Nelson Mandela University publishes an undergraduate guide that serves as its prospectus, with information about the university, student support, funding, accommodation and every faculty's programmes. Here is what it contains and how to use it.
About the university
The guide describes Nelson Mandela University as 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. Programmes run from certificates to PhDs.
What is in the guide
- Student services and support: health care on every campus, counselling, student governance, 64 societies, sport, and arts, culture and heritage
- Financial facts: NSFAS, Fundi loans, Scholar Merit Awards, School Leadership Awards and student merit bursaries
- Accommodation: on-campus residences at Summerstrand and George, Student Villages and off-campus options
- International students: the International Office and study abroad
- Faculty sections: Business and Economic Sciences, Education, Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science
- The George Campus: a separate section on its programmes
Applicant Score
The university admits students using an Applicant Score (AS), which adds your percentages for six 20-credit subjects, out of 600. Each programme in the guide lists its minimum AS, and many need a higher AS with Mathematical Literacy than with Mathematics.
How to use the guide
- Calculate your Applicant Score.
- Find your programme in its faculty section and check its AS and subject requirements.
- Note any extra requirements, such as portfolios, interviews or auditions.
- Choose a first and a second choice.
- Apply online before the closing date for your programme.
Closing dates for 2027
MBChB, BPharm and BRad applications closed on 30 June 2026, early applications on 3 August 2026, and late and international applications, and all student housing, on 30 September 2026.
Merit awards
The guide explains Scholar Merit Awards of R8,500 to R16,500 for first-years with an AS of 410 or more, and a R4,200 School Leadership Award for head prefects.
Living off campus
The guide explains that students who do not live in a campus residence are known as Oppidani students, or Oppies, and can still join student life through Oppidani structures.
Students with disabilities
It asks applicants to disclose any disability, which is kept confidential, so that the university can offer reasonable support.
Separate application guidelines
The university also publishes application guidelines each year, with closing dates, required documents and how to track your application on the Student Admission Tracking dashboard, and a student accounts guide with fees and payment dates.
Related pages
See the admission requirements, courses and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nelson Mandela University have a prospectus?
It publishes an undergraduate guide with every faculty's programmes.
What score does the university use?
An Applicant Score out of 600.
Does the guide cover the George Campus?
Yes, in a separate section.