Nelson Mandela University
Nelson Mandela University
Nelson Mandela University: A Hub for Innovation and Community Empowerment
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) was established on January 1, 2005, through the merger of three institutions: the PE Technikon, the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University (Vista PE).
The PE Technikon originated from the country’s oldest art school, the PE Art School, which was founded in 1882. The University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), established on January 31, 1964, was South Africa’s first dual-medium residential university. The Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University provided higher education access to disadvantaged students.
This merger was part of a nationwide restructuring of higher education by the government, aimed at creating a more equitable and efficient system to meet the needs of South Africa, the continent, and the world in the 21st century.
On July 20, 2017, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University was officially renamed Nelson Mandela University, making it the only higher education institution globally to bear the name of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. This name change allowed the university to rebrand, position itself on a continental and global stage, and enter a new era of meaningful transformation.
Today, Nelson Mandela University is a sought-after educational destination and the most diverse university in South Africa
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Now Nelson Mandela University
On July 20, 2017, the university was officially renamed Nelson Mandela University, making it the only university in the world to bear the name of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. With the full support of Mandela’s eldest grandson and family custodian, Mandla Mandela, it is a unique privilege to honour South Africa’s most beloved statesman and a global moral compass.
Nelson Mandela believed in the power of education as a force for good, urging all South Africans to treasure knowledge and to never stop learning. He valued diversity, especially the convergence of different minds, backgrounds, talents, and approaches to achieve greatness. He emphasized that his contributions were just the beginning, calling on students, academics, and universities to forge new paths and foster cycles of economic innovation, democratic change, and equality.
We embrace Mandela’s challenge and honour his name by leading its university into an era of transformative innovation, development, and change. As an innovative 21st-century institution of higher learning, we take responsibility for his legacy, ensuring it is reflected in our teaching, learning, research, community engagement, and the way we work and live as students, staff, alumni, and partners.
Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to improving society and changing the world for the better. As the university uniquely carries its name, it is committed to doing justice to its legacy.
To ensure adequate time for application, processing and planning by the university and yourself, online applications for early admission in 2025 should be submitted by:
- 30 June 2024 for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) applications.
- 30 June 2024 for Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) & Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) applications.
- 02 August 2024 for early applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad).
- 30 September 2024 for late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad).
- 30 September 2024 for international student applications.
- 30 September 2024 for ALL student housing applications.
Courses Offered AT NMU
Business and Economic Sciences
- Accounting
- Business Management
- Economics
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems
- Marketing Management
- Tourism Management
Education
- Early Childhood Development
- Foundation Phase Education
- Intermediate Phase Education
- Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching
- Education Leadership and Management
- Inclusive Education
Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Health Sciences
- Biomedical Technology
- Dental Technology
- Emergency Medical Care
- Environmental Health
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
- Sport and Exercise Science
Humanities
- Anthropology and Development Studies
- English
- Geography
- History
- International Relations
- Journalism, Media and Philosophy
- Languages and Literature
- Music and Art
- Political and Conflict Studies
- Psychology
- Public Management
- Social Work
- Sociology
Law
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
Natural Sciences
- Biochemistry and Microbiology
- Botany and Zoology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
NMU Online Application Required Documents For 2025-2026
Your online application form must be accompanied by:
- A certified copy of your final Grade 11 exam results or;
- A certified copy of your most recent Grade 12 (June/Sept) exam results (no March results), or
- A certified copy of your matriculation certificate/statement of results if you have already passed Grade 12/completed schooling,
- Certified copies of your diploma/degree certificates plus academic record(s) and certificate(s) of conduct if you have studied elsewhere,
- A certified copy of your ID (birth certificate if still waiting for ID),
- A certified copy of the identity document of your parent/legal guardian/surety,
- Declaration by your parent / legal guardian/surety if you are a dependant, currently at school, studying at a tertiary institution, or have recently left school and do/will not have permanent employment when applying or studying at the University.
Nelson Mandela University Online Application Process 2025-2026
Applicants are to follow the steps given below in applying for admission:
- Go to the official website of NMU
- Click on ‘Study @ Mandela’
- Click on ‘Application’
- Scroll and click on ‘Apply online: prospective and undergraduate students’
- Click on ‘Apply online’
- Fill in the required information
- Submit the relevant documents
Also Read: Nelson Mandela University NMU Online Application
Campuses Of Nelson Mandela University
Nelson Mandela University’s multi-campus format allows it to be more directly associated with and geographically closer to the areas it serves. Summerstrand, Gqeberha is home to Nelson Mandela University’s main campus (formerly Port Elizabeth). The faculties are dispersed over six locations:
- Second Ave Campus
- Bird Street Campus
- George Campus
- Missionvale Campus
- North Campus
- Second Avenue Campus
- South Campus
Ocean Sciences Campus
NMU Contact Details
- +27 (0) 41 504 1111
- info@mandela.ac.za
- PO Box 77000
Nelson Mandela University
Gqeberha, 6031
South Africa
Mandela University stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and social change, embodying the values and vision of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. As a leading institution of higher learning, it is dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and academic excellence. The university’s commitment to transformative education empowers individuals, enriches communities, and drives societal progress. Visit the official Website of Mandela University for more details.