1 Video,
Nelson Mandela University: Courses, Admission, Cost
- Estd. 1882
Last updated on 9 Feb '26Nelson Mandela UniversityWhat's new?
The 2026 Nelson Mandela University application deadline is closed. Indian students can now apply for 2027, the deadline for which is Sep 30, 2026.
About Nelson Mandela University
Founded in 1882, Nelson Mandela University is a public research university in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This university operates in 7 campuses- 6 in Nelson Mandela Metropole and 1 in George in the Western Cape. There are about 10 streams at NMU such as Law, Nursing, Accounting and Commerce, Medicine and Health Sciences and IT and Software, etc. This university has total 7 faculties. The university graduates engage in careers in more than 130 broad fields. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026, the university is ranked #2 in South Africa.
The total number of students at Nelson University is 30,000+, with about more than 5% of international students. Nelson Mandela University acceptance rate is around 50% -60%, which suggests that this university is bit selective at the time of admission.
University Information
Nelson Mandela University believes in diversity as it enrolls students from all over the world. Some of the facts of NMU are given below:
|
Particulars |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Established |
1882 |
|
Acceptance rate |
50-60% |
|
Type of university |
Public research university |
|
Location |
Eastern Cape, South Africa |
|
Total no. of students |
30,000+ |
|
International students |
5%+ |
|
Popular courses |
Business and Economic Sciences, Engineering, Built Environment and IT |
|
Campuses |
7 |
History
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University was opened on Jan 1, 2005. It emerged as a result of merging of the PE Technikon, the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE) and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University (Vista PE). PE Technikon was founded in 1882. On 20 July 2017, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University was officially renamed Nelson Mandela University.
Also read about- South Africa Student Visa: Requirements & Process
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
There are few Nelson Mandela University accomplishments make it great university. The university is ranked #2 in South Africa by Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026. This shows that the university is considered really good in the country. Furthermore, South Africa as a city has a rich history and diverse population, and affordable homes away from home.
Among many university in South Africa, NMU has 30,000+ international students who study here. These students come from various countries from all over world. Within total population of students at this uni, there are 5%+ foreign students.
As per unofficial sources, the acceptance rate of Nelson Mandela University is around 50-60%. The university is bit selective for admission with this acceptance rate. This shows that the university is selective at the time of admission. Indian students should have a good academic record to study at NMU.
Nelson Mandela University Ranking 2026
In the Shiksha Popularity rankings, Nelson Mandela University ranks at #2 in the National Universities rankings for 2026. In the world rankings, Nelson Mandela University ranks at #826 for 2026. Some of the Nelson Mandela University subjects have also been ranked in Shiksha Popularity rankings 2026.
| Nelson Mandela University Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (Country) |
|---|---|---|
| M.A. | #623 | #5 |
| Others PG | #583 | #4 |
| MS | #649 | #5 |
| MIM | #687 | #4 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, US News has also ranked the university globally. It ranks Nelson Mandela University at #1259 in 2025. Nelson Mandela University ranking stood at #1201 as per THE in 2026, globally.
#826
#2
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Nelson Mandela University ranking in the world is above 1000 by some ranking bodies. It ranks at #1201–1500 in world by THE Rankings 2026. Whereas, in US News Ranking, NMU ranks at #1259 in 2026. According to Shiksha rankings, the university ranks #819 in the world.
Nelson Mandela University Courses
There are about 18 Nelson Mandela University courses, across 10 streams at the UG level. The average course duration varies with the level of the course, with the average duration of graduate courses being 3 years to 4 years. Also, the university has 7 faculties and 30 Schools under which more than 500 programs are offered at UG and PG levels.
Nelson Mandela University Popular Courses
At UG level, LL.B., BSN, B.Com, B.Pharma and B.Sc. are some of the most pursued options among international students. The university’s prominent streams across which education is imparted are Law, Nursing, Accounting and Commerce, Medicine and Health Sciences and IT and Software.
Students can also check- Nelson Mandela University Photos & Videos
14.1K+ students got admitted through us.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Nelson Mandela University offers various courses for international students. Many UG and postgraduate courses are offered to international students. Over 18 courses options are available for students at the UG level. Some of the course options available for international students are:
Bachelor of Law
BA in Psychology
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Human Settlement Development
BCom (Accounting)
There are various courses available at UG level for international students at the Nelson Mandela University. The table below shows the duration of various courses offered at Nelson Mandela University-
UG Courses | Duration |
|---|---|
Bachelor of Law | 4 years |
Bachelor of Music | 4 years |
BSc (Information Systems) | 3 years |
BCom Marketing Management | 3 years |
There are 7 faculties for international students at Nelson Mandela University. Some of these faculty members are Faculty of Education, Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, etc.
There are 30 academic schools available for international students at the university. Some of these schools are Business School, Primary School Education: Foundation Phase, School of Architecture, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, etc.
Nelson Mandela University Admission 2026
For Nelson Mandela University admission, you can apply directly via the NMU student portal. The medium of instruction and examination at Nelson Mandela University is English. International students are not admitted into all programs and therefore students must check if they are eligible for the program .International students are required to pay Nelson Mandela University application fee of ZAR 500 (INR 2.8 K).
Nelson Mandela University Application Deadlines
Admissions for the 2026 academic session are already closed. Students can check the below mentioned deadlines to get admission in 2027 intake-
|
Particulars |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
All International students |
Sep 30, 2026 |
Nelson Mandela University Eligibility for Indian Students
Here is the checklist of the documents that international students have to submit at the time of Nelson Mandela University admissions:
- Academic transcripts of previous studies
- Matriculation certificate
- Birth certificate
- Certificate(s) of conduct
- One academic reference
- Personal statement
- Degree / Diploma certificates
- Copy of current passport
- An English language test score
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Students must have a certified copy of final Grade 11 and 12 exam results. Interested UG students must show declaration by their parent / legal guardian / surety if they do not have permanent employment when applying or studying at the University. Minimum IELTS score required is 6.0, TOFEL score of 92, etc.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
An Bachelor's degree is required (minimum percentage required). Interested in PG level, students must show a draft research proposal.
Read more about- Study in South Africa for Indian Students
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|
Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU Scholarships
Nelson Mandela University continuously invests in various scholarships and financial awards to help students with their tuition fees. The Nelson Mandela University Scholarships for Indian students can vary for every intake. Some of the scholarships available international students are:
|
Scholarship |
Amount Disbursed |
Study Level |
|---|---|---|
|
Postgraduate Research Scholarships |
ZAR 1,57,000 |
PG |
|
Student Merit Awards |
First payment towards fees |
UG |
How to get a Scholarship for Nelson Mandela University?
All UG and PG internationals students need to qualify to get the scholarships at NMU.
- To be eligible for a Postgraduate scholarship at NMU, Masters and Doctoral students who register after April are eligible to apply.
- To avail the Undergraduate scholarship at this university, the applicants must have enroll on a full-time UG course.
Also read- Universities & Colleges in South Africa
3 yearsNelson Mandela University Cost
The cost of attending Nelson Mandela University depends on the course an Indian student applies for. There is no mention of Nelson Mandela University fees of its programs on official website. But the university require the students to pay some fee before getting admitted to the university which are mentioned below-
|
Types of Fees |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
All programs |
ZAR 10,600 (INR 60.5 K) |
|
Enrollment fee |
ZAR 1,770 (INR 10.1 K) |
|
Online application fee |
ZAR 500 (INR 2.8 K) |
Cost of Living
At Nelson Mandela University, students have to bear the living expenses too. The expected expenses while living in South Africa will be as follows:
|
Particulars |
Expenses Per Year (Approx.) |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
ZAR 18,000 – ZAR 36,000 per sem (INR 1.02 L - INR 2.05 L) |
|
Books and stationery |
ZAR 6,500 (INR 37.1 K) |
|
Medical subscription |
ZAR 4,200 – ZAR 6500 (INR 23.9 K - INR 37.1 K) |
|
Transport |
ZAR 500 (INR 2.8 K) |
|
Meals |
ZAR 21,500 (INR 1.22 L) |
|
Utilities |
ZAR 12,000 (INR 68.5 K) |
Must know about- Study in South Africa: Visa
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
B.Com(5 courses) | INR 1 L - 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 72 - 92, Duolingo |
B.E. / B.Tech(2 courses) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, Duolingo |
B.A.(3 courses) | INR 1 L - 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, Duolingo |
BBA(2 courses) | INR 1 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 72 - 92, Duolingo |
B.Sc.(1 course) | INR 1 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, Duolingo |
LL.B.(1 course) | INR 1 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL, Duolingo |
BSN(1 course) | INR 1 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL, Duolingo |
Others UG(1 course) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, Duolingo |
B.J.M.C.(1 course) | INR 1 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, Duolingo |
B.Pharma(1 course) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL, Duolingo |
NMU Notable Alumni
Personalities like Tim Agaba, Calvin Blignault, Hlomela Bucwa, Eddie Daniels (bishop), Nashwa Eassa, Warrick Fynn, Ramathan Ggoobi, Renaldo Gouws, etc., are included in the alumni list of Nelson Mandela University. A few other names who are alumni of NMU are mentioned below-
|
Alumni Name |
Profession |
Photo |
|---|---|---|
|
Esther Titilayo Akinlabi |
Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Director of the Pan African University for Life and Earth Sciences Institute |
 |
|
Amanda Black |
South African singer and songwriter |
 |
|
Cassie Kozyrkov |
South African Data Scientist and Statistician, Chief Decision Scientist at Google |
 |
|
Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana |
Fashion Designer |
 |
College comparison
Compare Nelson Mandela University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 1.14 L - 1.97 L | #1201 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 13.93 L | -/- | |
| INR 12.38 L - 12.9 L | -/- | |
| INR 8.96 L | #291 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 17.81 L | -/- | |
| INR 15.87 L | -/- |
CompareNelson Mandela UniversityStudying in South Africa
Key Facts About South Africa
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Nelson Mandela University Campus
There are various goals which university implements on its campus for interrelatedness, interconnectedness and integration. There are over 80+ student societies at NMU ranging from academic, religious, developmental, arts and culture and student political organizations. Some of these socities are Nurso Society, NMU Peace Society, True Vine Society, etc. Also, the university offer various labs for growth of a student in development of business which is Youth Entrepreneurship lab.
Nelson Mandela University Location
The main campus of Nelson Mandela University is in heart in the heart of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Other campuses of this university are located in Nelson Mandela Metropole and George in the Western Cape.
Nelson Mandela University Campus Life
A few of the ways to enjoy the campus life at this university are:
- There are various student development programs available at university campus such as Beyond the Classroom Leadership Program, EMERGE (Empowered Mandela Emerging Leaders for Growth & Engagement), etc.
- There are around 80 clubs and societies for students to join. This is a great way to make new friends.
Also read- B.Tech Courses at Nelson Mandela University
Commonly asked questions On Others
Nelson Mandela University offer various good opportunities at the university campus for the benefit of students such as-
Provide student-centred health care and wellbeing.
Inclusivity and integration for students with disabilities.
Create participation opportunities in recreational and competitive sport.
Provide accessible, affordable, quality student-centred living and learning experiences.
Cultivate capable and dynamic human capital.
Embed a culture of resource stewardship.
There are above 80+ societies that are available for Indian students at NMU. These societies are divided into 3 categories such as Academic Societies, Developmental Societies and Religious Societies.
For business growth of students, the Nelson Mandela University offers a Youth Entrepreneurship lab for the students outside their classrooms. Under this lab, the university offer various choices to students to choose their own kind such as-
Student business spaces
She Journeys
Student Employability & Entrepreneurship Development
Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education
WF Foundational course in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme
Nelson Mandela University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?About the author
Nelson Mandela UniversityTake a look at Campus
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University picture
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University picture
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University picture
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University picture
Nelson Mandela UniversityLocation
| University City | Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
Nelson Mandela UniversityContact Information
"Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Port Elizabeth
6031"
Port Elizabeth ( Eastern Cape)
Comments