Apply Now For a Health Sciences Programme From Botswana
Botswana-based health science professionals can elevate their expertise through NWU’s distance-learning programmes, which offer a seamless online application process. Applicants must hold a professional qualification, obtain a SAQA evaluation for Botswana credentials, and submit their application via the online studies university portal by the annual deadline.

For the dedicated healthcare workforce in Gaborone, Francistown, and throughout Botswana, staying at the forefront of medical innovation is essential. However, many academic millennials in the health sector find it challenging to pause their work to relocate for advanced studies.
North-West University (NWU) provides the perfect solution: the opportunity to study in South Africa for international students through a prestigious, non-disruptive model. By choosing distance learning for health sciences, you gain access to world-class South African clinical curricula while continuing to serve your local community in Botswana.
1. Step-by-Step Application Process from Botswana
Navigating a university online application across borders is straightforward when you follow these verified steps:
- Step 1: Check Your Eligibility: You must have an undergraduate degree to apply for a postgraduate degree.
- Step 2: Obtain Your SAQA Evaluation: Because your qualifications were earned in Botswana, you must apply to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for a Certificate of Evaluation to determine your NQF level equivalence.
- Step 3: Create Your Online Profile: Visit the NWU online studies university portal to register your student profile.
- Step 4: Upload Digital Documents: You will need high-quality PDF scans of your Botswana Omang (ID) or Passport, academic transcripts, and your professional nursing registration.
- Step 5: Pay the Application Fee: International students must pay a non-refundable application fee (currently R600) to proceed to the selection phase.
2. High Standards
NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences is a gold-standard institution, ensuring that our distance-learning programmes in nursing meet the rigorous demands of modern healthcare.
- Clinical Relevance: The curriculum is designed to be immediately applicable to the healthcare challenges faced within the SADC region.
- Supportive Technology: Students utilise the eFundi platform for coursework and the Invigilator App for secure, remote assessments from their homes in Botswana.
- Prestigious Certification: Graduates receive the same accredited qualification as on-campus students, recognised for its excellence throughout Africa.
3. Key Deadlines and Compliance
To ensure your university application is successful, you must stay ahead of the “main character” deadlines:
- Application Deadline: Most health science programmes close for applications by 31 August for the following academic year.
- Professional Registration: You may be required to provide proof of current registration with the Botswana Health Professions Council or the South African Nursing Council (SANC), depending on the specific module requirements.
- Language of Instruction: All tuition is provided in English; if your prior qualification was not in English, proof of proficiency may be requested.
Summary FAQ for Botswana Applicants
Q: Do I need a South African study visa to study via distance? If you are strictly doing distance learning from Botswana, you do not typically need a study visa unless the programme requires mandatory on-campus clinical intensives in South Africa.
Q: Is there an age limit for international applicants? No, NWU welcomes professionals at all stages of their career journey, provided they meet the academic and professional entry requirements.
Q: How do I track my university online application status? Once you have submitted your documents via the online studies university portal, you can log in at any time to see if your status has changed.


