Open days & events in the North West

focused TVET and nursing training — and getting to an event here is often more manageable than a long trip to Johannesburg or Pretoria.

North-West University (NWU) is the anchor of higher education in the province, with campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark. Public university open days like these typically run February to May, well ahead of the application deadlines that usually close around September for the following year — so it's worth checking NWU's own site and social media early in the year rather than waiting. At an open day you can walk the campus, meet lecturers, and ask directly about APS scores, matric requirements, NSFAS funding, and what residence life actually looks like.

For hands-on, workplace-focused study, North West has three TVET colleges: Orbit, Taletso and Vuselela. TVET colleges tend to announce their open days only one to three weeks ahead, often on Facebook rather than on a formal website, so it pays to follow their pages directly if a trade, artisan or technical qualification interests you. Nursing hopefuls should look to the North West College of Nursing and always confirm that any nursing programme is SANC-accredited before applying.

The province also has seven DHET-registered private institutions, and it's worth checking that any private college you're considering is properly registered before you commit — this applies everywhere in South Africa, not just here. Learners in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom or Rustenburg who can't easily reach an in-person event shouldn't feel stuck: national online providers and free webinars mean you can still get NSFAS, bursary and course information without travelling, and many sessions are recorded if you miss the live version.

Whatever type of event you're looking at, most are free, though some ask you to register beforehand, and every listing links through to the organiser's own page — always confirm the date and venue there, since these things can shift. Browse the upcoming events in North West below to find what's coming up near you.