Zalvidar Acodesin鈥檚 journey to a PhD in Theology at begins with his upbringing in the Philippines. When raised in a Southeast Asian nation where of the population is Roman Catholic, it鈥檚 easy to feel like the traditions you鈥檇 grown up with are the same with the whole world 鈥� but Acodesin realised that wasn鈥檛 true.
鈥淚 longed to step beyond the familiar theological frameworks I had grown accustomed to and engage with a broader, more rigorous tradition of the Reformation,鈥� he says. 鈥淸It was] a desire 鈥榯o step out of my comfort zone,鈥� not only geographically but also intellectually and spiritually.鈥�
With this goal in mind, Acodesin took a huge leap. In 2016, he moved from the Philippines to Potchefstroom in South Africa, over a day鈥檚 worth of flight away. He arrived at NWU鈥檚 campus fresh and eager to earn his .
After completing the programme in 2018, he wasn鈥檛 ready to conclude his NWU journey yet.
South Africa brims with potential
In a world that ebbs and flows lightning-quick, South Africa stands out for its steady economic growth. It鈥檚 the largest economy on the continent, with agriculture, finance, and trade leading the way. Business potential is booming, with fast-growing industries like software development, renewable energy, tourism and hospitality, and more. The youths are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, a trait which the world is now learning to harness.
At the centre of it all, NWU is a global university that welcomes students from 60 countries to experience a world-class education that transcends borders. It鈥檚 ranked amongst the top , home to over 300 National Research Foundation-rated researchers who innovate and impact across .
NWU graduates are a force to be reckoned with, graduating in work-ready form to make a global impact. Just recently, its accounting students achieved a in the January 2025 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) examinations, surpassing the national average.
A month before Acodesin鈥檚 master鈥檚 graduation in 2018. Source: North-West 糖心vlog官网
The school has and 鈥� even reaching students beyond South Africa through its option. The best part? This high-quality education is available to you at an affordable price, on top of the country鈥檚 low cost of living.
鈥淓ssentials such as accommodation, food, and study materials are reasonably priced, which allows students like me to focus more on academic and spiritual formation rather than financial strain,鈥� Acodesin says. With no financial burden, Acodesin got the opportunity to continue his PhD in Theology after completing his master鈥檚 degree.
Your career-focused education
Learning at NWU takes a practical, career-focused approach to prep students for real-world rigour. The faculty members serve as unwavering pillars of support, imparting their expertise and guiding students through personalised mentorship. For Acodesin, it was through Professor Callie Coetzee鈥檚 supervision that he was able to produce and publish a quality article through AOSIS Publishing and present his work in Sydney, Australia.
鈥淲hat set Professor Coetzee apart was his ability to introduce me to the rich theological heritage of the Reformation while showing deep respect for my background,鈥� he says. 鈥淗is thoughtful engagement helped me make a meaningful transition in my theological pilgrimage and deepened my academic voice.鈥�
Throughout his journey at NWU, Acodesin took part in many experiential learning opportunities 鈥� thanks to the university鈥檚 . Last month, the NWU Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics engaged three industry giants 鈥� Absa Group, SAS: Data and AI Solutions, and FirstRand 鈥� to prepare honours and master鈥檚 students for corporate success.
NWU has an 83.78% success rate for contact students in 2023. Source: North-West 糖心vlog官网
Acodesin got involved with the Reformed Church on NWU鈥檚 campus. He received hands-on ministerial training and found himself surrounded by a diverse community as he attended bible studies, worship services, and Christian fellowship. 鈥淭his exposure to a global Christian community has expanded my pastoral perspective, enriched my intercultural sensitivity, and refined my approach to theological reflection and ministry,鈥� he says.
Another form of experiential learning comes through NWU鈥檚 industry-aligned workshops, hosted regularly for students. For example, the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management held a Work Readiness Workshop where industry experts shared their input on graduate employability, industry expectations, and effective preparation. They guided students on the basics like CV writing and interview prep, and provided insight into current job market trends, allowing students to ask questions.
What鈥檚 next for Acodesin?
After graduation, Acodesin is ready to return to the Philippines.
鈥淚 am particularly passionate about helping strengthen doctrinal teaching, pastoral training, and theological education in contexts that are often under-resourced,鈥� he says. Having completed his master鈥檚 and PhD at NWU, he finds himself walking the stage with the critical skills to tackle this mission with confidence. Acodesin will become one of 300,000 alumni across the world leaving their mark as the leaders of today and tomorrow.
鈥淏e bold enough to step out of your comfort zone,鈥� Acodesin would tell future NWU students. 鈥淪tudying abroad is not merely about earning a degree. It鈥檚 about undergoing a profound transformation in how you think, believe, and serve.鈥�
Check out in South Africa.
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