Change the world by starting your journey at Nelson Mandela University. This detailed guide provides the essential Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 Application Dates and a breakdown of Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 Courses Requirements to ensure your Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 online application is successful.
Quick Guide: Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 Online Application Steps
- Select Your Qualifications: You may choose up to two undergraduate choices in your application.
- Verify Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum Applicant Score (AS) and specific subject requirements for your chosen programmes.
- Apply Online: All applications must be submitted online via the Mandela University website at www.mandela.ac.za/apply.
- No Application Fee: Applying to Nelson Mandela University is FREE for South African citizens.
- Upload Supporting Documents: You must upload a certified copy of your ID and your latest Grade 11 results (or final NSC results if you have already matriculated).
- Track Your Application: Use the online system to monitor the progress of your application and check for any missing information.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 Application Dates
NMU has specific deadlines, and it is highly recommended to apply as early as possible to secure a place.
| Milestone | Date |
| Applications Open | 1 April 2026 |
| Closing Date: MBChB and Radiography | 30 June 2026 |
| Early Application Closing Date | 3 August 2026 |
| Final General Closing Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Closing Date: Student Accommodation | 30 September 2026 |
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 Courses Requirements
Admission to NMU is based on your Applicant Score (AS) and specific faculty requirements.
How to Calculate Your Applicant Score (AS)
NMU calculates your AS by adding the percentages of your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
| Percentage | Applicant Score Points |
| 80% - 100% | 7 |
| 70% - 79% | 6 |
| 60% - 69% | 5 |
| 50% - 59% | 4 |
| 40% - 49% | 3 |
| 30% - 39% | 2 |
Faculty-Specific Requirement Highlights
- Faculty of Health Sciences: The MBChB and Radiography programmes have the earliest closing date of 30 June and require exceptionally high Applicant Scores and strong performance in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology: Most engineering degrees require high marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences: Many BCom degrees require Mathematics as a core entry requirement.
- Faculty of Education: Specific requirements apply to Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, and FET teaching degrees.
Important Admission Rules
- Provisional Admission: Offers are made based on your Grade 11 results, provided they meet the minimum AS and subject requirements.
- Final Admission: Firm offers are only confirmed once the University receives your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
- National Benchmark Tests (NBTs): Certain programmes may require you to write the NBTs for selection or placement purposes.
- Extended Curriculum Programmes: Applicants who do not meet the direct entry requirements may be considered for extended curriculum programmes based on their AS.
For further application assistance, contact the Student Access & Enrolment Office at 041 504 1111 or email admissions@mandela.ac.za.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 Application Strategic Insights
Applying for a Nelson Mandela University (NMU) online application is a smooth process for South African students, but you must understand how they calculate your score differently from other institutions.
- Free for South Africans: There is no application fee for South African citizens applying to NMU.
- The Applicant Score (AS): NMU does not use a simple 1–7 point scale for your APS. Instead, they calculate your AS by adding the actual percentages of your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation). This means a 78% and a 72% are treated differently, whereas other universities might give both a "6".
- Two Choice System: You can select up to two undergraduate choices. If you are not sure about a high-selection course, make sure your second choice is a safer option based on your AS.
- Early Health Science Deadlines: If you want to study Medicine (MBChB) or Radiography, you must apply by 30 June 2026. This is much earlier than the general September deadline.
- NBT Requirements: While many degrees at NMU no longer require the National Benchmark Tests, certain high-selection programmes still use them for placement or admission.
Important Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 Application Dates
- 1 April 2026: Applications officially open.
- 30 June 2026: Closing date for MBChB and Radiography.
- 3 August 2026: Early application closing date (recommended for high-demand courses).
- 30 September 2026: General closing date for all other undergraduate programmes and student housing.
2027 Admission Comparison: NMU vs Other Universities
The internal links below allow you to compare NMU's percentage-based scoring and free application with the requirements at other major universities.
- Application Fees: NMU is free for locals, similar to the UJ online application and the NWU online application steps and dates. In contrast, the University of Pretoria (UP) charges R300.
- Scoring Method: NMU adds percentages (e.g., a total out of 600), while the UCT online application and Stellenbosch University (SU) use the 1–7 point APS system.
- Deadlines: NMU’s September deadline is more generous than UP or Stellenbosch University (SU), which both close in June or July.
2027 Admission Summary Table
| Feature | Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | Univ. of the Free State (UFS) | WITS University | Univ. of Cape Town (UCT) |
| Application Fee | FREE (SA) | FREE | R100 (SA) | R100 (SADC) |
| Scoring Method | Sum of Percentages | APS (1–7 Scale) | APS (1–7 Scale) | APS (1–7 Scale) |
| Closing Date | 30 Sept 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | 30 Sept 2026* | 31 July 2026 |
| NBTs Required | Selective | No (General) | Only Health Sciences | Yes (Mandatory) |
| Max Choices | 2 Programmes | 2 Programmes | 3 Programmes | 2 Programmes |
Using these comparisons helps you see that NMU is an excellent choice if you want to avoid application fees and have a percentage-based score that might be more accurate than a standard APS. If you miss the NMU deadline, you might still have time to use the UJ online application steps and dates. Always verify the 2027 Courses Requirements before you finalize your application.