NMU Admission Online Application 2025/2026

NMU Admission Online Application 2025/2026

Nelson Mandela University (NMU), situated in the coastal city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), is one of South Africa’s most comprehensive higher education institutions. It is the only university in the world that carries the name of Nelson Mandela, offering a diverse range of academic and vocational programs.

For the 2025/2026 academic intake, NMU has streamlined its application process into a fully digital system. This guide provides prospective students with a detailed roadmap to navigating the admission requirements, calculating their scores, and submitting a successful application.

1. Critical Application Timelines (2026 Intake)

Missing a deadline is the most common reason for rejection. NMU has strict closing dates depending on your chosen faculty.

• Early Applications (General): Open April 2025 – Close 01 August 2025.

• Medical & Clinical Programmes: Strict Deadline: 30 June 2025.

  • Includes: MBChB (Medicine), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic).

• Late Applications: Open until 30 September 2025 (subject to available space).

• International Student Applications: Close 30 September 2025.

• Student Housing (Residence): Closes 30 September 2025.

Pro Tip: Medical programs (MBChB, etc.) never accept late applications. You must apply before June 30th.

2. Admission Requirements & The “Applicant Score” (AS)

NMU no longer uses the traditional “Admission Point Score” (APS) system. Instead, they use a specific Applicant Score (AS) method. It is vital to understand this distinction.

How to Calculate Your AS:

Your score is calculated using your six best 20-credit subjects.

• Life Orientation (LO) is excluded from the calculation as it is a 10-credit subject.

• The Formula: Add the percentages of your six best subjects together.

  • Example: If you get 70% in 4 subjects and 60% in 2 subjects, your AS is (70×4) + (60×2) = 400.

• Direct Entry: Each course has a specific AS requirement (e.g., an AS of 370 for a specific Commerce degree). If your score meets this number and you meet the subject-specific minimums (e.g., 50% in Maths), you are generally eligible for direct entry.

3. Documentation Checklist

Before logging into the portal, ensure you have the following documents scanned and certified (certification must be less than 3 months old):

• ID Document: Certified copy of your Green Barcoded ID or Smart ID Card (both sides).

• Final Results:

  • Grade 11 Final Report: If you are currently in Matric.

  • Grade 12 Certificate: If you have already completed school.

• Parent/Guardian ID: Certified copy of your parent or legal guardian’s ID.

• Proof of Address: Required if you are applying for residence.

• Declaration Form: A signed declaration by your parent/guardian confirming financial support/suretyship.

4. Step-by-Step Online Application Process

NMU does not accept manual (paper) applications. Follow these steps to apply online:

Step 1: Access the Portal Visit the official NMU website and navigate to the “Apply” section. Select “Undergraduate” or “Postgraduate” to begin.

Step 2: Create a Profile You will need a valid email address and cell phone number. Note: Do not use a school email address that you might lose access to next year.

Step 3: Select Your Choices You are typically allowed two study choices. Ensure your first choice is what you truly want to study, and your second choice has a slightly lower AS requirement as a safety net.

Step 4: Upload & Submit Upload your certified documents in PDF format. Once submitted, you will receive a student number (e.g., s22512345). Keep this safe—it is your key to tracking your status.

5. Fees and Costs

• South African Citizens: Good news—there is generally NO application fee for South African citizens applying online for early admission.

• International Students: A non-refundable application fee of R500 is usually required.

6. Information for International Applicants

If you are applying from outside South Africa, the requirements are more stringent:

• Study Visa: You must apply for a study visa through the South African High Commission in your home country immediately after receiving your acceptance letter.

• Medical Aid: South African law requires all international students to have valid medical aid cover registered with the South African Council for Medical Schemes. International insurance is not accepted.

• HESA/SAQA Evaluation: If you hold foreign school-leaving results (e.g., Cambridge A-Levels, HIGCSE), you may need an exemption certificate from the Matriculation Board (HESA).

7. After You Apply: Tracking & Acceptance

Admission at NMU is not automatic.

1. Track Your Status: Use your student number and pin to log into the student portal regularly.

2. Conditional Acceptance: Based on your Grade 11 marks, you may receive a “provisional” offer. This effectively reserves your seat.

3. Final Acceptance: This is confirmed only after your final Grade 12 results are released in January 2026. You must meet the minimum requirements you initially applied with.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL NMU ADMISSIONS PORTAL