As the only institution in the world named after Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Nelson Mandela University is a university that embraces respect for diversity, excellence, Ubuntu (I am because you are), social justice and equality, integrity, and environmental stewardship. Located in what is now known as Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, the university’s campuses boast beautiful architecture and are nestled into the scenic and inspiring surroundings with ease.
However, any prospective student of Nelson Mandela University should know that not only is it a beautiful institution, but it is one that is committed to its students in every way – to their learning, their wellbeing, and their growth.
Its vision statement is as follows: “To be a dynamic African university, recognised for its leadership in generating cutting-edge knowledge for a sustainable future.” Acting upon this in everything they do, they are helping to shape their students into the next generation of innovators and leaders. Just as impactful is their mission statement: “To offer a diverse range of life-changing educational experiences for a better world.”
Here, the term life-changing should not be taken lightly, as they are truly implementing such educational practices in everything they offer; here, they are firm believers in the concept of learning as something that is ever-changing and ever-growing, and they help to implement this belief in their student body as well. Here, lifelong learning is carefully cultivated.
NMU Falcuties
Nelson Mandela University is one that sees potential in each of its individual students and carefully helps them to actualise their potential with the many skills and resources that are shared amongst the institution’s faculties.
At Nelson Mandela University, there are over 500 programs of study within seven faculties. Prospective students can apply to be enrolled in programs in the following faculties:
- The Faculty of Humanities
- The Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- The Faculty of Education
- The Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology
- The Faculty of Health Sciences
- The Faculty of Law
- The Faculty of Science
With such a wide variety of disciplines and even more programs within them, Nelson Mandela University has something to offer each and every student.
If you are a prospective student, continue reading to learn about the application process at Nelson Mandela University.
How to Apply to NMU
Nelson Mandela University has it all, and this applies to options for applications, as well. So, this means you can apply “traditionally” with a paper application form, or you can apply online. Rest assured, no matter which option you choose, you won’t find the process riddled with hurdles or find hoops to jump through – it’s designed to be straightforward, easy to navigate, and simple to understand.
For online applications…
- Before we get into it, make sure you have a valid email address that you can check often, as this is necessary to complete the application. Also, you will need a valid cellphone number which can receive texts, as your application status will be sent to you this way
Now, to actually apply…
- Visit www.mandela.ac.za
- From their home page, select the ‘Study @ Mandela’ tab, which is located at the top of the page.
- Scroll down, and under Step 2 – Application, you’ll find a button labelled ‘Find Out More.’ Click on this!
- From here, you will be brought to a page where you will find different options to apply online. These include: Applications for prospective and undergraduate students, Applications for postgraduate students, and Applications for International Students.
- There is also an option here for making a payment for your application.
- Click on the option which best suits you – prospective student, graduate student, or international student – and then fill out the required forms in the field with the correct information
That’s it! Easy, right?
Now, for offline|hard-copy applications…
- Download the Application form from www.mandela.ac.za Fill out the form in all of the required fields with the correct information – make sure your printing is clear and legible!
- Post the form to:
The Admissions Office
PO Box 77000
Nelson Mandela University
PORT ELIZABETH
6031
That’s all! Again, wasn’t that super easy? They definitely designed it to be effortless on purpose.
However, do keep these few things in mind:
- There is an application fee of R500 for International students. South African students have had this fee waived
- If you are an International student and are opting for the hardcopy application, do not post cash with your application form, and to keep on the safe side, do make sure to keep a proof of payment!
- If you have any questions or concerns at any time during the application process, you can reach out to Nelson Mandela University via email: admissions@nmmu.ac.za, or via telephone: 041 504 1111
In the following section, we’ll let you know what requirements Nelson Mandela University asks its students to fulfil and meet.
NMU Requirements:
Nelson Mandela University is a prestigious school of high standards. The institution asks its prospective students to meet the following requirements:
- Prospective students are required to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
- If you are unsure as to what the NBTs are, let us tell you: this test determines a student’s academic preparedness for post-secondary education. As the NBTs can be booked on various dates, find a date that suits you best – however, do ensure that you write them at the earliest convenience to ensure that you receive your results in time. To learn more about the test and where to book your slot, visit https://www.nbt.ac.za/ . Applications for the NBTs open on Thursday, April 1st. Please note that your NBT results are valid for three years
There are certain documents you will be asked to submit alongside your application and NBT results, but we’ll get into those later. For now, let’s take a look at application dates and where to find this information. Continue reading ahead!
NMU Application Dates
Please carefully read through the following information:
- Applications open – April 6th, 2022
And for early admission…
- MBChB applications: May 31st, 2022 (NBT results must be available on or before July 31st 2022).
- Early applications (excluding MBChB) – August 5th, 2022
- Late applications (excluding MBChB) – September 30th, 2022
- International student applications (excluding MBChB) – September 30th, 2022
- Student Housing applications – September 30th, 2022
One very important thing to keep in mind is to check the program and faculty pages before you apply, just to make sure there is still room or that it is still available. You don’t want to apply to a program that has already closed! To check closing dates for individual faculties and their programs, follow these steps:
- Visit www.mandela.ac.za
- Once on their homepage, click on the ‘Study @ Mandela’ tab
- From here, click on ‘Find Out More’ under ‘Application.’
- Next, scroll down until you find the ‘Closing dates’ page. This will load to show you individual closing dates per faculty – take note of the ones that are applicable to you! We recommend marking them on your calendar or input them into your phone, so you don’t forget.
Again, please keep in mind that Nelson Mandela University is here to help you! If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to them at their email: admissions@nmmu.ac.za, or via telephone: 041 504 1111
NMU Registration
Now, let’s delve into what prospective students of Nelson Mandela University need to supply in terms of supporting documents. These can differ depending on if you are a South African student or an International student, so make sure that you read the following information thoroughly.
- Your NBT results – again, these are valid for three years after the date you write them!
- Your Grade 11 and 12 results – if you have yet to receive your final Grade 12 results, don’t sweat it! Just ensure you send them in as soon as you get them, and don’t wait to send in the results you already have from Grade 11; it’s best to be prompt with these things to avoid delay or issues
- For South African students, supply a certified copy of your ID Document
- For International students, supply a certified copy of your passport
- In certain circumstances, you might need to provide a copy of your parent or guardian’s ID as well
- Proof of residence
- If you are applying for financial aid, you will need to provide a copy of your parent or guardian’s payslip
- Please note: When supplying supporting documents, never send the original copies. Instead, carefully scan clear and legible images as certified copies
- As a reminder, you will need to have an email address that you can check frequently as well as a cellphone number that can receive text messages
Also Read: NMU Application Status and Prospectus
For prospective students looking to enrol in Nelson Mandela University, keep in mind that you are applying to an institution that is committed to its students and works hard to continue pushing boundaries in the world of academia. With community and the individual in mind, this is a school which strives to be “a dynamic African university, recognised for its leadership in generating cutting-edge knowledge for a sustainable future.” Most definitely, this is a university which is founding the future.
Good luck with your applications!
