If you’re considering pursuing higher education at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), understanding the entry requirements is crucial. This esteemed institution, located in Port Elizabeth, offers a range of programs from Higher Certificates to Degrees. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the admission requirements.
Minimum Statutory Entry Requirements
1. Higher Certificate
To qualify for a Higher Certificate, you must:
- Pass the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution, alongside any additional university requirements.
2. Diploma
For entry into a Diploma program, you need to:
- Pass the NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching.
- Achieve a rating of 3 (40–49%) or better in four recognized NSC 20-credit subjects (excluding Life Orientation, which is a 10-credit subject).
- Meet any further requirements set by the university.
3. Bachelor’s Degree
To gain admission for a Bachelor’s Degree, the requirements are:
- Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching.
- Achieve a rating of 4 (50–59%) or better in four recognized 20-credit NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
- Fulfill any additional university requirements.
Additional Entry Requirements
While meeting the minimum statutory requirements is essential, it does not guarantee admission. NMU may have additional subject-specific requirements for certain programs. Moreover, applicants must comply with the Applicant Score (AS), which considers the percentage scores of specific subjects.
Calculating Your Applicant Score (AS)
The AS is crucial for determining eligibility for various programs and is calculated as follows:
- For applicants with seven NSC subjects: Add the percentages for the six 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation, to get a score out of 600.
- For those with eight or more subjects: Include the percentages for the three fundamental subjects (two languages and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics) and any program-specific subjects. The AS is capped at a maximum of six subjects.
- Bonus Points: Applicants from quintile 1 to 3 schools who score 50% or higher in Life Orientation will receive an additional 7 points added to their AS.
Examples of AS Calculation
Applicant 1 (7 NSC Subjects)
| NSC/IEB Subject | % Obtained | % Used to Calculate AS |
|---|---|---|
| isiXhosa Home Language | 78 | 78 |
| English 1st Additional | 60 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 65 | 65 |
| Life Science | 62 | 62 |
| Physical Science | 50 | 50 |
| Geography | 55 | 55 |
| Life Orientation | 88 | – |
| APPLICANT SCORE (AS) | 370 |
Applicant 2 (8 NSC Subjects)
| NSC/IEB Subject | % Obtained | % Used to Calculate AS |
|---|---|---|
| isiXhosa Home Language | 78 | 78 |
| English 1st Additional | 60 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 65 | 65 |
| Life Science | 62 | 62 |
| Physical Science | 50 | 50 |
| Geography | 55 | – |
| Life Orientation | 88 | – |
| History | 60 | 60 |
| APPLICANT SCORE (AS) | 375 |
Applicant 3 (Quintile 1, 2 or 3 School)
| NSC/IEB Subject | % Obtained | % Used to Calculate AS |
|---|---|---|
| isiXhosa Home Language | 78 | 78 |
| English 1st Additional | 60 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 65 | 65 |
| Life Science | 62 | 62 |
| Physical Science | 50 | 50 |
| Geography | 55 | 55 |
| Life Orientation | 88 | – |
| Bonus Points (LO > 50%) | +7 | |
| APPLICANT SCORE (AS) | 377 |
Final Notes
Prospective students should stay informed about any changes to admission requirements by consulting the admissions department before applying. Remember, meeting the minimum requirements is only the first step toward your academic journey at NMU.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.