Open Day

For more information, please contact Ms Nosi Mrara at openday@mandela.ac.za or call 041 504 2164.

Kind Regards,
Student Recruitment Team

Before applying to Nelson Mandela University, please take note of the following:

• Your application for admission should be submitted before the August closing date. Late applications will however only be considered after this date, based on academic merit, until the September closing date.
• MBChB and Bachelor or Radiography (Diagnostic) qualifications close earlier than the dates listed above. Applicants need to consult the student access & enrolment office, website, or faculty to determine annual closing dates. No late applications will be considered after the published closing date.
• Places for some qualifications are limited and it is therefore in your best interest to submit your application early.
• Prospective students must meet the minimum statutory entry requirements based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or IEB or equivalent school-leaving certificate for admission to a higher certificate, diploma or degree qualification, in order to be considered.
• Submission of a completed application form does not mean that you have been accepted as a student, or that you may register.
• All prospective students are selected in accordance with the admissions policy of the university, and applicants will be notified of the outcome by the student access & enrolment office.
• Provisional admission is based on your Applicant Score (AS) obtained in your Grade 11 final, or Grade 12 June/September examinations. However, the final decision is based on your final Grade 12 exam results.
• In addition to the general university admission requirements, each programme also has its own specific requirements.
• Applicants with international or foreign qualifications must satisfy the requirements laid down by the Matriculation Board to qualify for a certificate of exemption for a particular international or foreign school leaving qualification.
• In the case of applications by candidates who have studied at other higher education institutions accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the results obtained at such institutions will be considered, together with their academic record and certificate of conduct.

First you have to make sure that you meet the admission requirements of the programme you wish to apply for (https://myfuture.mandela.ac.za/Applicant-Score). Obtain a copy of the undergraduate programme guide or Z-Card to assist you in making an informed choice. As soon as you know what you want to study and that you meet the admission requirements, you can apply online (https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za/).

You must submit your application form together with ALL the relevant supporting documentation before the initial closing date. Your application cannot be considered if you do not include all your supporting documents with your application form.

All prospective applicants will be notified by sms and e-mail of the outcome of their application.

Yes, places are limited and it is therefore in your best interest to submit your application early. 

2025 Closing Dates 

• 30 June 2024 for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) & Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) applications.

• 02 August 2024 for Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) applications.

• 02 August 2024 for early applications (excluding MBChB & BRad).

• 31 October 2024 for late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad).

• 30 September 2024 for international student applications.

• 31 October 2024 for ALL student housing applications.

Only applicants who apply for certain programmes will be required to attend an interview. During this interview you may be asked to present a portfolio of your work and to answer questions about your interests and inspirations. Details of the requirements for the interview and portfolio will be sent to you after your application form has been processed. Portfolios are currently only a requirement for students who wish to pursue studies in the creative and visual arts.

Yes, applicants are first considered for their first choice, but if they do not meet the direct entry requirements for this choice, then their second choice will be considered provided that there is still space available in that particular programme and they meet the direct entry requirements for their second choice .

Applicants can use their grade 11 final exam results to apply to the university before the final closing date in August. They will however need to submit their grade 12 June/July or September results if they apply in either August or September in order to gain provisional admission to Nelson Mandela University. The final decision is based on the final grade 12 NSC/IEB exam results.

While Nelson Mandela University is committed to multilingualism, the language of learning and teaching at Nelson Mandela University is English. We also strive to develop and promote the isiXhosa language and culture and to ensure the maintenance and strengthening of Afrikaans.

Yes, programmes offered at Nelson Mandela University are internationally recognised and accredited by the relevant professional bodies.

Yes, applicants who have studied at other higher education institutions but would like to complete their studies at Nelson Mandela University can apply for admission. Applicants must ensure that they include their certificate of conduct and academic record from their current institution together with the relevant application form when applying.

The university strives to make as much information and services available to students in order to better equip them after they have graduated. The Graduate and Student Placement division assists students in finding suitable employment through a number of initiatives, including an annual Careers Fair.

Study choices are entirely yours. There is really no right or wrong choice but it is essential to make an informed decision. Look at your interests, your personality traits, speak to a guidance teacher or better, speak to someone in the career you wish to work in. Then seek out courses in this field before you submit your application.

There's more help for you here!

Nelson Mandela University offers students the best of both theory and practice from entry certificate level through to doctoral research. Nelson Mandela University is a leader in fields such as automotive engineering, ecology, marine studies, community health, the built environment, art and design, accounting, education and IT, but there are dozens of other programmes opening up a variety of career opportunities.

With a diploma qualification the academic emphasis is placed on a more practical approach to learning. Diploma studies are offered on a full-time and/or part-time basis but are generally offered over a three-year period. Industry training varies from programme to programme, but can be anything from six months to a year.

With a degree qualification the emphasis is placed on an academic approach to a specified field of study or profession, such as law, pharmacy, architecture. Degree programmes are offered on a full-time or part-time basis and are offered over three to four years, depending on the type of degree programme. Certain programmes require industry training of about six to eight weeks.

No, not all qualifications at Nelson Mandela University include experiential training. Experiential Learning (EL) integrates a student’s academic studies with work experience in participating employer organisations. It is a compulsory component for some diploma and professional degree qualifications and constitutes essentially a third of the qualification.

Extended curricula have been designed to equip students who do not meet the minimum admission requirements with the necessary competencies to be successful in their studies at Nelson Mandela University. Academic support and skills development are integrated with regular academic work. In the first two years of the extended programme students are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies needed to complete their studies successfully.

Van Schaik’s Bookstore is situated at the Student Village centre near South and North Campuses and stocks university textbooks and stationery. Rehab Books also supplies textbooks (both new and second hand) and is situated in the main food court area on the South Campus. Senior students also advertise the sale of their old text books on the university’s notice boards and intranet.

Orientation is a series of eventsand activities designed to help first-year students adjust to university life. You will meet people, find out about resources on campus, learn how to find your way around the campus and have some fun too. However, orientation is more than just a week of activities. It's about our commitment to helping you explore opportunities for involvement on campus and to ensure that you achieve success in all spheres of university life. It is our hope that you will leave Nelson Mandela University as a well-rounded individual.

Yes, because it will help you to settle in quickly. Research has shown that students who attend orientation have a much better chance of succeeding at university.

Prospective applicants can apply online from the university’s website (applyonline.mandela.ac.za).

No application fee is required for South African citizens, but there is an application fee for International Students. 

Yes, you can track your application form via Nelson Mandela University’s website (http://www.mandela.ac.za/Apply/Admission/Check-your-admission-status). Unfortunately Nelson Mandela University does not use any social networking sites to inform applicants of the outcome of their application.

All prospective applicants will be notified via sms or e-mail of the outcome of their application as soon as it has been processed by the student access & enrolment office, or a decision has been taken by the department concerned regarding a specific qualification.

Yes, applicants who are in possession of a National Curriculum (Vocational) level 4 certificate can apply for admission to Nelson Mandela University. Applicants must bear in mind that they can only apply for a related qualification and meet the set admission requirements for NC (V) applicants.

NCV applicants can apply for a limited number of related programmes. This means that NCV applicants can only apply for a qualification which is similar to their current NCV study field.

Application fees

All prospective International students are required to pay a non-refundable application fee which covers administrative costs. SA Citizens are not required to pay an application fee.

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees are debited to a student’s account and are payable annually.

Down-payments

The down-payment is the first advance payment towards tuition fees. The amount will be credited towards your student fees account.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are calculated according to the number of modules elected or the study programme the applicant has applied for. These fees vary. A detailed account can only be provided once an applicant has registered at Nelson Mandela University for a particular programme.

Residence fees

Students who have been accepted into one of Nelson Mandela University’s residences will be required to pay a down-payment payable before registration, a residence breakage deposit as well as payment towards meals provided by the university. More information on fees, and the Student Accounts Guide, can be found under Financial Information.

Residence breakage deposits

All students that register for accommodation at any Nelson Mandela University residences will be liable for a deposit which is debited on the student account. 

Residence registration fees

Students staying in any of the Nelson Mandela University residences are liable for a residence registration fee. 

Before registering as a student, you need to determine whether or not you will have sufficient funds to finance your studies. In addition to the actual study programme/module fees, you should also budget for books, equipment, transport, accommodation and general living expenses which are excluded from your tuition fees.

Estimated fees/costs can be obtained on these pages.

Loans

Loans are awarded to applicants based on their need and family income. Loans are also always linked to interest rates. If you receive a loan you would be required to repay the loan in full as well as the accumulated interest.

Bursaries

Bursaries vary in amounts and professions and are given to students in order to further their studies. In return for funding your studies, the company may require you to repay them by signing a work contract with them. Another type of bursary is a donor bursary (a bursary awarded to a deserving candidate in a specific field of study or in recognition for his/her work in a specific field of study).

Scholarship

A scholarship is a financial award usually given to students based on their outstanding academic achievements. Recipients are not always expected to repay or work back the money they receive.

Yes, Nelson Mandela University is a residential university that provides a vibrant, multi-cultural student life experience that develops students holistically. Nelson Mandela University provides different types of residences for students at different stages of the student life cycle. As accommodation is limited, early application is essential.

Unfortunately not. As space is limited, students who live within a 60km radius of the university campuses in either Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) or George cannot apply for residence accommodation. Only in exceptional circumstance are allowances made for students who require on-campus accommodation. Such requests must be made to the Student Housing Department for consideration.

Units mainly comprise of double bedrooms with shared or communal bathrooms. There is a very limited number of single rooms available. Those are allocated to senior students based on merit. On-campus residence facilities varies from campus to campus.

Yes, as all non-residential Nelson Mandela University students are automatically members of the Oppidani House and are known as Oppies. Participation in non-academic life is encouraged with regular sporting, cultural and other events.

Residence fees vary depending on the type of room (single or double) you have been allocated. In addition to your standard residence fee students living in res are also required to pay an initial upfront down-payment, breakage deposit as well as registration fees. For more information, consult the Nelson Mandela University Student Accounts Guide found on this page...

Nelson Mandela University has both self-catering as well as fully-catered residences. The self-catering residences are traditionally for senior students while the catered residences are for first and second year students. The dining rooms in the catering residences offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus plus a range of a la carte items. A student can pre book a meal from the range of available a la carte items on the booking and billing system (Meal Management System).

No, as space is limited not all prospective students will be able to be accommodated on campus. Early application is essential and no student will be allocated a place in one of Nelson Mandela University’s residence before he/she has not been accepted academically.

All first-year students will be sharing a room with fellow first-year students. Some students prefer sharing a room during their time at Nelson Mandela University. Single rooms are limited and are allocated to senior students on merit.

The Meal Management System (MMS) is a meal booking and billing system that manages student meal accounts for purchases of meals at food outlets on the different campuses and manages the pre-bookings of meals at residences. Resident students, including international students, in catered residences can pre-book meals served in their residence dining room and can also pay for any food items purchased at any of the cafeterias or coffee shops, by swiping their student ID card.

Living and Learning Community

Living and learning communities are designed to create communities of students within the residences whose motives will contribute tothe learning experience of residence students and life skills required for successful employment. Students could be linked in terms of academic programmes, hobbies or personal interests.

Students would be expected to partake in experiential activities and development programmes togrow their interests and knowledge while compiling evidence of what has been achieved i.e. smallprojects, debates, reports and portfolios.

Study centre

The major reason for being at university is to develop and prepare for a career. There is a huge study centre and a computer lab situated for students' convenience within the residence complexon South Campus. The lab has 20 computers and students have access to the Internet and email. Thereare lab demonstrators who are readily available to assist students who have little or no knowledge of computers.

Life skills

Various life skill programmes are presented to students at residences who want to empower their own knowledge andunderstanding. Programmesareoffered by qualified facilitators and include learning skills, wellness programmes, goal setting, study strategies, time management, leadershipetc.

Student leaders

Each year House Committee Members (student leaders) are elected through a fully-fledged election process.A house committee member plays a key role in creating an environment that is conducive to academic, personal and social growth for students.Theyare given extensive training to assist students in res. A house committee member is also a friend, resource, mentor, role model and community leader in their hall.

Mentorship programme

The mentoring programme is a way of assisting students to integrate themselves academically and socially as well as coping with the transition and demands of university life. Mentors are suitably qualified studentswho make themselves available through a selection process for the programme.

The role of a mentor is to guide and facilitate a less experienced person to achieve growth and reach their potential. It is about helping the new students to learn from their experiences. It is a supportive, friendly, caring and structured relationship that focuses on the needs of the mentored student and is based on encouragement, constructive comments, openness, mutual trust, respect and a willingness to learn and share.

Visit our Medical School website for answers to your MBChB questions
 

The minimum admission requirements are those requirements which a prospective applicant must meet in order to be considered for a specific programme at Nelson Mandela University. The table below explains what you need to achieve. Please note that the table refers to minimum entry requirements and the university may set additional requirements for specific programmes.

You need to submit the following:

• A certified copy of your identity document (ID document compulsory for SA Citizens). You may also provide your ID number or serial number that appears on your birth certificate.
• A certified copy of your latest school results (grade 11 final, or grade 12 June/September results, or final school leaving certificate). No grade 12 March results.
• Declaration by your parent / legal guardian / surety form (form downloaded from our website),
• A certified copy of your parent / legal guardian / surety’s identity document (ID);
• Completed disability assessments form (if applicable).
• Proof of your current residential / home or postal address;  

NB: Please note that your student number/identity number must clearly be indicated on all documentation submitted. Your application form cannot be processed if you do not include all supporting documentation with your application

Compulsory subjects are specific subject combinations which are required in order for an applicant to be admitted to a specific course. These subjects form the basis for further studies and are a requirement for specific fields of study.

Recommended subjects are subjects which are not required for admission to a specific course, but are useful as they will build on your current knowledge base and enable you to understand certain terms and formulas better.

Yes. Certain programmes require maths or technical maths as opposed to mathematical literacy in order to be accepted. Refer to the undergraduate guide, Z-Card or website for the subject specific requirements.

AS stands for Applicant Score. Each Nelson Mandela University undergraduate programme requires a specific score as a basis for admission to the programme. Applicants will need to meet the AS directly, as well as an subject specific pass in order to be considered for a specific programme.

• First look-up the Applicant Score (AS) for the qualification you are applying for – also note any required subjects.
• Your Applicant Score (AS) will be different if you took Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics at school.
• Your Applicant Score (AS) is calculated using six subjects. Please note that Life Orientation (LO) is excluded.
• Write down your Grade 12 subjects and the most recent percentage (%) obtained in each subject (NO Gr 12 March results).
• You MUST include the results for the following three compulsory subjects: 1) Home language; 2) 1^st Add. Language; and 3) Maths; or Maths Lit; or Technical Maths.
• For applicants with seven Grade 12 NSC subjects, your AS is calculated by adding the percentages for your six 20-credit subjects (Note that the Life Orientation percentage is not included as it is a 10-credit subject). This gives a score out of 600.
• For those applicants taking eight or more subjects your AS is calculated as follows: add the percentages obtained for the three compulsory subjects (the two languages and Mathematics, Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy), plus the percentage(s) for any subject(s) required by the programme, together with the percentage(s) for the next best / highest subject(s), to a maximum of six subjects.
• In addition, for those applicants from quintile 1 to 3 schools who attain 50% or higher for Life Orientation, 7 additional points are added to their score out of 600 to arrive at their final AS.
• Compare your AS & subject requirements to the minimum needed for the qualification you want to apply for.
• If your Applicant Score (AS) & subject requirements are below the minimum required, you will need to consider another qualification for which you do qualify.

The table below provides an example of how to calculate the AS for:

• An applicant who has 7 NSC/IEB Grade 12 subjects:

Applicants who do not meet the AS & subject(s) + pass % directly for a specific certificate, diploma or degree programme will need to consider applying for an alternative programme for which they do qualify as their is no longer any testing for possible admission.

Only applicants who apply for certain programmes will be required to attend an interview. During this interview you may be asked to present your portfolio of work and to answer questions about your portfolio, your interests and aspirations. Information detailing the requirements for the interview and portfolio will be sent to you after your application form has been received and processed.

Certain programmes require applicants to present a portfolio of work in order to obtain a better insight with regards to an applicant’s abilities and talent. Portfolios are currently only a requirement for students who wish to pursue studies in the creative and visual arts.

Yes, applicants are first considered for their first choice, and if they do not meet the direct entry requirements, then their second choice will be considered provided that there is still space available in that particular programme and they meet the direct entry requriements for their second choice. 

Applicants can use their Grade 11 final exam results to apply to the university before the final closing date in August of each year. They will however need to submit their Grade 12 June/July or September results in order to gain provisional admission to Nelson Mandela University. The final decision will be based on his/her final Grade 12 exam results.

The student access & enrolment office looks at a number of variables when making an admission decision and work experience may be taken into account. However, the basis for an admission decision would be an applicant’s school results, and possibly any academic courses they may have taken at other higher education institutions. Applicants need to provide the student access & enrolment office with as much detail as possible in order for Nelson Mandela University to make an informed decision.

No, all applicants are treated equally and no preferential treatment is given to any prospective applicant.