Nelson Mandela University is the largest higher education institution in the Eastern and Southern Cape, with 33,446 students on seven campuses: six in Nelson Mandela Bay (Gqeberha) and one in George. Its programmes run from certificates to PhDs. The details below come from the university's 2027 undergraduate guide.
The seven faculties
- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology (EBET)
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
Some programmes are offered on more than one campus.
The George Campus
The George Campus sits at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains in the Southern Cape town of George, and has its own residences. The undergraduate guide has a separate section on the programmes offered there.
How applicants are scored
The university uses an Applicant Score (AS), the sum of the percentages of your six 20-credit subjects, out of 600. Many programmes ask for a higher AS from applicants with Mathematical Literacy than from those with Mathematics. See the admission requirements page for the scores each programme needs.
Selection programmes
Certain programmes have extra requirements, such as portfolios or interviews, on top of the AS. A faculty or head of department may close a programme once it reaches application capacity, so apply early.
Early closing dates
For 2027, applications for the MBChB, BPharm and BRad closed on 30 June 2026. Early applications for other programmes closed on 3 August 2026, and late applications on 30 September 2026.
Student life
The university has 64 student societies across its campuses, and its Student Development and Governance department supports the SRC, the Student Housing Council, faculty representatives and the Sports Council. Primary health care services are available on every campus.
International students
The university is home to more than 600 international students from over 42 countries. Its International Office helps with programmes, fees, accommodation and study permits.
Students with disabilities
The university asks applicants to disclose any disability, which is kept confidential. If it is not aware of a disability, it cannot offer reasonable support.
Arts and culture
Its Arts, Culture and Heritage section gives students chances to take part in the arts and to express their cultural and artistic talents.
Merit bursaries by faculty
Returning students can earn merit bursaries if they reach their faculty's weighted average: 75% in Business and Economic Sciences, Education and Humanities, or 70% in EBET, Health Sciences, Law and Science.
Costs
Fees depend on your programme and modules, and full-time degree students paid a down-payment of R10,600 in 2026. Read more on the fees page and the how to apply page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many faculties does Nelson Mandela University have?
Seven, from Business and Economic Sciences to Science.
How many campuses does it have?
Seven: six in Gqeberha and one in George.
Do some programmes need interviews?
Yes. Certain programmes need portfolios or interviews as well as the Applicant Score.