The inaugural 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for the sub-Saharan Africa region place the North-West University (NWU) among the top seven institutions in the region.

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Patrick Tchepmo Djomegni, Associate Professor in Applied Mathematics has added an important scholarly contribution to the field of applied mathematics with the completion of his new book on mathematical modelling techniques, a project that reflects both academic excellence and deep personal meaning.

The 2026 Varsity Cup will kick off with a highly competitive opening fixture, with previous seasons having delivered drama, late winners and high scores. On Monday 16 February, the FNB NWU Eagles will take on the CUT Ixias in Bloemfontein in a clash that has become a seasonal highlight.

The Eagles will face a determined CUT side eager to bounce back after their crushing 117-19 defeat at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom in 2025.

Soprano Thando Mabuza, an honours degree music student at the North-West University (NWU), has received a scholarship to further her studies at the Musikhochschule Lübeck in Germany, following her participation in the Vocal Masterclass and Scholarship Scheme with Martin Hundelt.

“When I received the news, I could not believe it, because during the masterclass everyone was so prepared,” said Thando. “I was excited, and I scared my family with my screams.”

The vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, is representing the university at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba, taking place from 9 to 12 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The North-West University (NWU) has taken a bold step forward in its sustainability journey with the unveiling of its first Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). The launch, held at the NWU Student Centre (SS), marked a proud moment for the institution and its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) hosted a high-level engagement focused on testing an institutional capability framework (ICF) being developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The ICF provides a structured way for institutions to understand their capability for knowledge and technology transfer (K/TT). The framework is meant to encourage institutions to reflect on how formal decisions, lived experience and observed outcomes align in practice, rather than measuring performance through rankings or compliance-driven assessments.

By Prof Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School

It’s been 30 years since the New Zealand All Blacks last toured South Africa for a traditional rugby test series, but 2026 will see the old foes meet for three tests in the Republic and one abroad.

For rugby fans at home and in the Land of the Long White Cloud, The Greatest Rivalry Tour – which includes provincial matches between the All Blacks and the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions – is the stuff dreams are made of.

The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted the deputy minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, and officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), along with representatives from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), as part of a national assessment of the readiness of universities for the 2026 academic year.