What to consider before applying to Nelson Mandela University?

All diplomas and some degrees are career focused, while others are more general to allow students to tailor their interests, skills, and career plans. When looking into the possibility of studying, it is important to know what you are interested in by doing research as to what your future qualification consists of – such as what school subjects to take, what the qualification entails, are there other requirements, etc.

To view our full range of qualifications and programmes, including their specific admission requirements, click here: Career Study Fields

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

• 2023 application closing dates:

• Your online application should be submitted before the indicated closing dates. 
• No late applications will be considered after the official published closing date.

• 
  Application Fee

• South African applicants are not required to pay an application fee
• International applicants are required to pay an application fee

• Exam results

• You can apply with your Grade 11 final or your Grade 12 June/September results. No Grade 12 March results may be submitted.
• If you have already matriculated, please apply with your final Gr12 NSC/IEB results.

• National Benchmark Test (NBT)

• Our institution uses the NBT as part of the selection process for applicants applying for MBChB, Dip (Operations Management), or for applicants with NCV results (National Certificate Vocational) applying for undergraduate qualifications.
• Generally, most qualifications offered at our institution do not require prospective students to write the NBT. However, there are a few qualifications which do and are stated in the requirements of those qualifications.

• Financial Assistance

• South African applicants who require funding are encouraged to apply to NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) which should be done directly on the NSFAS website, or an application form can be downloaded and sent directly to the NSFAS office in Cape Town. See Official NSFAS website for more details.
• Scholar and Student Merit Awards are automatically awarded to top academic achievers who meet our criteria and no application is required.
• Head boy/Head girl and/or LRC presidents are also eligible for a top-up award.
• Bursaries and sponsorships are available to those who meet the specific criteria required by sponsors. Details can be found on the Financial Aid Website

• Supporting documents needed for the application process

• Certified copy of your ID
• Certified copy of your parents’/legal guardians’ ID
• Certified copy of your exam results
• Declaration form signed by your parent/legal guardian  
• Proof of address (if applying for on-campus accommodation)
• Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Completed Disability Form for assessment (if applicable)
• Postgraduate Form (if applying for postgraduate studies)

Students with disabilities

Nelson Mandela University aims to ensure that all our campus facilities are easily accessible to students with disabilities. More information on accessibility and how our institution can accommodate your disability can be obtained by contacting our Universal Accessibility & Disability Services (UADS) Department. Bursaries for students with disabilities are available, via an online application process, through NSFAS (www.nsfas.org.za). Please contact the Universal Accessibility & Disability Services (UADS) on 041 504 2313 or E-mail: disability@mandela.ac.za for further information.

Student Housing

The university provides various on-campus accommodation options. These include the residences on the university’s Summerstrand and George campuses, and the Student Villages in Summerstrand, which consist of self-catering units for senior students. As accommodation is limited, early application is essential. Prospective students should note that being offered a place in an academic programme does not mean they have also been accepted into an on-campus residence. The closing date for residence applications is 30 September 2022. No late applications will be considered. For more information contact: (041) 504 3690/1415/1416 ▪ resadmissions@mandela.ac.za ▪ www.mandela.ac.za/studenthousing

We look forward to welcoming you to Nelson Mandela University in 2023.