Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Online Application 2028

If you have good Grade 12 or secondary school results and plan to continue your education at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), you can take the next step towards your academic goals for the 2028 intake. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications for eligible students. Visit www.mandela.ac.za to access the official website and find the relevant application information.

Are you unsure about the admission requirements or how to complete the online application? This guide explains the important details, required documents, and application steps to help you submit your NMU 2028 application correctly.

Nelson Mandela University Expected Opening Date for 2028 Applications

The online application portal for Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is expected to open on 1 April 2027 for the 2028 academic year. The application process will cater to prospective undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students seeking admission to the university’s various programmes.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their academic results, identification documents, and other required paperwork in advance. Visit www.mandela.ac.za for official application updates and instructions on how to apply for your chosen qualification.

When to Submit Supporting Documents

All supporting documents must be submitted by the deadline. Please note that closing dates vary depending on your specific qualifications. Submit the following documents:

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, 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)

When to pay the application fee for admissions:

International applicants should pay the application fee and submit the proof of payment before the closing date for the 2028 academic calendar. The amount is R500, and it is non-refundable. Applications without proof of payment of the application fee will not be processed.

Use the banking details below to pay your application fee only:

Account Name: Nelson Mandela University – Main
Bank Name: Standard Bank
Bank Address: Rink Street, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Internet Banking Code: 051001
Account Number: 080263011
Bank Swift Code: SBZA ZAJJ
Reference: 5350 4605 & Student Name

How the application is done at Nelson Mandela University

Prospective applicants who are willing to apply for either undergraduate or postgraduate studies must follow the steps outlined below.

Personal Information Details –

Complete all fields indicated and click Apply at the bottom of the page. This does not mean that your application is complete or that you will be considered for admission yet.

Verification of address:

You will be sent an email to verify your email address first. Check your spam if not received a notification of this message. Once verified, another email will be sent with a link to stage 2 of the application process, and it will also include your student number and PIN.

Click on the link and type in your student number and PIN to proceed with your online application.
Ensure that all fields highlighted in “red” are completed, as these fields are compulsory. Fields highlighted in yellow are optional, and those marked in green require no action.

Upload the Supporting Documents:

Include all your supporting documentation with your online application as a PDF or JPEG-formatted attachment. You can also upload your supporting docs on the admissions dashboard via the University website, but only once you have submitted your completed online application.

Submit a fully completed application form:

At the bottom of the page, you will need to click “Final Submission” to submit your application. No changes can be made after you have submitted your application form.

Minimum Entry Requirements for Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2028

To gain admission to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) for the 2028 academic year, prospective students must meet the minimum entry requirements for their chosen qualification. These requirements depend on the programme, the applicant’s academic results, and any additional selection criteria set by the university.

NMU considers an applicant’s Applicant Score (AS), required school subjects, and subject marks when assessing undergraduate applications. Meeting the basic admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance, as some programmes have limited spaces and additional requirements.

1. Minimum requirements for undergraduate programmes

For applicants with a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC), the general minimum statutory requirements are as follows:

Qualification	Minimum general entry requirement
Higher Certificate	NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, plus any additional university requirements.
Diploma	NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, plus 40–49% or higher in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.
Bachelor’s degree	NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, plus 50–59% or higher in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.

2. Applicant Score (AS) requirements

NMU uses an Applicant Score to assess whether applicants meet the academic standard for their chosen programme. The required score varies by qualification.

Applicants should:

Check the minimum Applicant Score for their chosen course.
Meet the required marks in subjects such as Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, or English, where applicable.
Check whether the programme requires an interview, portfolio, audition, or another selection process.
Remember that admission may be denied if a programme is full, even when the minimum requirements have been met.

3. Minimum requirements for postgraduate programmes

Postgraduate entry requirements vary according to the qualification and faculty.

Honours degree: Generally requires an appropriate Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
Postgraduate Diploma: Generally requires a relevant prior qualification, subject to the programme’s specific rules.
Master’s degree: Generally requires an appropriate Honours degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or equivalent qualification.
Doctoral degree: Generally requires a relevant Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.

4. Requirements for international applicants

International applicants, including students applying with qualifications from Ghana or other countries, must meet NMU’s academic and programme-specific requirements. They may also need to obtain a certificate of exemption from the South African Matriculation Board, depending on their school-leaving qualification. Proof of English proficiency may be required for applicants from non-English-speaking countries.