Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Going to university for the first time means that you have lots of questions. You’re not alone! Here’s some of the questions that we’re asked most often. To make it even easier for you, we’ve grouped the answers you need into general categories. Simply click on the category and find the information that you need. If you need to know something that is not on the list, feel free to contact us.

Academic

I am transferring from another tertiary institution. How do I apply for subject/module credits?

You will be required to complete a credit application form at your faculty administration after you have registered.
The Neslon Mandela University decided not to use the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for any undergraduate programme for the 2023 intake.
Grade point average based on module credits: Comprehensive information on the calculation of the GPA is available at: click here.
Application to change programme must be done in writing before the closing date of such a programme. Send an email to info@mandela.ac.za indicating which programme must be added.
Please note that you will not be accepted if there is no space available.

Accommodation

I have applied for a NSFAS bursary. How does this impact my accommodation?

If you are a NSFAS-funded student and require residence accommodation during your studies, but have not been offered a place in a NMU-owned or NMU-leased Residence, please ensure you seek alternative accommodation in NMU-accredited privately-owned residences, as NSFAS does not pay for accommodation in properties that are not accredited by the University. The list of accredited accommodation is available at: click here.
You can view your residence application status on your NMU Student Portal. A placement letter is also generated and sent to the preferred email address that you used when applying to study at NMU. You can also view this letter on your NMU Student Portal. In this letter, we explain a lot of things that you might want to know.
Only a limited number of places are available in the University’s residences. Placement in residences is based on academic achievement (APS) in Grade 11 and the date of your application. Consequently, you are strongly advised to apply for placement in a residence in March of the year preceding your studies. Please note that the demand for residence accommodation exceeds the availability and admission to a programme can thus not guarantee placement in a residence.
Should the residences be full at the time of application, you will automatically be placed on the waiting list and categorised according to date of application and academic merit (Grade 11 marks). As soon as a cancellation is submitted, the first person on the waiting list will be placed; this is a constant process.
For more information please visit the NMU website at: click here
Your first student card is issued at no charge. Should you however misplace, damage or lose your card, the cost of a replacement card is R70.00.

General

Did the epidemic and lock-down measures, especially the temporary closing of schools, have any impact on NMU's application and admission numbers?

Our admission numbers are higher than last year, which is very encouraging. We have also made the decision not to use the NBT for admission purposes for 2022 and 2023. It is therefore crucial that those who have been conditionally admitted work hard to achieve excellent results in the final school year to secure their study space at NMU.
All NMU Campuses have controlled access and student access cards are issued. A 24-hour Helpline is available. Students are encouraged to use the green routes on Campus, which are patrolled by security staff.
It is currently not compulsory for members of the NMU community to be vaccinated, but strongly encouraged. We might change our approach should it become necessary to ensure the health and safety of NMU students and staff. We strongly believe in the benefits of being vaccinated and the role it can play in preventing people from falling seriously ill or dying. We will continue to encourage and persuade everyone to be vaccinated. If you have doubts about vaccines please seek information from our website and the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Attachments must preferably be sent in TIF format. PDF or JPEG will also be accepted, but unfortunately we will not be able to accept Bitmap attachments.

International

What are the dates of the special orientation programme for non-RSA students?

The dates for the special orientation programme for non-RSA students are 11 - 13 February 2022.
Please contact the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), University Education Branch.

DHET is the only authority that can provide you with a formal letter of proof that the University of Pretoria is a registered Higher Education Institution. DHET often provides these letters to students and foreign companies and it basically states that the University of Pretoria exists in accordance with the Higher Education Act (101 of 1997) and the NMU Statute as published in Government Gazette No. 42127 on 21 December 2018.

Website: click here

Call Centre: +27 (0) 41 504 1111

Email: click here
The information you require is available at: click here.
Yes, the University of Mandela's qualifications are recognised internationally.

Related Information

View other links of relevance
International Office
Enriching diversity by drawing postgraduate students from SADC, other African countries, and the global community.
Students with disabilities
We promote equality of opportunity and aim to prevent discrimination wherever possible, the Disability Services Unit being an important part of this ethos.
Short learning programmes
A Short course is a type of learning programme through which a learner may or may not be awarded credits depending on the purpose of the programme.