Based on recent customer reviews, Nwu (North-West University) draws consistent criticism for administrative service rather than academics. Students report long waits for completion letters, certificates and refunds, incorrect academic records, and registration systems that block them despite settled accounts. Emails, switchboard calls and helpdesk tickets frequently go unanswered, pushing enquirers toward repeated follow-ups. Complaints also cover unexpected postgraduate fee increases, online invigilation flagging and one Potchefstroom department's treatment of masters students. A few voices still praise the Potchefstroom campus, its residences and teaching quality, suggesting the frustration lies mainly with support processes.
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 18h 10m
TrustIndex
2.9
Ranking
#36
in Education & Training
Reply Time
16h 49m
NPS Score
-58
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 18h 10m
Nov '25 - Oct '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Nwu
What do customers say about Nwu?
Based on recent customer reviews, Nwu (North-West University) draws consistent criticism for administrative service rather than academics. Students report long waits for completion letters, certificates and refunds, incorrect academic records, and registration systems that block them despite settled accounts. Emails, switchboard calls and helpdesk tickets frequently go unanswered, pushing enquirers toward repeated follow-ups. Complaints also cover unexpected postgraduate fee increases, online invigilation flagging and one Potchefstroom department's treatment of masters students. A few voices still praise the Potchefstroom campus, its residences and teaching quality, suggesting the frustration lies mainly with support processes.
Is Nwu trustworthy?
Nwu has a TrustIndex of 2.9 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 23 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 100% of negative reviews, typically within 18 hours 10 min. Hellopeter has tracked Nwu across 168 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (23)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
I will not back down until you come up with a solution
Dear Prof. Verhoef (Registrar) and Mr. Jacobs,I am writing to formally reject the feedback provided by Prof. Romylos regarding my graduation profile.While Prof. Romylos references historical emails from March 2024, the fact remains that NWU subsequently cleared my profile, updated my status to "Graduate," and issued me an official Letter of Completion. Relying on that valid institutional documentation, I secured my professional SACE registration.Forcing a final-year student to spend an additional year paying for and redoing 6 modules due to an administrative oversight—after the university already formally certified my completion—is a gross violation of administrative justice. Furthermore, the 2 September registration deadline proposed by Prof. Romylos has already passed, meaning her department's "solution" forces an unnecessary and damaging delay on my career.Because the university holds total administrative liability for this error and for issuing my Letter of Completion, I request that the Registrar's Office intervene.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
I will not back down until you come up with a solution
Dear Prof. Verhoef (Registrar) and Mr. Jacobs,I am writing to formally reject the feedback provided by Prof. Romylos regarding my graduation profile.While Prof. Romylos references historical emails from March 2024, the fact remains that NWU subsequently cleared my profile, updated my status to "Graduate," and issued me an official Letter of Completion. Relying on that valid institutional documentation, I secured my professional SACE registration.Forcing a final-year student to spend an additional year paying for and redoing 6 modules due to an administrative oversight—after the university already formally certified my completion—is a gross violation of administrative justice. Furthermore, the 2 September registration deadline proposed by Prof. Romylos has already passed, meaning her department's "solution" forces an unnecessary and damaging delay on my career.Because the university holds total administrative liability for this error and for issuing my Letter of Completion, I request that the Registrar's Office intervene.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
Does this university consider other peoples feelings though
I am writing to formally lodge an urgent service and maladministration complaint regarding an ongoing crisis with my academic profile, curriculum audit, and graduation status for my Bachelor of Education degree. Below is the chronological sequence of events detailing exactly what transpired: System Selection & Approvals (Year 1 to Year 4): From my first year of registration through to my final year, I registered for and completed the Afrikaans First Additional Language (AFAF) modules. The NWU online registration system successfully vetted, accepted, and approved my module selections annually. At no stage over the four consecutive years did the registration system block my profile, issue a curriculum mismatch error, or indicate that I was in the incorrect stream. I completed my modules in absolute good faith, paying all required university fees and achieving 527/527 credits—notably passing my language track with distinctio Graduation Block and Investigation: Upon completing my studies, I was waiting for my graduation date. Because my employer required formal confirmation of my completion to secure my ongoing employment contract, I repeatedly engaged with the Faculty of Education and the Unit for Distance Learning (UDL) to secure an official status letter. It was only due to my active insistence on this letter that a faculty administrator reviewed my file and claimed that I should have taken English First Additional Language (ENAF) modules instead of the AFAF track I had been permitted to for four years. Official Verification and Document Issuance: Following an internal review of the system's oversight, the university formally cleared my graduation profile. My online student portal status was officially updated to "Graduate," and the university issued me an official, stamped NWU Letter of Completion. Acting on this legitimate institutional verification, I approached the South African Council for Educators (SACE), who approved my professional registration and issued my physical SACE teaching certificate. Furthermore, I received an official correspondence from the graduation office confirming that undergraduate ceremonies are scheduled for 25–27 November 2026. Current Breach and Retroactive Profile Alteration: Over the past 48 hours, my student portal was quietly altered without prior warning or written explanation from Faculty Management. My official graduation completion date has been completely scrubbed from the system, and my academic status has been retroactively downgraded from "Graduate" back to "Registered as Extended. This silent, retroactive reversal of a certified academic profile especially after the university has already issued an official Letter of Completion that has been used for statutory professional registration constitutes severe administrative negligence and bad faith. My employment contract faces an absolute deadline this coming Tuesday, 8 September 2026, and this erratic administrative behaviour threatens my entire livelihood. Under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) and NWU’s General Academic Rules, the university cannot retroactively penalise a student for its own multi-year systemic registration errors after issuing final completion clearance. I urgently request that the Student Judicial Services intervene to: Immediately restore my academic status to "Graduate" on the live institutional system to match the physical Letter of Completion in my possession. Ensure that my name remains securely on the graduation list for the November 2026 ceremonies. Investigate the unauthorized, retrospective tempering of my academic records by the faculty administration. I have all the documents as proof just email I will send them.Refrain from calling me.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
Does this university consider other peoples feelings though
I am writing to formally lodge an urgent service and maladministration complaint regarding an ongoing crisis with my academic profile, curriculum audit, and graduation status for my Bachelor of Education degree. Below is the chronological sequence of events detailing exactly what transpired: System Selection & Approvals (Year 1 to Year 4): From my first year of registration through to my final year, I registered for and completed the Afrikaans First Additional Language (AFAF) modules. The NWU online registration system successfully vetted, accepted, and approved my module selections annually. At no stage over the four consecutive years did the registration system block my profile, issue a curriculum mismatch error, or indicate that I was in the incorrect stream. I completed my modules in absolute good faith, paying all required university fees and achieving 527/527 credits—notably passing my language track with distinctio Graduation Block and Investigation: Upon completing my studies, I was waiting for my graduation date. Because my employer required formal confirmation of my completion to secure my ongoing employment contract, I repeatedly engaged with the Faculty of Education and the Unit for Distance Learning (UDL) to secure an official status letter. It was only due to my active insistence on this letter that a faculty administrator reviewed my file and claimed that I should have taken English First Additional Language (ENAF) modules instead of the AFAF track I had been permitted to for four years. Official Verification and Document Issuance: Following an internal review of the system's oversight, the university formally cleared my graduation profile. My online student portal status was officially updated to "Graduate," and the university issued me an official, stamped NWU Letter of Completion. Acting on this legitimate institutional verification, I approached the South African Council for Educators (SACE), who approved my professional registration and issued my physical SACE teaching certificate. Furthermore, I received an official correspondence from the graduation office confirming that undergraduate ceremonies are scheduled for 25–27 November 2026. Current Breach and Retroactive Profile Alteration: Over the past 48 hours, my student portal was quietly altered without prior warning or written explanation from Faculty Management. My official graduation completion date has been completely scrubbed from the system, and my academic status has been retroactively downgraded from "Graduate" back to "Registered as Extended. This silent, retroactive reversal of a certified academic profile especially after the university has already issued an official Letter of Completion that has been used for statutory professional registration constitutes severe administrative negligence and bad faith. My employment contract faces an absolute deadline this coming Tuesday, 8 September 2026, and this erratic administrative behaviour threatens my entire livelihood. Under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) and NWU’s General Academic Rules, the university cannot retroactively penalise a student for its own multi-year systemic registration errors after issuing final completion clearance. I urgently request that the Student Judicial Services intervene to: Immediately restore my academic status to "Graduate" on the live institutional system to match the physical Letter of Completion in my possession. Ensure that my name remains securely on the graduation list for the November 2026 ceremonies. Investigate the unauthorized, retrospective tempering of my academic records by the faculty administration. I have all the documents as proof just email I will send them.Refrain from calling me.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
Academic record
Good day i wrote here complaining about the completion letter that I really need for work purposes around June.You will be amazed that i havent got anything the letter nor the academic record is still wrong at the bottom.Im not sure what is happening at the education department because they told me I will get everything before the end of the week.Today they now say end of August like I have postponed everything to next week they really need it at work. And now it seems as if im lying other faculties have issued the academic records.Its really draining to always have a fight in order to get something in this university.And I just fail to understand why after the results are published why don’t you update the records and send to each student im still gonna be battling again with the graduation date but you knew that there are students who are finishing in June and its not like we are more than 3000 what makes a delay to receive the letters. (***4)
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
Academic record
Good day i wrote here complaining about the completion letter that I really need for work purposes around June.You will be amazed that i havent got anything the letter nor the academic record is still wrong at the bottom.Im not sure what is happening at the education department because they told me I will get everything before the end of the week.Today they now say end of August like I have postponed everything to next week they really need it at work. And now it seems as if im lying other faculties have issued the academic records.Its really draining to always have a fight in order to get something in this university.And I just fail to understand why after the results are published why don’t you update the records and send to each student im still gonna be battling again with the graduation date but you knew that there are students who are finishing in June and its not like we are more than 3000 what makes a delay to receive the letters. (***4)
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2025
REQUEST FOR RPL & APS EXEMPTION CONSIDERATION + COMPLAINT ON POOR SWITCHBOARD SERVICE
I am writing regarding my application to NWU for admission into the Bachelor of Social Work programme, Campus: Potchefstroom/Mahikeng/Vanderbijlpark. MY MAIN CONCERN: My APS score is below the minimum requirement. I am therefore formally applying for APS Exemption in conjunction with RPL for modules matching my current job role as a Victim Supporter in a VEP office inside the Police Station under supervision of a Social Worker. My worry is that my application may be rejected automatically due to low APS, without consideration that I am also requesting APS Exemption and submitting RPL evidence. I have tried to get clarity and the correct forms/guidelines from the NWU switchboard on multiple occasions. Unfortunately: 1. The operators were unwilling to assist or transfer me to the correct department. 2. They lacked knowledge of both "RPL" and "APS Exemption" and I had to explain the processes to them. 3. I was not provided with the contact details for the RPL Office, Faculty, or Admissions. This has delayed my application and left me unsure if my request for APS Exemption has even been noted. MY REQUEST: 1. Please confirm in writing that my application will be considered for APS Exemption alongside RPL. 2. Please provide me with the official RPL guidelines, required annexures, and APS Exemption application form/process. 3. Please provide direct contact details of the RPL Coordinator and Admissions Officer handling RPL/Exemption cases. 4. Please investigate the conduct of switchboard staff and ensure students receive proper assistance. If NWU does not offer APS Exemption with RPL for this programme, please advise me in writing immediately so that I can redirect my application to other institutions where this option is available. I am committed to studying at NWU and have prepared all required RPL evidence. I just need guidance to submit correctly. I can be reached on: *** and *** Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. Yours faithfully, Boikanyo Beaumond Maluleka ***0 Bachelor of Social Work Potchefstroom/Mahikeng/Vanderbijlpark
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2025
REQUEST FOR RPL & APS EXEMPTION CONSIDERATION + COMPLAINT ON POOR SWITCHBOARD SERVICE
I am writing regarding my application to NWU for admission into the Bachelor of Social Work programme, Campus: Potchefstroom/Mahikeng/Vanderbijlpark. MY MAIN CONCERN: My APS score is below the minimum requirement. I am therefore formally applying for APS Exemption in conjunction with RPL for modules matching my current job role as a Victim Supporter in a VEP office inside the Police Station under supervision of a Social Worker. My worry is that my application may be rejected automatically due to low APS, without consideration that I am also requesting APS Exemption and submitting RPL evidence. I have tried to get clarity and the correct forms/guidelines from the NWU switchboard on multiple occasions. Unfortunately: 1. The operators were unwilling to assist or transfer me to the correct department. 2. They lacked knowledge of both "RPL" and "APS Exemption" and I had to explain the processes to them. 3. I was not provided with the contact details for the RPL Office, Faculty, or Admissions. This has delayed my application and left me unsure if my request for APS Exemption has even been noted. MY REQUEST: 1. Please confirm in writing that my application will be considered for APS Exemption alongside RPL. 2. Please provide me with the official RPL guidelines, required annexures, and APS Exemption application form/process. 3. Please provide direct contact details of the RPL Coordinator and Admissions Officer handling RPL/Exemption cases. 4. Please investigate the conduct of switchboard staff and ensure students receive proper assistance. If NWU does not offer APS Exemption with RPL for this programme, please advise me in writing immediately so that I can redirect my application to other institutions where this option is available. I am committed to studying at NWU and have prepared all required RPL evidence. I just need guidance to submit correctly. I can be reached on: *** and *** Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. Yours faithfully, Boikanyo Beaumond Maluleka ***0 Bachelor of Social Work Potchefstroom/Mahikeng/Vanderbijlpark
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
***4 completion letter and the graduation date
Good day I really need help I am looking for the letter of completion I've been sending emails unfortunately no one is responding and also because I have just finish my degree when is the graduation for education.Because in some watsapp group they say in July can you kindly communicate with us in time so that we prepare especially education students.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
***4 completion letter and the graduation date
Good day I really need help I am looking for the letter of completion I've been sending emails unfortunately no one is responding and also because I have just finish my degree when is the graduation for education.Because in some watsapp group they say in July can you kindly communicate with us in time so that we prepare especially education students.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2015
Unreasonable fee increases
I want to warn prospective students and parents that the cost estimates provided by North-West University (NWU) cannot be re**** upon. My son enrolled for a Postgraduate Diploma based on an official NWU cost estimate issued at the end of 2024. The estimate clearly stated that we should expect an inflation adjustment of around 6%. However, NWU app**** extremely unreasonable fee increases — almost double the original amount — during the programme. When I queried the first doubling in 2025, NWU corrected it, which confirmed that the increase was improper. In 2026, the fees were again doubled relative to the original estimate. When I raised this with the university, I was told that “the cost estimate is only valid until the student registers.” I have lodged a formal complaint with the NWU Ombud, as these repeated mid‑programme fee increases are financially damaging and undermine trust in the university’s financial information. Prospective students and parents should be aware that NWU’s cost estimates may not reflect the actual fees that will be charged during the programme.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2015
Unreasonable fee increases
I want to warn prospective students and parents that the cost estimates provided by North-West University (NWU) cannot be re**** upon. My son enrolled for a Postgraduate Diploma based on an official NWU cost estimate issued at the end of 2024. The estimate clearly stated that we should expect an inflation adjustment of around 6%. However, NWU app**** extremely unreasonable fee increases — almost double the original amount — during the programme. When I queried the first doubling in 2025, NWU corrected it, which confirmed that the increase was improper. In 2026, the fees were again doubled relative to the original estimate. When I raised this with the university, I was told that “the cost estimate is only valid until the student registers.” I have lodged a formal complaint with the NWU Ombud, as these repeated mid‑programme fee increases are financially damaging and undermine trust in the university’s financial information. Prospective students and parents should be aware that NWU’s cost estimates may not reflect the actual fees that will be charged during the programme.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Formal complaint regarding Graduation department
I overpaid for the hiring of my academic regalia and The Graduation department of the Potch campus told me to fill in a refund form with my POP and I sent all the relevant documents afterwards there was no communication whatsoever and I graduated in March and was told by April my refund would be finalized it’s June now and there has been no responses to my emails why does one have to wait months for a refund ???!!!
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Formal complaint regarding Graduation department
I overpaid for the hiring of my academic regalia and The Graduation department of the Potch campus told me to fill in a refund form with my POP and I sent all the relevant documents afterwards there was no communication whatsoever and I graduated in March and was told by April my refund would be finalized it’s June now and there has been no responses to my emails why does one have to wait months for a refund ???!!!
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2015
Formal Complaint Regarding Graduation department Communication and Service Received
I wish to formally raise a concern regarding the manner in which my recent enquiry about my qualification and absentia fee was handled by the graduation department. After completing my qualification at North-West University, I was unable to attend my graduation ceremony and selected the option for my certificate to be issued in absentia. During April 2026, I paid an absentia fee of R300 through the student portal, which I believed to be the correct amount as reflected on the system at the time. On 21 May 2026, I contacted the university to enquire about the status of my certificate, as I had not yet received it. I was informed that an absentia fee of R320 was required. I then explained that I had already made a payment and provided evidence of the payment confirmation. Following this, I was repeatedly instructed to read the provided instructions and submit a specific proof of payment document. After complying with these requests, I asked a straightforward question: whether my payment was correct or not. Unfortunately, despite several email exchanges, I was not informed directly that the issue was simply an outstanding balance of R20. Instead, I was expected to interpret the problem myself from the fee schedule and instructions provided. When I later telephoned the university, I was informed that the outstanding balance was only R20. During the conversation, I was also told that my previous email was considered unprofessional and that this influenced the manner in which my enquiry was handled. Additionally, my statement that the portal reflected a payment amount of R300 was questioned and I was effectively accused of being dishonest. My concern is not the R20 outstanding balance itself. Had I been informed of this at the outset, I would have paid it immediately. My concern is that a simple administrative issue was unnecessarily prolonged because clear information was not communicated directly when requested. As a former student and a professional educator, I believe students should be treated with respect and provided with clear, factual information when making enquiries. A simple statement such as, "We have received your payment of R300, but there is an outstanding balance of R20," would have resolved the matter immediately. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed, not for disciplinary purposes, but to improve communication and service standards for future students. As of now, I haven't received my certificate yet. PGCE Graduate
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2015
Formal Complaint Regarding Graduation department Communication and Service Received
I wish to formally raise a concern regarding the manner in which my recent enquiry about my qualification and absentia fee was handled by the graduation department. After completing my qualification at North-West University, I was unable to attend my graduation ceremony and selected the option for my certificate to be issued in absentia. During April 2026, I paid an absentia fee of R300 through the student portal, which I believed to be the correct amount as reflected on the system at the time. On 21 May 2026, I contacted the university to enquire about the status of my certificate, as I had not yet received it. I was informed that an absentia fee of R320 was required. I then explained that I had already made a payment and provided evidence of the payment confirmation. Following this, I was repeatedly instructed to read the provided instructions and submit a specific proof of payment document. After complying with these requests, I asked a straightforward question: whether my payment was correct or not. Unfortunately, despite several email exchanges, I was not informed directly that the issue was simply an outstanding balance of R20. Instead, I was expected to interpret the problem myself from the fee schedule and instructions provided. When I later telephoned the university, I was informed that the outstanding balance was only R20. During the conversation, I was also told that my previous email was considered unprofessional and that this influenced the manner in which my enquiry was handled. Additionally, my statement that the portal reflected a payment amount of R300 was questioned and I was effectively accused of being dishonest. My concern is not the R20 outstanding balance itself. Had I been informed of this at the outset, I would have paid it immediately. My concern is that a simple administrative issue was unnecessarily prolonged because clear information was not communicated directly when requested. As a former student and a professional educator, I believe students should be treated with respect and provided with clear, factual information when making enquiries. A simple statement such as, "We have received your payment of R300, but there is an outstanding balance of R20," would have resolved the matter immediately. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed, not for disciplinary purposes, but to improve communication and service standards for future students. As of now, I haven't received my certificate yet. PGCE Graduate