Courses That Require 20 Points at NWU: Diplomas & Extended Options

Key Takeaways

• Standard Degrees Require More: A standard Bachelor’s degree at North-West University (NWU) usually requires an APS of 24 or higher. With 20 points, your best options are Diplomas and Extended Degree Programmes.
• UnivPrep is Your Bridge: If you do not meet specific subject requirements for a diploma, NWU’s University Preparatory Programme (UnivPrep) is designed specifically for students with an APS between 15 and 20.
• Campus Locations Matter: NWU has three campuses (Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark). The course you qualify for with 20 points will dictate which campus you must attend, as not all campuses offer extended programmes.
• Life Orientation is Excluded: NWU strictly excludes Life Orientation from the APS calculation. Ensure you have 20 points from your other six subjects combined.
• Mathematics vs. Maths Lit: Your choice of high school mathematics will heavily influence whether you can enter an extended commerce programme or an extended humanities programme.

North-West University (NWU) is one of the most prestigious and academically rigorous higher education institutions in South Africa. With its vibrant student life, excellent sports facilities, and high graduate employability rate, it is a dream destination for thousands of matriculants every year.

Because of this high demand, admission into NWU is highly competitive. Many students calculate their matric results, look at their Admission Point Score (APS), and realize they are sitting on exactly 20 points. If you are in this position, you might be feeling anxious. You might look at the university prospectus and see that a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) requires 24 points, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) requires 28 points.

Does an APS of 20 mean NWU will reject you? Not at all. It simply means you need to apply strategically. You cannot apply for mainstream, three-year degrees. Instead, you must focus your application on Diplomas, Extended Degree Programmes, and bridging courses.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly which courses you can access with 20 points at NWU, how the different campuses operate, and what steps you need to take to secure your space.

Understanding How NWU Calculates Your 20 Points

Before we look at the specific courses, you must be 100% sure that you actually have an APS of 20 according to NWU’s specific rules. Different universities calculate points differently. If you make a mistake in your calculation, your application will be automatically rejected by the computer system before a human even looks at it.

The NWU APS Calculation Rule:

NWU calculates your APS based on your six best subjects.

The most critical rule is that Life Orientation (LO) is completely excluded. Even if you scored 90% (Level 7) in Life Orientation, you cannot add those 7 points to your total score for NWU.

If you added your points together and got 20, but you included Life Orientation, your real NWU APS is actually much lower. Always take your top six subjects (excluding LO) and add their standard NSC levels together (e.g., Level 4 + Level 3 + Level 4 + Level 3 + Level 3 + Level 3 = 20).

Degrees vs. Diplomas vs. Extended Programmes

With an APS of 20, you are sitting slightly below the threshold for a standard Bachelor’s degree. To apply successfully, you need to understand the difference between the alternative pathways NWU offers.

1. Diplomas: A diploma is a highly practical, three-year qualification. It focuses more on workplace skills and less on heavy academic theory. Diplomas at NWU generally require an APS of 18 to 20.
2. Extended Degree Programmes: This is the best option if you want a full degree but your marks are slightly too low. An extended degree takes a standard three-year degree and stretches it over four years. Your first year is a “foundation” year where you receive extra tutoring and slower-paced lectures to help you catch up. These programmes usually accept an APS of 20 to 22.
3. UnivPrep (Bridging): If you have 20 points but failed a core subject like English or Mathematics, UnivPrep is a one-year preparatory programme that allows you to upgrade your academic standing and enter a degree the following year.

Courses That Require 20 Points (or less) at NWU

Below is a detailed breakdown of the specific courses, diplomas, and extended programmes you can target with an APS of exactly 20 at North-West University.

Faculty / Department	Specific Course Name	Minimum APS Required	Specific Subject Requirements
Faculty of Health Sciences	Diploma in Coaching Science	18 – 20	Level 3 (40%) in the language of instruction.
Faculty of Humanities	Diploma in Music	18	Level 3 in language. (Requires a practical music audition).
Faculty of Humanities	BA Extended Programme (Humanities)	20	Level 3 (40%) in Home Language or First Additional Language.
Faculty of Theology	BA Extended Programme in Theology	20	Level 3 in English/Afrikaans. Open to students wanting to enter ministry.
Faculty of Economic Sciences	BCom Extended Programme	20 – 24 (Varies by year)	Level 3 (40%) in Pure Mathematics (Maths Lit is usually not accepted here).
University Preparatory	UnivPrep (Commerce/Arts streams)	15 – 20	Very flexible. Designed for students who missed standard entry.

Important Note: An APS of 20 is the absolute minimum for these extended courses. Because space is extremely limited in foundation phases, the university will always accept students with 21 or 22 points before they accept someone with exactly 20. Ensure you apply as early as possible.

The NWU Campus Breakdown: Where Will You Study?

North-West University is not just one big campus. It is a massive institution spread across three different cities. When applying with an APS of 20, you do not always get to choose the city you want to live in. The course you qualify for is often tied to one specific campus.

Understanding the culture and offerings of these three campuses is vital for your application strategy.

NWU Campuses and Lower APS Offerings

Campus Name	Location	Focus for Lower APS Students
Mahikeng Campus (MC)	North West Province	The Mahikeng campus is highly accommodating for extended degree programmes. Most of the BA and BCom 4-year extended programmes are hosted here to support students needing academic bridging.
Potchefstroom Campus (PC)	North West Province	The largest and most historic campus. It is highly competitive. With 20 points, your options here are strictly limited to the Diploma in Coaching Science or the Diploma in Music. Standard degrees here require high APS scores.
Vanderbijlpark Campus (VC)	Gauteng Province	Situated on the banks of the Vaal River, this campus offers a great balance. It hosts several UnivPrep contact sessions and specific extended programmes, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.

If you are applying for an Extended BA Programme, you must be prepared to move to the Mahikeng or Vanderbijlpark campus. Do not apply for an extended programme and assume you will be placed at the Potchefstroom campus, as they might not offer the foundation phase for that specific course there.

The Diploma in Coaching Science

If you are passionate about sports and have 20 points, the Diploma in Coaching Science is arguably the most exciting option at NWU. Hosted primarily at the sports-obsessed Potchefstroom campus, this three-year diploma prepares you for a career in the sports industry.

You do not need to be a professional athlete to apply, but you must have a passion for sports management, physical conditioning, and team logistics.

• What you learn: Sports psychology, anatomy, sports nutrition, event management, and practical coaching techniques for sports like rugby, netball, and athletics.
• Career outcomes: School sports coordinator, fitness center manager, professional team logistics manager, or personal trainer.
• Why it’s great for 20 APS: It does not require high-level mathematics or physical sciences. It relies heavily on your dedication, physical literacy, and interpersonal skills.

The Ultimate Backup Plan: UnivPrep

What happens if you have an APS of 20, but you scored a Level 2 (30%) in English? Even though your total score is 20, you will be rejected from the extended degree programmes because you failed the minimum language requirement.

This is where NWU’s secret weapon comes in: The University Preparatory Programme (UnivPrep).

UnivPrep is specifically built for students with an APS between 15 and 20 who did not meet the exact subject requirements for mainstream or extended degrees.

How UnivPrep Works:

1. You register for the one-year UnivPrep programme in a specific stream (e.g., Commerce, Humanities, or Theology).
2. During this year, you study foundational modules. You learn academic reading, basic computer skills, and introductory modules related to your chosen field.
3. You must pass all your modules in this preparatory year.
4. If you pass successfully, you are awarded a certificate and are granted direct entry into the formal degree programme the following year.

UnivPrep is a brilliant way to prove to the university that your matric marks do not define your intelligence. It gives you a second chance to enter the NWU ecosystem without having to rewrite your matric exams.

How to Apply with 20 Points Successfully

When the NWU online applications open (usually around April each year), you must be strategic. You are allowed to choose two study options on your application form.

Application Strategy:

• Choice 1 (Your Dream): Put the Extended Degree Programme (e.g., BA Extended in Humanities at Mahikeng Campus) as your first choice. This is the highest qualification you can reach with your 20 points.
• Choice 2 (Your Safety Net): Put a Diploma (like Coaching Science) or the UnivPrep programme as your second choice.

If the university decides that the extended degree is full, or that your 20 points are slightly too low for the current competitive pool, they will automatically evaluate you for your second choice. If you only apply for mainstream Bachelor’s degrees with 20 points, the system will reject you outright, and you will lose your chance entirely.

Also, ensure you apply early. Programmes that accept lower APS scores fill up incredibly fast. Do not wait until August or September to submit your documents. Have your certified ID and Grade 11/12 results ready to upload the week the portal opens.

Summary

Having an APS of 20 does not mean your university dreams are over; it simply means you must choose alternative, structured pathways. While mainstream degrees at North-West University are out of reach, you have excellent opportunities in the form of the Diploma in Coaching Science, Diploma in Music, and various four-year Extended Degree Programmes. If you lack the specific subject requirements for these, the UnivPrep bridging programme is your safety net. Remember, your choice of high school mathematics plays a massive role in whether you can enter the commerce or humanities streams at NWU. If you are unsure about how your current subjects affect your score, take a moment to review our guide on how to calculate your APS score with Maths Literacy before you submit your final NWU application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I study a BCom at NWU with 20 points?

You cannot study a standard three-year BCom with 20 points. You may qualify for the BCom Extended Programme (which takes four years), but you must have Pure Mathematics. Most BCom extended programmes will not accept Mathematical Literacy, even if your total APS is 20.

Does NWU accept late applications for extended programmes?

Generally, no. Extended programmes and Diplomas are in extremely high demand because they cater to the majority of average-scoring matriculants. These courses often reach capacity long before the official closing date. Always apply as early as possible.

Can I upgrade my APS to 24 instead of doing an extended degree?

Yes. If you do not want to spend an extra year doing an extended degree or UnivPrep, you can register to rewrite specific matric subjects to boost your total score. However, this means you will sit out of university for a year while you upgrade.

Which NWU campus is best for students with 20 points?

The Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark campuses generally host the widest variety of Extended Degree Programmes and UnivPrep contact sessions. The Potchefstroom campus is primarily reserved for mainstream degree students, with exceptions for specific diplomas like Coaching Science and Music.

Will my degree certificate say “Extended Programme”?

No. Once you complete the four years of the extended programme, you graduate with the exact same Bachelor’s Degree certificate as the mainstream students. Employers will not know, and will not care, that you took an extra year to complete your foundational studies.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational planning and guidance purposes only. North-West University (NWU) reviews and adjusts its Admission Point Score (APS) thresholds, course offerings, and campus allocations annually based on capacity. Always refer to the latest official NWU undergraduate prospectus and confirm minimum requirements directly with the university admissions office before applying.