This communication serves to keep provisionally accepted applicants informed of the selection process, so they may prepare and understand each stage clearly.
Objective
This message clarifies the meaning and implications of provisional acceptance for applicants and outlines the upcoming selection process. Provisionally accepted applicants should be aware that meeting initial minimum admission requirements does not guarantee a firm offer for registration. Below is a structured overview of each stage in the process, key timelines, and selection categories.
1. Provisional Acceptance: What It Means
Provisional acceptance indicates that an applicant has met the initial minimum academic admission requirements for their chosen programme. This assessment is based on the information they have provided with their application to study at Nelson Mandela University, which may include:
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Current Grade 12 results or Grade 11 Final Results
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Final Grade 12 (NSC) results from previous years (pre-2024)
It is important to note that provisional acceptance does NOT guarantee a firm offer. Final selection for each programme will ONLY take place in January 2025, when the basket of all applicants with a provisional acceptance status, will be considered based on the ranking of their final Admission Score (AS).
2. Final Selection in January
In January 2025, a comprehensive selection process will be done, in which all applicants’ results will be taken into consideration. The process entails:
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Consider results from current (2024) Grade 12 students alongside those from applicants who completed school before 2024.
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Rank applicants based on merit ie the Application Score and subject requirements for each programme, and giving firm offers to the highest-ranking candidates based on available spaces.
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Ensure the selection remains fair and transparent by considering all relevant applicants.
Note: No action is required by applicants who sit for the current end of year matriculation examinations to submit additional results, as the University will obtain the 2024 Grade 12 final results directly from the Department of Basic Education. Applicants who completed school in previous years should ensure that any missing results in addition to what they have submitted to the University upon their applications, are submitted immediately.
3. Selection Timeline
The final selection period will occur between the release of National Senior Certificate results by the Department of Basic Education (expected around 17 January 2025) and the last day of registration at Nelson Mandela University, 7 February 2025. During this time, applications may continue to be updated, ensuring that applicants are informed of their status as early as possible. Applicants can track the status of their application on the University website or Mandela Uni Mobile App and there is no need to come to the University for updates.
4. Various Selection Categories
Final selection outcomes will fall into one of the following categories:
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Firm Offer: Applicants who receive a firm offer, based on the information provided, would be deemed as fully accepted into the indicated programme and can proceed with registration. These applicants will be required to accept this offer within five (5) working days of receiving the notification. The offer to study at Nelson Mandela University will be cancelled if applicants to not respond to it within the 5-day period.
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Waiting List: Applicants placed on the waiting list will be offered a space if firm offer applicants decline or cancel their application. Waitlisted applicants will be notified if a space becomes available.
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Third Choice Option: Applicants who have not been offered a firm offer or a waiting list space may consider applying to an alternative programme if spaces are available.
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Unsuccessful Applicants: Applicants who no longer qualify for their chosen programmes will be notified and may consider other options if space allows.
5. Important Notes for Provisionally Accepted Applicants
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Provisional Admission: Achieving provisional accepted status means that you have met the initial admission entry requirements, based on the information provided with your application to study at Nelson Mandela University, BUT it does not automatically confirm a spot in the programme.
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Final or Firm Selection: Acceptance is subject to the Application Score ranking outcomes after the final results are taken into account.
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Notification of Status: Applicants will be informed of their final admission status during the selection period indicated above. This period runs from when the Department of Basic Education releases the final Grade 12 results in January 2025 until the last date to register for the 2025 academic year at Nelson Mandela University.
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Results of the final admission statuses will be sent via SMS text message, followed by a letter e-mailed to the e-mail address applicants provided when they applied to the University.
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Furthermore, applicants can access the outcome of their applications on the University website or on the Mandela Uni Mobile App.
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Applicants are strongly discouraged from travel to the University to check their applications status or to apply for a change of mind.
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All enquiries can be logged via our Customer Relations System or by e-mail to info@mandela.ac.za.