Nelson Mandela University Fees 2027: Full Cost Guide

If you plan to study at Nelson Mandela University in 2027, understanding the full cost of study is essential. 

Fees include a non-refundable application charge for international applicants, a registration fee and compulsory initial payment before you can start registration, and tuition fees that depend on your programme. 

In addition, residence and other levies may apply.

Knowing these costs and methods of payment helps you prepare financially and avoid registration delays.

Nelson Mandela University Application Fee 2027 (Non-refundable)

For South African applicants, online applications are free and no application fee is charged when you submit your form through the official portal.

For international applicants, there is a non-refundable application fee of R500 that is payable annually. 

An international application will not be processed until this fee is paid, and it is not refunded under any circumstances. It is paid separately from your student account, so queries go to intfees@mandela.ac.za. Nelson Mandela University international students who continue their studies do not pay it again.

Applications can be submitted through the Nelson Mandela University Online Application Portal, where you will be guided through fee payment and documentation.

Nelson Mandela University Registration Fee 2027 (Initial Payment)

Before you can register for modules, Nelson Mandela University requires a down payment that must reflect on your student account. 

This payment serves as your initial payment toward tuition and other compulsory fees and must be made two working days before registration. 

The payment will be credited to your student account and registration will be blocked until it reflects.

The 2027 amounts have not been published yet. The 2026 Student Accounts Guide set these down payments (the 2026 first-year registration guide quotes slightly higher figures, such as R10 700 full-time and R23 000 for first-year medicine, so confirm the current amount with Student Accounts):

1. Degree programmes, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas and related studies (full-time): R10 600
2. Degree programmes and related studies (part-time): R6 200
3. Diploma / certificate programmes (full-time): R7 500
4. Diploma / certificate programmes (part-time): R5 200
5. Enrolment fee (all students): R1 770, debited at registration and payable every year
6. Medical degree first year (inclusive of device and non-tuition fee levies): R22 900
7. Residence fee advance payment (students at all campuses): R8 600
8. International students: must pay 100 percent of fees upfront before registration, plus a non-refundable R4 000 acceptance deposit to secure a place

These down payments are credited to your total fees for the year once registration begins.

Nelson Mandela University Tuition Fee Structure per Faculty

Tuition fees at Nelson Mandela University are not the same for all programmes. 

They depend on the qualification, faculty, and modules you register for in your study programme. 

Fees are determined by the University Council and can change annually.

The university’s faculties include, but are not limited to:

1. Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
2. Faculty of Education
3. Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology
4. Faculty of Health Sciences
5. Faculty of Humanities
6. Faculty of Law
7. Faculty of Science
8. Faculty of Arts

Nelson Mandela University calculates tuition based on your registered subjects and credits.

Exact tuition for your programme can be obtained when you receive your official fee quotation after your offer of study, or by contacting the Student Accounts Office for a breakdown per module and year of study.

International students must pay their full tuition and fees before registration can begin.

How to Pay Your Fees (Bank Details)

Down payments, enrolment fees, tuition and residence fees go into the designated student-account bank account below. The international application fee does not go through the student account. 

Use your student number (without the ‘s’ prefix) as the reference. The designated local account accepts only the student number as a reference. 

If you are sponsored or funded by NSFAS, ensure the proofs of payment or confirmation letters are submitted to the Student Accounts Office on time.

Official Bank Details for Fee Payments:

Local Payments (South African Students):

• Bank: Standard Bank
• Account Name: Nelson Mandela Uni-Student Deposit
• Account Number: 080265855
• Branch Code: 051001
• Reference: Your student number

International Payments:

• Bank: Standard Bank of South Africa, Stanley Street, Gqeberha
• Account Name: Nelson Mandela University – Main
• Internet Banking Code: 051001
• Account Number: 080263011
• SWIFT Code: SBZA ZA JJ
• Reference: Your student number

Keep your proof of payment. International students send it to intfees@mandela.ac.za, and local students with a payment that has not reflected after two working days should email it to studentaccounts@mandela.ac.za. International transfers can take longer than four days to reflect.

Nelson Mandela University Fees for NSFAS Funded Students

If you qualify for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), NSFAS can pay your tuition and on-campus accommodation fees directly to Nelson Mandela University once your funding is approved and confirmed before registration begins. 

Successful NSFAS candidates are exempt from the down payment, provided any debt from previous years has been fully settled before registration.

NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation (on campus or accredited off-campus where included), and monthly living allowances where applicable. 

It does not cover costs such as lost library books, interest on overdue fees, or optional extras outside the approved student budget.