Nelson Mandela University
South Africa • Founded 1964 • QS 2027 #1401-1504
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 2005, the Nelson Mandela University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Port Elizabeth (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Eastern Cape.
This institution also has a branch campus in George and Southern Cape. Officially recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is a large-sized coeducational South African higher education institution.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. This 19-year-old South African higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this South African higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. NMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Nelson Mandela University's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Nelson Mandela University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Academic Structures
The institutional units housing Nelson Mandela University's programmes. Subject overlap across faculties is normal — interdisciplinary fields like data science or environmental studies often span multiple units.
Unit 7 items
- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa.
Bird Street (Campus) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Music
George (Campus) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Economics
- Management
- Marketing
Missionvale (Campus) 22 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Development Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Finance
- Health Sciences
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics Education
- Nursing
- Science Education
- Special Education
- Tourism
- Transport Management
Second Avenue (Campus) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Fashion Design
- Textile Design
Business and Economic Sciences (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Curriculum
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Sciences
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Statistics
- Taxation
- Tourism
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Education
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Research
- Foreign Languages Education
- Higher Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Special Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology (Faculty) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Building Technologies
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
- Transport Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Environmental Studies
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The programmes available at Nelson Mandela University are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.
131 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in South Africa
Bachelor's Degree 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
Honours Degree 48 programmes
Showing 10 of 48.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Doctorate 3 programmes
Certificate 3 programmes
Diploma 27 programmes
Showing 10 of 27.
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 10 programmes
How to apply to Nelson Mandela University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Nelson Mandela University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Nelson Mandela University runs 131 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Nelson Mandela University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for South Africa.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Nelson Mandela University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.mandela.ac.za). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +27 (41) 504 1111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nelson Mandela University
Common questions students ask about Nelson Mandela University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When was Nelson Mandela University founded?
Nelson Mandela University was established in 1964 (approximately 62 years ago).
In which city is Nelson Mandela University?
Nelson Mandela University is based in Gqeberha, South Africa.
Is Nelson Mandela University a public or private institution?
Nelson Mandela University is a public institution.
How many students study at Nelson Mandela University?
Nelson Mandela University has approximately 25,000-29,999 students.
Where does Nelson Mandela University stand in university rankings?
It ranks QS 2027 #1401-1504.
What programmes are available at Nelson Mandela University?
Programmes at Nelson Mandela University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Nelson Mandela University organised academically?
Nelson Mandela University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Nelson Mandela University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC); South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
How do I find Nelson Mandela University online?
You can find Nelson Mandela University online at www.mandela.ac.za.
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Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
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