Guided, Supported, Succeeding: Two North-West University Students Tell Their Stories

North-West University (NWU) is one of the top-rated universities in South Africa, according to student reviews on EDUopinions. The university currently holds an average overall rating of 4.49 out of 5, a score that’s higher than 83% of universities on our site.*

If you’re considering applying to NWU, this score will probably give you confidence that your choice to study at North-West University is the right decision.

But there’s more to university than studying. Whether you’re applying to NWU as a fresh bachelor’s student or a postgraduate student, support services can make a massive difference to your experience. Tutoring, accommodation help, and wellbeing services – all of these can impact your university life.

We know that students love NWU, but what do they think about the support available to them?

Student reviews can provide us with some insights into student support on North-West University courses. In addition to an exceptionally high overall rating, NWU receives high ratings for professors, student life, and facilities – all factors that can be influenced by the quality of student support services.

To learn more about the student support at North-West University, we spoke with two students at very different stages of their university journey. From the support available to international students to the general community atmosphere, we learned how NWU helps students, regardless of their current academic stage.

Why did you choose North-West University – NWU?

NWU now ranks in the top 4.1% of universities worldwide according to the 2025 edition of the outcome-based Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR).

For Arib Patel, a fourth-year Computer and Electronic Engineering student originally from India, NWU struck the perfect balance.

“North-West University offered the perfect blend of academic excellence, affordability, and cultural diversity,” Arib says.

“The university’s values aligned with what I was looking for: quality education in a supportive and progressive environment.”

His story is echoed by Dr Alina Kozhukhova, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at HySA Infrastructure, who completed her PhD in NWU’s Faculty of Engineering.

“Combined with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert guidance from Professor Dmitri Bessarabov, NWU offered the ideal environment for both my doctoral and current postdoctoral research,” Alina explains.

NWU’s reputation as a research-driven university continues to grow. In 2024, it ranked among the top ten universities in Africa, scoring highly for its international research network and scientific output. The recent launch of the HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence’s catalytic project piloting area further demonstrates its commitment to innovation.

International Student Support on North-West University Courses

With almost 1,000 international students from over 50 countries on North-West University courses, NWU’s support isn’t one-size-fits-all. In addition to providing support during the application process, international students at NWU can also access a range of further student support throughout their studies.

“Even though I am considered an international student, I have been living in South Africa for many years,” says Arib. “The International Office played a key role by providing guidance throughout the application and registration stages, ensuring I had all the necessary documentation and understood the requirements. Their support made the transition into university life much easier, even though I was already based in the country.”

Alina, who completed her Master’s degree in Chemistry in Russia, says the support from the International Office was instrumental in her move to South Africa.

“From visa assistance to guidance on accommodation and daily life, the International Office and university staff provide practical guidance and a welcoming environment,” she explains. “This supportive structure made it easy for me to settle in and stay focused on my studies and research.”

Support that Drives Success

Study support at North-West University isn’t just about helping students when they arrive. From academic writing workshops to maths and statistics support, career readiness training, and peer mentoring, NWU ensures that students can unlock academic and personal growth throughout their student journey.

“The combination of tailored international support and inclusive academic services ensures that students feel both welcomed and well-equipped to thrive,” says Arib.

For postgraduate students like Alina, the focus shifts to advanced academic skills, research impact, and global collaboration – all of which are central to NWU’s educational mission.

“The academic environment at NWU is research-driven and highly supportive. The strong emphasis on both academic excellence and practical relevance has made my experience especially meaningful and professionally rewarding,” says Alina.

“HySA offered a collaborative and well-equipped environment, with access to advanced instrumentation and valuable interdisciplinary engagement. Administrative support from Tony Morgado at HySA was invaluable in facilitating conference arrangements and managing funding logistics, making a meaningful contribution to my research experience.”

For example, postgraduate students can take advantage of free academic writing workshops at the NWU Writing Centre and access guidance on academic bursaries and grants.

Conclusion

So, what makes North-West University courses truly stand out for international students?

“It’s a place where international students are not only welcomed but empowered to succeed,” says Arib.

“The balance of academic rigour, affordability, and the sense of community makes NWU an excellent choice for students from different backgrounds looking to grow both academically and personally.”

“It is a place where you can grow both professionally and personally while contributing to meaningful scientific advancements,” Alina adds.

“At HySA Infrastructure, I am benefiting from access to world-class facilities, experienced and dedicated supervisors/colleagues, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

“Overall, NWU and HySA provided a supportive and stimulating environment that helped me grow both as a researcher and as a professional.”

• Would you like to learn more about the student experience at North-West University? Read reviews from students on the school’s EDUopinions profile.

*Based on reviews posted between 2022 and 2025 for 934 universities, including only universities with at least 10 reviews.