one-year preparatory programme which provides participants, who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to degree study, with an opportunity to demonstrate that they can successfully complete the programme and that they can be admitted to formal degree study based on their UnivPrep results. Participants in a preparatory programme who did not take part in all the modules and who did not manage to pass all the modules in one year will not be able to re-register for the complete programme for a second year or the outstanding modules. You only have one opportunity to pass. 

Minimum Admission requirements

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by Umalusi with university admission to Diploma- or Bachelor’s degree study, or equivalent qualification.
• Admission Points Score (APS) of 20, otherwise admission per Senate Discretionary rule.
• Minimum achievement of 50% for English at Grade 12 level.

Specific Requirements: COMPULSORY!

To allow participation in learning and assessment activities, the following requirements are COMPULSORY for admission to the UnivPrep program:

• Possession of a laptop (or equivalent device) and mobile phone that meet the minimum specifications of the NWU namely: Wi-Fi enabled, Windows-, Android- or Apple operating system, 4G enabled (preferably) and 32 Gig
• Personal access to the internet
• Basic computer literacy

Modules / Curriculum

Academic Modules: compulsory                                 

• Policing Management: Crime Prevention (1st semester)
• Policing Management: Community Service Centre Management (2nd semester)
• Professional Skills Development (1st semester)
• Communication Skills in the Workplace (2nd semester)

Academic Development Modules: Compulsory                   

• Academic Literacy Development  (1st and 2nd semester)
• Strategic Reading in the Content Areas (1st semester)
• Critical Thinking Skills (2nd semester)

Schedule

• The programme will run from March 2025 at which time the full academic calendar will be provided. (Please note these start periods are subject to change and official dates will be communicated to ACCEPTED applicants only during January 2025).
• Assignments should be submitted as per the academic calendar.
• Continuous assessments will take place during June/July and October/November 2025. No second opportunity assessments will be provided.

Admission to formal degree study, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Re-registration

• Upon successful completion of the UnivPrep programme, i.e. passing ALL modules with 50%, participants may APPLY for admission to formal degree study at the NWU.
• In terms of the NWU enrolment plan, a limited number of students can be admitted to the various degree programmes at the NWU each year and Faculties reserve the right to approve applications for admission to formal degree study based on (amongst others) the academic performance of the UnivPrep participant.
• Admission to degree study after successful completion of the Univprep programme will be based on discretionary decision by the Faculty and the academic performance of the UnivPrep participant will be a determining factor.
• UnivPrep is a one-year preparatory programme which provides participants, who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to degree study, with an opportunity to demonstrate that they can successfully complete the programme and that they can be admitted to formal degree study based on their UnivPrep results. Participants in a preparatory programme who did not take part in all the modules and who did not manage to pass all the modules in one year will not be able to re-register for the complete programme for a second year. Only for UnivPrep BCom and BTh participants who passed all the formative modules will have an opportunity to re-register for one or two (depending on the UnivPrep programme) outstanding academic modules for a second year. UnivPrep BA participant will not be allowed to reregister for any outstanding academic modules for a second year and only get one opportunity to complete the programme.
• The Preparatory Programme is designed for students to get access to formal studies at our(NWU) institution only, this programme is not on an NQF level, does not provide a certificate of completion and cannot guarantee accreditation or access at any other institution. Upon completion a participant will only be provided with a statement of results reflecting their performance during the programme. .

Method of delivery

IMPORTANT: UnivPrep is presented in distance learning only and is FULLY online meaning that you do not need access to the campus to take part in the programme. Student support will be provided in the following methods:

• Lecturers sessions will be presented by means of live and pre-recorded online classes.
• All lectures sessions are recorded and saved on the Internet and can be viewed afterwards by participants as frequently as required.

• Additional support for participants is provided by means of the Learner Management System of the NWU. A Learner Management system supports communication between lecturers and participants. Academic information such as subject content, discussion forums, important dates and additional resources are advised on e-Fundi.

• UnivPrep participants are expected to do independent self-study to ensure that they are thoroughly prepared when attending contact sessions. 

Examinations

The lecturers will make detailed assessment plans available on Learner Management System.

Internet and technology

• Internet and Technology are used extensively in delivering distance education programmes and it is therefore of utmost importance that UnivPrep participants have access to the Internet by means of a computer or laptop.

• UnivPrep participants have to access study guides and programme related information, submit assignments, complete assessments, interact with lecturers and other participants through live chats and keep track of important events and due dates by means of the Learner Management System which is the online learning platform of the NWU.

• Communication between the NWU and UnivPrep participants occurs extensively through electronic communication media such as the Learner Management System (LMS), Email’s, SMS’s (mobile phones) and social media.

• All lectures sessions are recorded and saved on the Internet and can be viewed afterwards by participants as frequently as required.
• It is COMPULSORY, and the responsibility of the participant to obtain the necessary technology such as a computer and mobile phone that meet the minimum specifications of the NWU namely: Wi-Fi enabled, Windows-, Android- or Apple operating system, 3G enabled (preferably) and 32 Gig (preferably) as well as the prescribed textbooks.

Cost

• The total programme fee for 2025 is R15 700 (including registration and excluding textbooks).
• In order to be registered for the programme, successful applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee of R6 600.
• NWU will not be providing textbooks to student, a list of the prescribed study material will be made available to the registered participants that they will have to procure on their own behalf.
• The balance (due after registration) is payable in monthly instalments, from March 2025 and the full programme fee must be paid by 30 September 2025.
• Please note: due to the fact that UnivPrep is a preparatory programme and not a formal qualification, UnivPrep participants do not qualify for NSFAS funding.

Indemnity

• The purpose of this information is to provide a broad overview of the UnivPrep Programmes. 

• The information was compiled for introduction purposes and is subject to change.

• The North-West University reserves the right to make changes to the programme details (e.g. curricula, admission requirements etc.) and accepts no liability for inaccuracies due to changes that may occur in this guide.

Student Support

• As of 2024 NWU will not be providing textbooks to student, a list of the prescribed study material will be made available to the registered participants that they will have to procure on their own behalf.

• UnivPrep participants can access their study guides via the Learner Management System.

• All lecture sessions are recorded and saved on the Internet to be viewed by UnivPrep participants as frequently as required.
• Lecturers are keen to provide support and assistance and participants are encouraged to make contact with lecturers by means of telephone, e-mail or personal appointments.

• UnivPrep participants have to access study guides and programme related information, submit assignments, complete assessments, interact with lecturers and other participants through live chats and keep track of important events and due dates by means of the Learner Management System (LMS) of the NWU.

• UnivPrep participants are expected to do independent self-study to ensure that they are thoroughly prepared when attending contact sessions.