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NMU Online Application 2025 Guide

Applying to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) for the 2025–2026 academic year? Here’s your essential guide, covering all the important dates, requirements, and steps to ensure your application is on point. NMU is a popular choice, so with limited spots, especially in high-demand programmes, submitting a strong, complete application early is in your best interest.

Application Deadlines for 2025–2026

NMU’s application deadlines vary by programme, so pay close attention to the dates relevant to your chosen course:

  • General Programmes: For most courses (excluding MBChB, BPharm, and BRad), early applications close on 2 August 2024. Late applications may still be reviewed based on academic merit until 30 September 2024, but there’s no guarantee spots will be available.
  • MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): Closes on 30 June 2024. This programme has very limited spots, so applying early is essential.
  • BPharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) & BRad (Bachelor of Radiography): Also closing on 30 June 2024, these degrees are competitive. Don’t wait until the last minute.

To apply to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) for the 2025–2026 academic year, here’s what you need to know about admission requirements and how to calculate your Applicant Score (AS) to check if you meet the criteria.

Basic Admission Requirements per Qualification Level

Each qualification level has specific minimum statutory requirements:

  • Higher Certificate:
    • Pass the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of instruction (usually English) at NMU.
    • Fulfill any other additional requirements set by NMU.
  • Diploma:
    • Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of instruction.
    • Achieve an achievement rating of 3 (40–49%) or higher in four 20-credit subjects.
  • Bachelor’s Degree:
    • Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of instruction.
    • Achieve an achievement rating of 4 (50–59%) or higher in four 20-credit subjects.

Note: Meeting these minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission. NMU has additional criteria based on the programme and the Applicant Score (AS).

How to Calculate Your Applicant Score (AS) at NMU

Your Applicant Score (AS) is crucial for NMU admission, and the calculation differs slightly based on the subjects you took in school, particularly for Mathematics. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Identify Required Subjects: Each programme has specific subject requirements and a minimum AS. Check the AS for your intended programme before proceeding.
  2. List Your Grade 12 Subjects and Percentages:
    • Exclude your Life Orientation mark (it’s a 10-credit subject).
    • Record the latest marks you received in each of your 20-credit subjects. March results for Grade 12 aren’t included.
  3. Include Fundamental Subjects:
    • Calculate your AS using the following three subjects:
      1. Home Language (e.g., isiXhosa or English)
      2. 1st Additional Language (e.g., English if isiXhosa is the home language)
      3. Maths, Maths Literacy, or Technical Maths
  4. Calculate for Seven or More Subjects:
    • For applicants with 7 subjects: Add the percentages for all six 20-credit subjects to get a score out of 600.
    • For applicants with 8 or more subjects: Sum the percentages for the three fundamental subjects plus required subjects and the next highest subject scores to a maximum of six.
  5. Quintile Adjustment: If you attended a quintile 1 to 3 school (non-fee-paying), and scored 50% or higher in Life Orientation, add an extra 7 points to your total AS.

Example Calculation

Let’s break down an example to illustrate:

  • Applicant 1 has 7 subjects and is applying to a programme with Life Science and Physical Science as required subjects.
  • Applicant 2 took 8 subjects and is applying for the same programme.
  • Applicant 3 attended a quintile 1 to 3 school.
NSC SubjectApplicant 1 %Applicant 2 %Applicant 3 % (Quintile 1-3)
isiXhosa (Home Language)787878
English (1st Additional Language)606060
Mathematics656565
Life Science626262
Physical Science505050
History60
Geography5555
Life Orientation88 (not included)88 (not included)88 (add 7 points)
Applicant Score (AS)370375377

Check your calculated AS and subject scores against the minimum requirements for your intended qualification. If your score is below the minimum, consider other programmes where you may qualify.

If you need more guidance, reach out to NMU’s Student Access & Enrolment Office at 041 504 1111 or visit the NMU website.


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