First-year students must normally have completed Grade 12 in the previous year, register at NWU for the first time for a first undergraduate qualification and average at least 75% across their six best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Senior students must pass every module in the preceding year and average at least 75%. Distance students and students already fully funded by NSFAS do not qualify under the published 2026 rules.
What it may cover
Funding and study level
For full-time first years, published tuition discounts are 25% for a 75–79% average, 75% for 80–84% and 100% for 85% or higher. For qualifying full-time senior students the tiers are 30%, 40% and 50% respectively. Part-time contact awards are half the standard allocation and require an application.
What to do
How the automatic award works
Check how this route worksAutomatic for full-time students; some students must apply. Old adverts and screenshots may have expired.
Compare the rules with your situationRead the short answer above one condition at a time. If a condition is unclear, ask the provider before sending documents.
Do not pay for a separate formApply for admission or register as required, keep your results and contact details current, and follow any evidence instruction in the short answer above.
Keep your records privateSave results, document lists, submitted forms and reference numbers that apply to you. Never share an OTP, password or banking PIN.
Direct answers
NWU Academic Merit Bursary questions
Who should check NWU Academic Merit Bursary?
First-year students must normally have completed Grade 12 in the previous year, register at NWU for the first time for a first undergraduate qualification and average at least 75% across their six best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Senior students must pass every module in the preceding year and average at least 75%. Distance students and students already fully funded by NSFAS do not qualify under the published 2026 rules.
What can NWU Academic Merit Bursary pay for?
For full-time first years, published tuition discounts are 25% for a 75–79% average, 75% for 80–84% and 100% for 85% or higher. For qualifying full-time senior students the tiers are 30%, 40% and 50% respectively. Part-time contact awards are half the standard allocation and require an application.
Is NWU Academic Merit Bursary open now?
Automatic for full-time students; some students must apply. The official source was checked on 31 August 2026; confirm the live call before sending documents.