How do I apply to NMU?

Apply online through the official NMU application portal. Create a profile, choose your programme, upload certified copies of your ID and latest results, pay the application fee if there is one, and submit before the closing date. Keep the reference number you get at the end.

When do NMU applications open and close?

Most South African universities open applications between March and May and close between June and September for the next year. Selection programmes like medicine and actuarial science close earliest. Confirm the exact NMU dates on the official site before you apply.

Can I apply to NMU with my Grade 11 results?

Yes. NMU, like most South African universities, lets you apply using your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year results. Any offer is conditional until your final matric (NSC) results meet the requirements.

How much is the NMU application fee?

Application fees differ by university and change each year. Many universities waive the fee for South African citizens who apply online, while others charge about R100 to R250. Check the current fee on the NMU admissions page before you pay.

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at NMU?

Yes. Residence and NSFAS funding are separate applications from your academic application at NMU. Apply for all three at the same time, because residence places and funding deadlines fill up early.

How do I check my NMU application status?

Log in to the official NMU application or student portal with your reference number and ID number, and open the application status page. Many universities also let you check by SMS, WhatsApp or their call centre. Your status shows whether you are still in process, provisionally admitted, or not admitted.

How long does NMU take to respond?

NMU usually sends a conditional offer within a few weeks if you applied with Grade 11 marks. The firm offer comes after the final matric (NSC) results are released in mid-January, once the university can confirm you met the requirements.

What must I do if NMU makes me an offer?

Accept the offer in the portal as your firm choice, pay the registration deposit by the deadline to hold your place, and decline offers from other universities so someone on the waiting list can take them. Then confirm your registration and residence dates.

What if NMU does not accept me?

You still have options. Apply to another university that is still open, choose a TVET college, start with a Higher Certificate or a foundation programme that builds up to a degree, or upgrade your matric marks and apply again next year.

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan UniversityAPS Calculator

#10 (tied)

In South Africa

#1201-1500

In the world

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is all about practical learning in the Eastern Cape. If you want real experience with your degree, this is your spot.

Calculate my APS See full university guide

Apps open01 Apr - 30 Sept 2026

NMU is free to apply to, but some Health Sciences deadlines close earlier than the main August date.

How to apply to NMU

1
Go to the Nelson Mandela University application page
Start at mandela.ac.za and open the online application.
2
Complete the form carefully
Enter your personal details and Grade 11 marks exactly as they appear on your report.
3
Upload your certified documents
Include your ID and your final Grade 11 report.
4
Submit before the deadline
Most programmes close on 3 August 2026, while some Health Sciences options close on 30 June 2026.

Fees & funding

NMU does not charge an undergraduate application fee. Use that time to plan NSFAS, housing, and your first registration costs.

How to apply for NSFAS

Key dates

Applications open

1 April 2026

Applications close

30 September 2026

Health Sciences closes

30 June 2026

Housing applications due

30 September 2026

Go to NMU application portal

Similar to NMU: UFS, NWU, TUT

NMU gives you a student number and PIN early, so use those details often instead of waiting for an email only.

Check your application status

Track your NMU portal progress.

Understanding your response

NMU can update your status in stages while it checks documents and final results. Some offers stay conditional until January.

Got an offer?

Respond to any conditional offer on the portal, and be ready to submit final Matric results if NMU asks for them after release.

Didn't get in?

If NMU says no, you still have room to pivot to other universities or the next cycle.

Rewrite matric

Improve your marks and reapply.

Try other unis

See where your current APS still fits.

Gap year

Work, volunteer, and plan your next cycle.

Similar to NMU: UFS, NWU, TUT

Applying to NMU: common questions

More on how to apply to university, and what happens next.

Full applying guide

Apply

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan UniversityAPS Calculator

How to apply to NMU

Fees & funding

Key dates

Understanding your response

Got an offer?

Didn't get in?

Applying to NMU: common questions

Related

Apply to university hub

How to apply to university

What happens after you apply

Check your application status

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan UniversityAPS Calculator

How to apply to NMU

Fees & funding

Key dates

Understanding your response

Got an offer?

Didn't get in?

Applying to NMU: common questions

How do I apply to NMU?+

When do NMU applications open and close?+

Can I apply to NMU with my Grade 11 results?+

How much is the NMU application fee?+

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at NMU?+

How do I check my NMU application status?+

How long does NMU take to respond?+

What must I do if NMU makes me an offer?+

What if NMU does not accept me?+

Related

Apply to university hub

How to apply to university

What happens after you apply

Check your application status

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university