Nelson Mandela University offers financial assistance to full-time students as bursaries, merit awards, scholarships and study loans, based on financial need, academic excellence and sporting achievement. It also works with NSFAS to fund financially needy students. The details below come from the university's 2027 undergraduate guide and its 2026 student accounts guide.
Scholar Merit Awards
New first-year undergraduates with excellent final Grade 12 NSC or IEB results receive Scholar Merit Awards on a sliding scale of their Applicant Score (AS), out of 600:
- AS 500 and above: R16,500
- AS 470 to 499: R12,500
- AS 410 to 469: R8,500
Your AS adds the percentages of your six best subjects. Life Orientation is not counted for applicants from quintile 4 and 5 schools, but applicants from quintile 1 to 3 schools who score 50% or more in Life Orientation get 7 extra points. You must have passed Grade 12 no more than two years before, and this must be your first registration at a higher education institution. If you passed Grade 12 in the year before your first year of study, submit a Previous Activity Form to the Financial Aid Office on North Campus before 31 March.
School Leadership Awards
Head prefects, or Learner Representative Council presidents where there are no head prefects, receive a School Leadership Award of R4,200, whether or not they also qualify for a Scholar Merit Award. Submit proof of your results and a letter from your school to the Financial Aid Office on North Campus by 31 March.
Student merit bursaries
Returning undergraduates who passed all their modules at the first attempt may qualify for merit bursaries, if they reach their faculty's weighted average, such as 75% in Business and Economic Sciences, Education and Humanities, or 70% in Engineering, Health Sciences, Law and Science. The value depends on the available budget.
NSFAS
Apply for NSFAS directly on the NSFAS website, which advertises its closing date. Successful NSFAS candidates are exempt from the residence down-payment, provided any outstanding debt is settled before registration. Admission to the university does not mean you are eligible for a loan, scholarship or bursary.
Fundi loans
Fundi loans cover study fees and books, with simple repayment options, for people who do not qualify for bank or government funding.
Plan your costs
The university advises you to check that you have enough money before you register. Costs include enrolment, registration and tuition fees, textbooks, stationery, transport, meals, accommodation, lab fees, sports equipment and general living expenses.
Postgraduate bursaries
Merit bursaries are for undergraduate study only. Students planning to register for postgraduate diplomas or honours must apply for those bursaries on the prescribed form before 1 November of the year before.
Sport grants
A number of sport grants are available for top sports performers and those with outstanding potential.
Contact
Contact the Financial Aid Office on 041 504 1111 or financialaid@mandela.ac.za. Browse our bursaries, or see Nelson Mandela University fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Nelson Mandela University Scholar Merit Award?
From R8,500 for an AS of 410 to R16,500 for an AS of 500 or more.
What is the School Leadership Award?
R4,200 for head prefects or Learner Representative Council presidents.
Do NSFAS students pay the residence down-payment?
No, if they are successful NSFAS candidates with no outstanding debt.