Nelson Mandela University Courses | Fees Structures

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is one of South Africa’s most respected institutions, offering a range of programs designed to prepare students for success across various fields.

It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in business, technology, health sciences, or the arts, NMU courses cover it all, blending practical skills with innovative learning approaches.

Students are drawn here not only for the strong academic foundation but also for the university’s deep-rooted values of social justice, inclusivity, and real-world impact. Understanding the fees structure is key to planning for a successful academic journey, as each course comes with unique tuition and resource needs.

This article provides a clear look at NMU courses and fees structure, so you can get a sense of what to expect.

Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University, known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, was officially founded in 2005 through a merger that combined the University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth Technikon, and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University.

However, its roots stretch all the way back to 1882, when the Port Elizabeth Art School was established. Located mainly in the coastal city of Gqeberha, this public university is spread across seven campuses—six in Gqeberha and one in George—each with its own unique purpose and charm.

In 2017, the university officially embraced its current name, shedding “Metropolitan” to become Nelson Mandela University. This renaming honored Nelson Mandela’s legacy even more closely and aimed to reflect the university’s mission of change, inclusivity, and impact in South Africa and beyond.

The main campus, South Campus, is even set on a nature reserve and offers game drives, making it a truly unique learning environment.

Here, students can study everything from vocational diplomas to advanced degrees, all while enjoying easy access to the nearby beaches. George Campus focuses on environmental fields like forestry and nature conservation, while other campuses like 2nd Avenue, North, and Missionvale offer specialized programs from business to medicine.

Known for its commitment to both professional and vocational training, Nelson Mandela University, or “Madibaz,” as students affectionately call it, is a place of opportunity and growth for over 28,000 students each year.

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What courses does NMU offer?

Here’s a list of cousres offered at Nelsom Mandela University:

Advanced Diploma Courses (10)

1. Advanced Diploma in Accountancy
2. Advanced Diploma in Public Relations Management
3. Advanced Diploma in Business Studies
4. Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
5. Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management
6. Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology
7. Advanced Diploma in Architectural Design
8. Advanced Diploma in Accountancy (Internal Auditing)
9. Advanced Diploma in Accountancy (Professional Accounting)
10. Advanced Diploma in Business Studies (Marketing Management)

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Certificate Courses (42)

1. Certificate in Finance for Non-Finance Managers
2. Certificate in Business Writing Skills
3. Higher Certificate in Accountancy
4. Certificate in Report Writing
5. Short Course in Introduction to Entrepreneurship
6. Certificate in Professional Presentation Skills
7. Personal Effectiveness in the Business Environment
8. Management Development Programme
9. Supervisory Development
10. Foundation Leadership Programme
11. Intermediate Leadership Programme
12. Business Management Programme
13. Advanced Leadership Programme
14. Integrated Project Management
15. New Managers’ Programme
16. Fundamentals of Foundation Leadership Programme
17. Accelerated Management Development Programme
18. Effective Office Administration
19. Preparing, Conducting, and Recording Meetings
20. Professional Personal Assistant
21. Business Plan Development
22. Principles of Costing and Pricing
23. Tendering to Secure Business
24. The Function of Market Mechanisms
25. The Importance of Innovation in Business
26. The Viability of Business Ideas and Opportunities
27. Contract Management
28. Legal Principles for Business
29. Assertiveness and Influencing Skills
30. Communication in a Business Environment
31. Conflict Resolution Skills and Strategies
32. Effective Presentation Skills
33. Effective Writing Skills
34. Facilitating Organisational Conversations
35. Frontline Communication
36. Interpersonal Skills
37. Excellence in Service
38. Excellence in Service Implementation
39. Marketing Principles and Customer Relationship Management
40. Economic Principles for Managers
41. Basic Financial Principles
42. Financial Principles (Intermediate)

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Degree Courses (35)

1. Bachelor of Commerce
2. Bachelor of Arts
3. Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences
4. Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
5. Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
6. Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
7. Bachelor of Science
8. Bachelor of Pure and Applied Mathematics
9. Bachelor of Visual and Performing Arts
10. Bachelor of Media Studies
11. Bachelor of Commerce and Accountancy
12. Bachelor of Arts in Media, Communication, and Culture
13. Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
14. Bachelor of Architectural Studies
15. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Microbiology
16. Bachelor of Science with Honours (Biochemistry)
17. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry
18. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History
19. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Mathematics
20. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematics
21. Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematical Statistics
22. Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Mathematical Statistics
23. Bachelor of Visual Arts Honours
24. Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies
25. Bachelor of Commerce (General Accounting)
26. Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems and Accounting)
27. Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems and Business Management)
28. Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Science (Economics and Business Management)
29. Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Science (Computer Science and Information Systems)
30. Bachelor of Arts Honours in Corporate Communication
31. Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Physiology) Extended
32. Bachelor of Science Honours in Formulation Science
33. Bachelor of Science (Physical Science and Mathematics)
34. Bachelor of Commerce (General – Statistics)
35. Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours

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Diploma Courses (9)

1. Diploma in Marketing
2. Diploma in Accountancy
3. Diploma in Public Relations
4. Diploma in Agricultural Management
5. Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
6. Diploma in Marketing Management
7. Diploma in Architectural Technology
8. Diploma in Public Relations Management
9. Diploma in Chemical Process Technology

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Doctorate Courses (14)

1. PhD in Microbiology
2. PhD in Accounting
3. PhD in Mathematics
4. PhD in Sociology
5. PhD in Biochemistry
6. PhD in Chemistry
7. PhD in Applied Mathematics
8. PhD in Architecture
9. PhD in Agriculture
10. Doctor of Philosophy in Media Studies
11. PhD in Anthropology
12. Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematical Statistics
13. PhD in History
14. Doctor of Philosophy in Development Finance

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Masters Courses (25)

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
2. Master of Arts in History
3. Master of Science in Microbiology
4. Master of Science in Mathematics
5. Master of Journalism and Media Studies
6. Master of Architecture
7. Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry
8. Master of Science in Chemistry
9. Master of Science in Biochemistry
10. Master of Arts in Sociology
11. Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
12. Master of Science in Agriculture
13. Master of Graphic Design
14. Master of Textile Design and Technology
15. Master of Commerce
16. Master of Fine Arts
17. Master of Arts in Fashion
18. Master of Arts in Photography
19. Master of Arts in Anthropology
20. Master of Science in Mathematical Statistics
21. Master of Arts in Media Studies
22. Master of Maritime Management
23. Master of Commerce in Taxation
24. Master of Arts in Creative Media Production
25. Master of Philosophy in Development Finance

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Postgraduate Diploma Courses (5)

1. Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
2. Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
3. Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy
4. Postgraduate Diploma in Development Finance
5. Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing

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NMU Short Courses

Engineering, Built Environment & Technology

1. Basic SPC as a Quality Tool
2. Cisco Certified Network
3. FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
4. Introduction to TQM (Total Quality Management)
5. Lean Practitioner Programme for Manufacturing (LPPM)
6. Operations Management
7. Photovoltaic Technology and Systems
8. Practical Project Management
9. Project Management for Manufacturing
10. Quality Assurance
11. Renewable Energy Finance and Policy
12. Renewable Energy Technology
13. SIEMENS Training
14. Value Stream Mapping
15. Wind Energy Technology and Systems

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Business and Economic Sciences

1. Accounting & Finance for Non-financial Managers
2. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Examination
3. Ethics and Integrity: A UNODC Education for Justice Initiative (E4J)
4. Introduction to Accounting
5. Introduction to Logistics Management
6. Introduction to Purchasing Management
7. Introduction to Warehouse Management
8. Leadership Academy Short Learning Programmes
9. Management & Supervisory Skills
10. Sage Business Cloud Accounting Practitioner
11. Principles of Value-added Tax
12. Planning and Designing a Masters or Doctoral Research Proposal
13. Foundational Entrepreneurship

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Health Sciences

1. Audiometry
2. Basic Food Safety for the Food Handler
3. Basic Food Safety for the Person in Charge
4. Basic Mechanical Ventilation
5. Basic Wound Care
6. Clinical Social Work Intervention with Families
7. Electrocardiograph
8. Enhanced Preparedness Training (Basic)
9. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
10. Immunisation and Injection Technique for Pharmacists

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Humanities

1. Business Writing Skills
2. Conversational isiXhosa
3. Conversational English
4. English Language Rules
5. isiXhosa-English Translation
6. Read and Write Arabic
7. Minute Writing
8. Professional Presentations
9. Report Writing
10. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
11. Conversational Arabic

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Science

1. Computer Short Course Outlines
2. Management in Estuaries in South Africa
3. Practical Rubber Technology

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Law

• Centre for Law in Action (CLA)

Does Nelson Mandela University offer nursing?

Yes, Nelson Mandela University offers a Bachelor of Nursing program (course code 60070) on its North Campus. This is a full-time program, designed for students who meet specific entry requirements.

If you’re applying with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics, you’ll need a minimum Applicant Score of 370. For those with NSC Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy, the required Applicant Score is a bit higher, at 385.

This program prepares students for a career in nursing, combining both theoretical learning and practical training to develop strong skills in healthcare and patient care.

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Does Nelson Mandela University offer medicine?

Yes, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) offers a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree. This six-year undergraduate program is based at the Missionvale Campus in the Eastern Cape Province.

The curriculum places a strong focus on preventive and promotive healthcare, alongside curative and rehabilitative care. Upon graduation, students are prepared to work as interns in South African hospitals.

Does Nelson Mandela University offer pharmacy?

Yes, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) offers a Bachelor of Pharmacy program. This four-year, full-time degree is based at the South Campus.

To qualify, applicants need an Applicant Score of 410, along with an NSC achievement rating of at least 60% in Mathematics and 50% in Home Language or English First Additional Language.

The curriculum includes essential subjects like Pharmacology and Applied Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmacy Practice.

What do you need to get into Nelson Mandela University?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Nelson Mandela University courses and requirements to get in:

Minimum Statutory Entry Requirements

General Requirements

• Senior Certificate: At least five subjects, including:
  • 1st Language: Passed on HG=E or SG=C
  • 2nd Language: Passed on HG=E or SG=C
  • Mathematics: Passed with at least HG=E or SG=C
  • SPS Rating Scale: Minimum of 27 points required

Qualification-Specific Requirements

1. Higher Certificate:
   • NSC pass with:
     • Minimum 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOTL) at NMU (English)
     • Any other university-specific requirements
2. Diploma:
   • NSC pass with:
     • Minimum 30% in LOTL
     • Achievement rating of 3 (40–49%) or better in four recognized 20-credit NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
     • Any additional university requirements
3. Bachelor’s Degree:
   • NSC pass with:
     • Minimum 30% in LOTL
     • Achievement rating of 4 (50–59%) or better in four recognized 20-credit NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
     • Any additional requirements
4. PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education):
   • Considered an undergraduate professional teaching qualification, aimed at graduates interested in teaching. Listed under the “Undergraduate” tab on NMU’s application system.

Specific Course Admission Notes

• Subject-Specific Requirements: Some programs may have additional subject requirements, Applicant Score (AS) requirements, or specific % pass marks.
• Faculty-Specific Requirements: Applicants are advised to consult the Undergraduate Guide for requirements specific to each faculty.

Application Documents Needed

1. School Results:
   • Certified copy of final Grade 11 exam results, or
   • Certified copy of most recent Grade 12 results (June/September), or
   • Certified copy of matric certificate/statement of results if Grade 12 is completed
2. Previous Study Documents (if applicable):
   • Certified copies of diploma/degree certificates
   • Academic record(s) and certificate(s) of conduct if previously studied at another institution
3. Personal Identification:
   • Certified copy of ID (birth certificate if waiting for ID)
   • Certified copy of the ID of parent/legal guardian/surety
4. Additional Forms:
   • Declaration by parent/legal guardian/surety if dependent, currently at school, studying at a tertiary institution, or recently left school without permanent employment

Applicant Score (AS) Requirements

• Calculation: Six subjects (excluding Life Orientation), with scores based on NSC achievement ratings.
• Minimum Requirements: Must meet the minimum AS for the chosen qualification and any specific % pass marks for subjects required by the program.

Tracking Application Status

• Status updates available via NMU’s website and SMS notifications.

Final Acceptance Conditions

1. School-Leaving Results: Final acceptance depends on meeting minimum admission requirements for the selected program.
2. Academic Records: Submission of final academic record and conduct certificate if from another institution.

International Applicants

• Requirements:
  • Must satisfy the Matriculation Board’s requirements for a certificate of exemption.
  • Applications for certificates must be made directly to the Matriculation Board: Matriculation Board.
• Equivalency Conversion Table: International/Foreign/NC(V) Level 4 & Senior Certificate equivalency conversion table enables conversion of school-leaving results to AS for admission.

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Does Nelson Mandela University pay an application fee?

Nelson Mandela University does not require an application fee for South African citizens. However, international students are required to pay an application fee as part of their application process.

Is there an application fee for Nelson Mandela University 2025?

For the 2025 application cycle at Nelson Mandela University, no application fee is required for South African citizens. However, international students must pay an application fee of R500 (South African Rand) when applying.

How much is Nelson Mandela University?

See a breakdown of the NMU fee structure:

Tuition Fees:

1. Degree Programs
   • Full-time students: R9,800
   • Part-time students: R5,700
2. Diploma and Certificate Programs
   • Full-time students: R6,900
   • Part-time students: R4,800
3. Medical Degree (MBChB)
   • First-year, full-time students: R26,100

Additional Fees:

• Enrollment Fee: All students, regardless of program, pay an enrollment fee of R1,620.

International Student Fees:

International students may have different fee requirements. These specific fees can be requested directly from the International Office at NMU.

Other Costs:

Students should budget additional funds for travel and accommodation, as these costs are not included in the tuition fees.

How do I apply to Nelson Mandela?

To apply to Nelson Mandela University (NMU), you’ll need to go through a few straightforward steps and provide some essential documents. Here’s a full guide to get you started:

1. Complete the Online Application

• Go to the Nelson Mandela University online application portal on their official website.
• Make sure to submit your application well before the closing date for the program you’re interested in.

2. Prepare the Required Documentation

Ensure you have certified copies of the following documents, as these will need to be uploaded during your online application:

• Your latest exam results (e.g., Grade 11 or 12 results).
• Matriculation certificate or equivalent, or diploma/degree certificates if you’ve previously studied.
• Identification documents: Your ID or birth certificate, a certified copy of your parent’s or guardian’s ID if you’re a dependent.
• Declaration form: If you’re a dependent, provide a signed declaration from your parent or guardian.

3. Meet NMU’s Minimum Admission Requirements

NMU has specific admission requirements depending on your chosen program. For example, for general undergraduate studies, the minimum includes:

• Senior Certificate with at least five subjects.
• A 1st Language passed with a grade of HG=E or SG=C.
• A 2nd Language passed with a grade of HG=E or SG=C.
• Mathematics passed with at least HG=E or SG=C.
• SPS Rating Scale score of at least 27 points.

4. Submit and Track Your Application

• Once your application and documents are submitted, you can track the status on the NMU application portal.
• Keep an eye on updates, as NMU will notify you about your application status via SMS and the online portal.

5. Additional Notes for International Students

• International applicants should ensure they meet both NMU and South African education entry requirements.
• Reach out to NMU’s International Office for any specific requirements or additional fees that may apply to your application.

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FAQs – NMU Courses

Conclusion

There you have it! Nelson Mandela University offers a range of courses that cater to different interests and career paths. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to pursue a degree, diploma, or certificate, there’s something for everyone. With clear fees and easy access to online learning, NMU is a great choice for anyone looking to further their education. So, if you’re ready to take that next step, Nelson Mandela University courses could be your perfect fit.

References

• continuingeducation.mandela.ac.za – Nelson Mandela University Short Courses
• mandela.ac.za – NMU Study Fields
• studentroom.co.za – List of Courses / Programmes Offered at Nelson Mandela University

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