Nelson Mandela University (NMU), a public university based in Gqeberha, South Africa, opens online applications for undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students for the 2026 academic year. 

This guide walks you through application dates, requirements, document uploads, fees, and tracking processes—based exclusively on official NMU and top-tier sources.

When do NMU applications open for 2026?

Applications officially open on 1 April 2025 for all applicants—South African, international, undergraduate, postgraduate—via the NMU online portal at mandela.ac.za.

What are the NMU application deadlines?

  1. MBChB (Medicine): deadline is 30 June 2025.
  2. BPharm (Pharmacy) and BRad (Radiography): close on 29 June or 30 June 2025 depending on calendar day.
  3. All other qualifications: early deadline 1 August 2025, then final closing 30 September 2025.
  4. International students (non MBChB/BPharm/BRad): deadline 30 September 2025.

What are the undergraduate admission requirements?

  1. South African applicants: NSC with bachelor endorsement and an Applicant Score (AS) based on your top six subjects (excluding Life Orientation). Bonus points apply for LO at under-resourced schools.
  2. International applicants: require South African matric exemption certificate, certified final school results, passport, and English proficiency (IELTS bundle).
  3. Some programmes have subject-specific thresholds; consult the faculty-level admission guides.

How do I apply online at Nelson Mandela University?

  1. Go to mandela.ac.za, click Apply Now, or access via the international pages.
  2. Register with your email, complete personal details, study choices, uploads, and declarations.
  3. Upload certified results and supporting documents.
  4. Submit the application and receive a reference number or student number.
  5. Accept or track offers through the NMU student portal.

What documents must I upload for NMU applications?

Undergraduate requirements include:

  1. Certified Grade 11 final or Grade 12 (June/Sept) results or matric certificate
  2. Certified ID or birth certificate
  3. Guardian/surety ID and declaration if applicable
  4. Academic transcript and conduct certificates for transfer students
  5. English proficiency documentation if English was not medium of instruction
  6. Additional requirements for postgraduate applicants like CV or research proposal.

What is the application fee and how is it paid?

  • South African citizens: No fee.
  • International applicants: R500 non‑refundable fee required when applying online.
  • Proof of payment must be uploaded through the portal.

How can I track my NMU application status?

After submitting, you receive confirmation and a reference/student number.

Use the NMU portal to monitor status updates (“Application received”, “Admission offered”, etc.).

Official notifications are sent via email and SMS.

1. When do NMU applications open?
Applications open on 1 April 2025 for all applicants via mandela.ac.za.
2. What are the closing dates?
MBChB: 30 June 2025. BPharm & BRad: 29–30 June 2025. All other qualifications: early by 1 August 2025, final by 30 September 2025. International deadline: 30 September 2025.
3. Do international applicants pay a fee?
Yes—it costs R500 non-refundable for international applicants; South African citizens pay nothing.
4. What documents must be uploaded?
Certified school results, ID or birth certificate, guardian or sponsor documents (if applicable), transcripts for transfers, SAQA or English proof if required.
5. Are there subject-specific requirements?
Yes—science, health and commerce programmes may require Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or specific percentages. Check faculty guides.
6. How do postgraduate applicants apply?
Apply via the same portal: upload undergraduate degree results, proposal or CV, and pay the international fee if applicable. Early closing: 1 August 2025; final deadline: 30 September 2025.
7. How is Applicant Score (AS) calculated?
Based on six best subjects (including language and Maths or relevant subjects), excluding Life Orientation. Bonus points for certain contexts apply.
8. Can I apply late?
Late applications (excluding MBChB/BPharm/BRad) may be accepted until 30 September 2025 if space remains—but earlier submission is advisable.
9. How do I check my NMU application status?
Log in to the NMU student portal using your reference or student number. Updates are also sent via email and SMS.
10. Who can I contact for assistance?
Call +27 41 504 1111 or email [email protected] for general enquiries.