NMU 2026 Applications: Everything You Need to Know

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is one of South Africa’s leading institutions, known for its strong academic courses, cutting-edge research, and vibrant student life. Located in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), NMU offers a wide range of qualifications across multiple faculties, making it an excellent choice for students looking to further their education in 2026.

If you’re considering applying to NMU, it’s important to understand the application process, deadlines, and admission requirements. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth application experience. Whether you’re a high school student preparing for university or a working professional looking to further your studies, this article will help you get started on your NMU journey.

NMU 2026 Applications: Everything You Need to Know

Overview of Faculties and Courses Offered at Nelson Mandela University

Here's an overview of the faculties and courses offered at Nelson Mandela University (NMU):

Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences

• Higher Certificate (HCert): Business Studies, Accountancy
• Diploma (Dip): Accounting, Economics, Human Resource Management, Logistics & Stores Management, Management, Marketing, Tourism Management
• Advanced Diploma (AdvDip): Economics, Business Studies, Accounting
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Various specializations, including General (Statistics), Economics & Statistics, Marketing & Business Management, Logistics & Transport Economics, and more.

Faculty of Education

• Bachelor of Education (BEd): Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior and Further Education & Training
• Advanced Diploma in Technical and Vocational Teaching
• PGCE: FET (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)

Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment & Technology

• Higher Certificate (HCert): Mechatronic Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, IT (User Support Services), Human Settlement Development
• Diploma (Dip): Operations Management, Architecture, Building, Information Technology (Software Development, Communication Networks, Support Services)

Faculty of Health Sciences

• Diploma (Dip): Sport Management
• Bachelor's Degrees: Environmental Health, Psychology, Social Work, Biokinetics, Human Movement Science, Nursing (including Extended Curriculum), Radiography (Diagnostic), Emergency Medical Care

Faculty of Humanities

• Diploma (Dip): Music, Public Relations Management, Public Management
• Advanced Diploma (AdvDip): Public Relations Management, Public Administration & Management
• Bachelor's Degrees: Visual Art, Music, Arts, Media, Communication & Culture, Politics & Economics

Faculty of Law

• Higher Certificate in Law Enforcement
• Diploma in Law Enforcement
• Bachelor of Law (LLB): Including Extended Curriculum

Faculty of Science

• Diploma (Dip): Agricultural Management, Analytical Chemistry, Game Ranch Management, Polymer Technology, Chemical Process Technology
• Advanced Diploma (AdvDip): Analytical Chemistry, Agricultural Management, Game Ranch Management
• Bachelor of Science (BSc): Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology & Physiology, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Computer Science, Physical Science & Mathematics

George Campus

• Higher Certificate: Business Studies, IT (User Support Services)
• Diploma: Agricultural Management, Forestry, Nature Conservation, Wood Technology, Management, Marketing, Tourism Management
• Advanced Diploma: Agricultural Management, Wood Technology

NMU 2026 Application Opening and Closing Dates

If you plan to apply to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) for the 2026 academic year, it’s crucial to know the application deadlines. NMU applications open in April 2025, and submitting your application on time will give you the best chance of securing a place in your preferred course.

Here are the closing dates for NMU 2026 applications:

• 30 June 2025 – Deadline for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), and Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) applications.
• 01 August 2025—Early application deadline for all other courses (excluding MBChB, BPharm, and BRad).
• 30 September 2025 – Final deadline for late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad).
• 30 September 2025 – Deadline for international student applications.
• 31 September 2025 – Final deadline for student housing applications.

Since some qualifications have limited spaces, it’s recommended to apply as early as possible and submit all required documents on time. Before applying, ensure that you meet the Applicant Score (AS) and subject-specific requirements for your chosen course.

 

NMU 2026 Applications Admission Requirements

Before applying to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) for the 2026 academic year, it's essential to understand the admission requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee acceptance, as some courses have limited space and additional selection criteria.

1. General Admission Requirements

NMU offers three main qualification levels: Higher Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor’s Degree. Each has specific entry requirements based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results

2. Applicant Score (AS) Calculation

Your Applicant Score (AS) is a key factor in determining your eligibility for a specific course. NMU calculates your AS using six subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Here’s how:

1. Add the percentages of your six best subjects, ensuring you include:
   • Home Language
   • First Additional Language
   • Mathematics / Mathematical Literacy / Technical Mathematics
   • Any required subjects for the course you're applying for
2. If you attended a Quintile 1 to 3 school and scored 50% or higher in Life Orientation, NMU adds 7 extra points to your AS.

3. Course-Specific Requirements

• Some science, engineering, health sciences, and commerce courses may require Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
• Courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Radiography have higher selection criteria and require early application.
• Certain courses may require portfolios (e.g., Fine Arts, Architecture) or interviews (e.g., Drama, Social Work).

Next Steps: Before you apply, calculate your AS and check if you meet the entry requirements for your chosen qualification. If you don’t qualify, consider an alternative course or explore NMU’s extended curriculum options.

How to Apply to NMU for 2026

Applying to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) for the 2026 academic year is a simple process, but it’s essential to follow each step carefully to ensure your application is successfully submitted.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that you meet:

• The minimum Applicant Score (AS) required for your chosen course.
• The subject requirements (e.g., specific subjects like Mathematics or Life Sciences for certain qualifications).
• Any additional selection criteria, such as portfolios, interviews, or medical/fitness tests for some courses.

Step 2: Apply Online

NMU only accepts online applications via its official website: Apply Online: www.mandela.ac.za/Study-at-Mandela

What you need to apply online:

• A valid email address and cellphone number (to receive updates).
• Certified copies of your identity document (ID) and latest school results (Grade 11 final, or Grade 12 June/September results).
• Supporting documents (if applicable, e.g., parent/guardian declaration form, proof of residence).

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

The online application consists of two sections:

1. Basic Information: Fill in your details and click "Apply." (You’ll receive an email to verify your email address).
2. Full Application: Use the link sent to your email to access the second part of the application. Enter your student number and PIN and complete the form.

Important:

• Fields highlighted in red must be completed.
• Upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format before submitting.
• Click “Final Submission” to complete your application. No changes can be made afterward.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

The following certified copies must be uploaded:

• South African applicants: ID document (or birth certificate serial number if ID is pending).
• Latest school results: Grade 11 final, or Grade 12 June/September results. (No Grade 12 March results).
• Parent/guardian declaration form (downloaded from NMU’s website).
• Parent/guardian ID copy.
• Proof of residential/home or postal address.
• Disability assessment form (if applicable).
• Full academic record (if applying from another university).

Tip: Indicate your student number/ID number on all submitted documents.

Step 5: Application Deadlines

• 30 June 2025 – Closing date for MBChB, BPharm, and BRad (Diagnostic) applications.
• 01 August 2025 – Early application deadline for all other qualifications.
• 30 September 2025 – Late application deadline (subject to space availability).
• 30 September 2025 – Deadline for international student applications.
• 31 September 2025 – Deadline for student housing applications.

Important: No late applications will be considered for MBChB, BPharm, or BRad (Diagnostic).

Step 6: National Benchmark Test (NBT) (If Required)

Most NMU courses do not require an NBT. However, some may require it.
🔹 If your course requires an NBT, book your test early at www.nbt.ac.za.

Extended Curriculum Courses (If You Don't Meet the Minimum Requirements)

NMU offers Extended Curriculum Courses to help students who do not meet the direct admission requirements. These allow students to complete their qualifications over a longer period with additional academic support.

Next Steps: Once you've applied, keep an eye on your email and SMS notifications for updates on your application status.

Selection Process and Acceptance at NMU

Once you have submitted your application, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) follows a structured selection process to assess your eligibility for admission. Below is a step-by-step guide on how the selection and acceptance process works.

Step 1: Application Review

What happens after you apply?

• The university will review your application to ensure that all required documents have been submitted.
• Your Applicant Score (AS) and subject results will be assessed against the minimum admission requirements of your chosen qualification.
• If your application is for a course that requires additional selection criteria (e.g., a portfolio, interview, or medical/fitness tests), these will also be reviewed.

Step 2: Selection Process

✅ If you meet all the admission requirements, you may receive a conditional or firm offer.
❌ If you do not meet the requirements, your application may be declined, or you may be considered for an alternative course (such as an Extended Curriculum course).

Selection outcomes you may receive:

1. Firm Offer: You have been accepted unconditionally and can proceed with registration.
2. Conditional Offer: You have been accepted, but final acceptance is subject to your final Grade 12 results.
3. Waitlisting: If your application is under consideration, but space is limited, you may be placed on a waiting list.
4. Alternative Offer: If you do not qualify for your first choice, NMU may offer you admission to another course.
5. Declined: If you do not meet the requirements, your application may be unsuccessful.

Important: Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, as space in each courses is limited.

Step 3: Acceptance and Confirmation

How will you be notified?

• NMU will send you an SMS or email regarding your application status.
• You can also track your application online through the NMU admissions portal.

If you receive an offer, you must:

1. Accept the offer online by the deadline provided in your admission letter.
2. If applicable, submit final Grade 12 results (for conditional offers).
3. Apply for student accommodation (if needed) before the residence application deadline.

Step 4: Registration and Final Steps

Once you have accepted your offer, you will receive information about:

• Registration dates and procedures.
• Orientation courses for first-year students.
• Tuition fees and payment information.

Congratulations! Once you have registered, you officially become an NMU student and can start preparing for your studies.

Conclusion

Applying to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is a big step toward your future! To increase your chances of success:

• Apply early to avoid missing deadlines
• Ensure all required documents are submitted
• Regularly check your application status

Your journey starts with a single step—take action now! NMU offers world-class education, excellent facilities, and a vibrant student life. Don’t wait until the last minute—apply today and take the first step toward achieving your dreams! 

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