Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University is a public university based in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. It was formed on 1 January 2005 when the University of Port Elizabeth, the PE Technikon and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University merged as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. It took its current name on 20 July 2017 and describes itself as the only higher education institution in the world allowed to carry Nelson Mandela's name. Its roots reach back to the PE Art School of 1882 and the University of Port Elizabeth of 1964.

Every qualification it offers has Programme Qualification Mix clearance from the Department of Higher Education and Training, is accredited by the Council on Higher Education and is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority.

Teaching is campus based. There are seven campuses: South, North, Second Avenue, Ocean Sciences, Bird Street and Missionvale in Gqeberha, and George Campus at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains in the Southern Cape. South Campus is the main campus and holds the central administration. Programmes run full-time or part-time, and short learning programmes are offered too.

Study is organised into seven faculties: Business and Economic Sciences, Education, Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science. Together they offer higher certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, bachelor's degrees, honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees and doctorates, plus extended programmes that give learners a longer route into a degree. Health Sciences includes a School of Medicine.

Applications for 2027 opened on 13 April 2026 on the online portal. Early applications closed on 3 August 2026, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and radiography closed on 30 June 2026, and late applications close on 30 September 2026. Entry is decided on an Applicant Score built from six Grade 12 subjects, excluding Life Orientation. A higher certificate needs a National Senior Certificate pass with at least 30 percent in the language of teaching; a diploma also needs a rating of 3 in four 20-credit subjects, and a degree a rating of 4 in four 20-credit subjects. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place, as programmes have limits, and no admissions tests are used.

Fees are charged per module. In 2026 registration needed a down-payment of R10 600 for a full-time degree, R7 500 for a full-time diploma or certificate, R22 900 for first-year medicine and R8 600 for a residence place; students with a confirmed NSFAS bursary were exempt. Residence fees ran from R36 400 to R69 360 a year. The Financial Aid Office handles NSFAS and bursary enquiries and has help desks on North, Missionvale and George campuses.