Categories: University Application

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Admission Requirement 2026

Nelson Mandela University will begin accepting applications for the January 2026 intake on April 1, 2025. If you’re planning to apply, it’s important to review the available courses, as some programs have specific requirements that applicants must meet for admission. This article outlines all the requirements to help you gain admission to study at this prestigious university in South Africa.

Essential Requirements Before Applying to Nelson Mandela University

Before you begin your online application to Nelson Mandela University, make sure you have the following:

Internet access
A valid personal email address
Your most recent school results or final school-leaving results (from March)
A valid South African ID number or passport number
A valid cellphone number (for application status updates)

NMU Application Document Requirements

Compulsory supporting documents must be submitted by all applicants.

Undergraduate Applicants
- A verified copy of your Grade 11 final test results or
- A certified copy of your most recent Grade 12 exam results (June/September) (no March results), or
- A certified copy of your matriculation certificate/statement of results if you have already passed Grade 12/completed schooling,
- Certified copies of your diploma/degree certificates plus academic record(s) and certificate(s) of conduct if you have studied elsewhere,
- A certified copy of your ID (birth certificate if still waiting for ID),
- A certified copy of the identity document of your parent/legal guardian/surety,
- If you are a dependent, if you are presently in school, or studying at a tertiary institution, or if you have recently left school and do/will not have permanent work when applying or studying at the university, you must provide a declaration by your parent / legal guardian/surety.
Postgraduate Applicants
- A certified copy of your matriculation/school leaving certificate,
- Certified copies of your diploma/degree certificates plus academic record(s) and certificate(s) of conduct,
- A certified copy of your ID,
- A certified copy of the identity document of your parent/legal guardian/surety,
- A declaration by your parent / legal guardian/surety if you are a dependant, or studying at a higher education institution, or do/will not have permanent employment when applying or studying at the University.
- postgraduate (U24) application form.
International Applicants
- Proof of Application fee payment
- An applicant’s Passport (Not less than 3 months to expire)

Nelson Mandela University Admission requirements for Diploma, Degree, and Post-degree

Undergraduate Applicants

National Senior Certificate (NSC)

Pass the NSC, with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and the teaching of the higher education institution, together with any other university requirements

Higher Certificate

Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30% in the higher education institution’s language of learning and teaching, as well as any additional university requirements.

Diploma

Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (40–49%) or better in four recognized NSC 20-credit subjects, together with any other university requirements.

Bachelor’s Degree

Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30 percent in the higher education institution’s language of learning and teaching, plus an achievement rating of 4 (50–59 percent) or above in four NSC 20-credit topics, plus any extra university requirements.

National Benchmark Test (NBT)

In general, most Nelson Mandela University programs do not need applicants to take the National Benchmark Test (NBT). However, NBT results are required for a relatively small number of credentials. If the prerequisites of the program you’re interested in specifying that NBT results are required, go to the NBT website (https://www.nbt.ac.za) to schedule a test date.

Postgraduate Applicants must know these requirements before applying:

Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree
Applicants need to obtain an average of at least 60% in a related third-year major subject
Duration of study: 1 year (full-time)