Nelson Mandela University Postgraduate Studies

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha offers postgraduate certificates and diplomas, honours degrees, master's degrees by coursework or research, and doctorates. Applications go to Student Access and Enrolment, and research applicants first agree on a topic with a department. Here is how it works, based on NMU's official pages.

Closing dates for 2027

• Honours and coursework master's degrees: applications closed on 30 September 2026
• Research master's and PhDs: open throughout the year, but NMU recommended applying by 3 August 2026
• International applicants: 30 September 2026 at 12:00

Late applications may be considered if there is space, on academic merit. Some faculties close earlier, and departments may close a programme once it is full. Coursework master's programmes may include interviews and selection.

Minimum admission requirements

• Honours: a relevant bachelor's degree, usually with an average of at least 60% in the related third-year major
• Master's: an honours degree or another qualification approved by Senate
• Doctorate: a master's degree, a four-year professional bachelor's degree, or another approved qualification

How to apply for a research degree

1. Contact the relevant head of department or director of school to discuss your proposed field of study.
2. Identify a supervisor, who will advise on a preliminary research topic that fits the unit's research focus areas.
3. Submit the application form and proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee.
4. The faculty checks your application with the academic manager and supervisor, and you are notified in writing.

You will usually need a certified ID, your academic record, certified copies of your degrees, and a certificate of conduct from any previous institution. International applicants pay a non-refundable fee of R500, and foreign qualifications may need SAQA validation.

Fees and payment

Whatever your date of enrolment, full research master's and doctoral fees are payable by 20 June of the year of enrolment, or by 30 September for semester 2 modules. First registrations for master's and doctoral dissertations are excluded from late enrolment fees. International students pay the foreign master's and doctoral fee as well.

Funding

NMU's Research Development office administers DSTI-NRF funding. For 2027, the internal window for first-time master's and doctoral applicants ran from 16 April to 12 June 2026, and for honours from 7 July to 26 October 2026. The NRF's minimum academic requirement is 65% for the previous degree. Funds from NMU Postgraduate Research Scholarships are released each semester, once you sign the scholarship conditions and submit progress reports.

Re-registration

Continuing research students must re-register before 1 March each year.

Related pages

See NMU fees, NMU bursaries and how to apply to NMU.