If you are planning to study at Nelson Mandela University in 2027, you need to apply through the official online system and follow the deadlines carefully because NMU has multiple closing dates depending on the programme you choose.

Applications for 2027 are already open, and since some programmes close early due to limited space, applying as soon as possible improves your chances of admission.

About Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University is a public university located in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, with additional campuses in George and surrounding areas.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across faculties such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science.

NMU is known for its unique admission system and strong focus on student success, but admission is competitive because programmes have limited capacity.

Courses Offered at NMU

Nelson Mandela University provides programmes across several faculties that support different career paths.

  1. Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences offers degrees like BCom and accounting.
  2. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Technology offers engineering programmes.
  3. Faculty of Health Sciences offers programmes like Medicine and Pharmacy.
  4. Faculty of Science offers degrees such as Computer Science and Environmental Science.
  5. Faculty of Humanities offers programmes like Psychology and Education.
  6. Faculty of Law offers LLB programmes.

Each programme has its own subject requirements and selection criteria, so you must check your course before applying.

Application Fees at NMU

South African undergraduate applicants do not pay an application fee when applying online.

International applicants are required to pay an application fee of around R500 during the application process.

Your application will only be processed once all required steps are completed and documents are uploaded.

Admission Requirements for NMU

To apply to NMU, you must meet both general university requirements and programme specific requirements.

You must have a National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification that allows entry into degree study.

You must meet the required Applicant Score, which is calculated using your subject percentages instead of the standard APS system used by other universities.

You must meet subject requirements such as Mathematics or Physical Sciences depending on your chosen programme.

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance because of limited space in many programmes.

How to Apply Online at NMU

You must apply through the official NMU online application system because paper applications are not accepted for standard undergraduate admission.

  1. Create your online application profile using a valid email address.
  2. Complete your personal and academic information carefully.
  3. Select both a first and second programme choice.
  4. Upload all required supporting documents.
  5. Submit your application before the closing date.
  6. Receive your student number and track your application status online.

Receiving a student number does not mean you have been accepted, as admission decisions are made separately after evaluation.

Required Documents for NMU Application

You must upload all required documents during your application process.

  1. Certified copy of your ID or passport.
  2. Grade 11 final results or latest Grade 12 results.
  3. Final Matric certificate if already completed.
  4. Academic transcripts if transferring from another institution.
  5. Any programme specific documents required by the faculty.

All documents must be clear and correctly uploaded to avoid delays in processing your application.

NMU Application Dates for 2027

You must apply within the official application period to be considered.

Applications opened on 13 April 2026.

The closing dates vary depending on the programme you are applying for.

  1. Health Sciences programmes close on 30 June 2026.
  2. Early applications for most programmes close around early August 2026.
  3. Final closing date for undergraduate applications is 30 September 2026.

If you are reading this after September 2026, then the 2027 application cycle has already closed and you will need to wait for the next intake.

Residence and Accommodation at NMU

If you want to stay in university residence, you must apply for accommodation during your application process.

Residence applications usually close on 30 September 2026, and placement is limited.

Applying early increases your chances of securing accommodation.

Contact Information for NMU

If you need help with your application, you can contact the university directly.

You can also use the online system to track your application status after submission.

You should apply as early as possible because some programmes close before the final deadline once they reach capacity.

Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.

Bursary Application Checklist