Postgraduate Study

FURTHER YOUR CAREER WITH US

At Nelson Mandela University, we don't see you as a student. To us, you are a world changer capable of so much more than you can ever imagine. From honours to doctorates, we offer quality and accredited qualifications that enable you to build on your success and reach career heights you never thought possible.

HOW DO I APPLY? | Follow this four-step process to begin your postgraduate journey at our University

Making your postgraduate study decisions can be a complicated task so we have simplified the process for you and broken it up into four steps. First you need to find out what you want to study and if you qualify (Step 1), then you move on to applying (Step 2), wait to see if you have been admitted/selected (Step 3) and finally, you can register/enrol (Step 4). Reach the top of your profession at our University!

Discovery

Build on your success with a postgraduate qualification: see what options are available, choose your area of expertise and your career, and see what qualifications you can pursue:

Decide what course (qualification) you want to study
See what is required to be able to study towards that course (admission requirements)
Find out about accommodation and financing your studies
Get help on making your decision via online tools, such as the prospectus and quick guides

Find out more

Application

Decided what you want to study? Meet the requirements? Right, now you can apply:

Apply online to study a postgraduate qualification at Nelson Mandela University
Apply for accommodation at Nelson Mandela University
Apply for funding

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Admission

Submitted your application? Now you can:

View your admission status
View your residence admission status
Change your study choice
Change your contact details
Confirm any admission offer you may have received so that we can reserve a place for you

Find out more

Registration

If you’ve been admitted to study at Mandela University – congratulations!

Pay any relevant fees that may be due
Take part in the orientation programmes to find out how and where to do things on campus
Find out when you can register for your course
Go through the registration process to enrol in your chosen subjects (modules)
Find out when lectures start

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW | Quick access to all the information you need

Study further

The journey of lifelong learning by means of further study can be a rewarding experience. Find out why it’s the right decision for you.

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Qualifications

We offer multi-disciplinary postgraduate qualifications and short courses across seven faculties. Discover the qualification that equips you with the knowledge and skills to reach your full potential.

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Full-time study

Our accredited, full-time qualifications give you the opportunity to explore a subject area that fascinates you and adds value to your personal development and your skill set.

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Short courses

We offer a wide range of short courses and skills programmes that help you gain a deeper understanding of a chosen field of expertise and enhance your skills.

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LATEST VIDEOS | A valuable resource to help you make your study decision

CURRENT STUDENTS | Services and support for every aspect of student life

Graduation

Get all the information you need from the graduation site.

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Career Services

According to the 2020 SAGEA Survey, Career Services at our university is rated as one of the top ten for Best Career Services and Best Career Fair at a University in South Africa.

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Academic calendar

Lecture blocks, exam periods, graduation ceremonies and holidays - stay on top of events during the academic year.

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Find a community

The university offers a broad range of social and cultural activities, which means that you can have fun while you study.

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Student Housing

Residences are located on the Summerstrand North, South, Second Avenue and George campuses.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | All the information you need to study in South Africa

Short programmes (Summer school)

Students from around the world can undertake an unforgettable 3-8 week study experience in South Africa.

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Full degrees

Our programmes are recognised and accredited by relevant professional bodies locally and, in many cases, internationally.

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Study abroad in South Africa

Experience top quality and affordable education, while exploring South Africa’s wildlife, history and culture.

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About Nelson Mandela University

The university provides a vibrant, multi-cultural student life experience that develops students holistically.

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OUR CAMPUSES | All the information you need about our campuses and libraries

Multimedia gallery

Drone flybys, events, student life and more, see all the pictures and videos of life at Nelson Mandela University.

Virtual tours

For a 360° view of our campuses and various buildings, take a virtual tour through our interactive maps.

Campuses

Find out more about our six campuses located in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and one in the city of George.

Libraries

Printed or digital, online or offline, find all the library resources you need to support assignments and projects.

Latest articles | Largest resource for news about the university

Call for Mandela University to play its part to SAVE WATER NOW

All staff and students are called to urgently save water as we are just days away from Day Zero, as is captured in this sobering article in the Daily Maverick.

Innovative cancer app to be launched

Being diagnosed with cancer or the Big C, as it is referred to, often feels as if the rug is pulled from under you. But taking the prevalence of cancer into account, NTT Data’s mobile application, C-Vive, can help to increase the awareness of cancer, even before a diagnosis.

Mandela Uni VC to share institution’s hopes with US philanthropists

Next week, our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa, will be sharing the story of Nelson Mandela University and its African-proposed solutions for major challenges, with a global audience.

Mandela IT Profs receive national recognition by the IITPSA #R2bP

Reasons to be Proud - #R2bP: two Mandela University professors have been recognised by the Institute of Information Technology Professionals of South Africa (IITPSA).

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LATEST BLOGS | All the information you need to study at the university

Five ways a postgrad degree sets you apart

An undergraduate degree is a huge achievement, but there are many benefits of furthering your studies. Here are five reasons to pursue a postgraduate degree.

Study and stress: Finding the balance during your postgrad degree

Intellectually rewarding. Stimulating. Challenging. Transformative. This is what you want from your postgraduate degree, but in this new world of opportunities and learning, there are also unique pressures that can cause you anxiety and stress.

Celebrating staff excellence

Nelson Mandela University recognised its top academic, professional, administrative and service staff in the categories of research, teaching, engagement, creative outputs and institutional support at a virtual event held on 23 November 2021.

Quick guide to postgrad studies part 2

Check out part two of our quick guide to postgraduate study at Mandela University.

Quick guide to postgrad studies part 1

Check out part one of our quick guide to postgraduate study at Mandela University.

Ten steps to set yourself up for success in the 2022 academic year

Our teams are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that you are geared to make a successful start to your 2022 academic year, and in the safest learning environments possible.

It's a juggling act

How to balance work and postgraduate study. You’re looking ahead and debating whether you should join the workforce and start earning a salary or enhance your career even further with a postgraduate degree. You have a third option: you can do both.

Why a postgraduate degree is the way to go

Graduating with an undergraduate degree is undeniably an immense accomplishment, considering the sacrifices made by both students and their families.

The benefits of studying a postgraduate degree

The reasons for choosing to study further vary from graduate to graduate, but most view postgraduate study as a natural progression from an undergraduate qualification.

Why our university is a great choice for your honours degree

We believe in you. A Nelson Mandela University honours degree gives you the opportunity to explore your field of expertise and review your career pathways.

Further your career with us

At Nelson Mandela University, we don’t see you as a student. To us, you are a world changer capable of so much more than you can ever imagine.

Research Chairs

Research Chairs strengthen and improve research and innovation capacity of public universities for producing high quality postgraduate students and research and innovation outputs.

Research entities

Entities strengthen existing scholarly activities as well as open up new fields of research and scholarship that are consistent with the University’s strategic direction and priorities.

Research Management

Research Management focuses on the needs of established researchers and manages issues such as grants, publication funding, research entities, internal research incentives and research information management systems.

Research Development

RD focuses its activities around the development of new and emerging researchers and providing access to funding opportunities for postgraduate students.