NMMU Graduate School

NMMU Graduate School, Consult our “Postgraduate Guide” on the right of this page for an introduction as to what we offer at Nelson Mandela University for postgraduate students. 

For more detail, you can view the full list of postgraduate courses – shown per faculty.

These include postgrad diplomas and certificates, honours degrees, MTech degrees, master’s degrees, DTech degrees and doctoral degrees. 

General rules for admission

Admission to honours programmes:

• Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or other qualifications approved by Senate.
• In most cases applicants must have obtained an average of at least 60% in the related third year major subject.
• Other and additional requirements relating to the level of competence achieved for the bachelor’s degree may be stipulated by the faculty.

Admission to postgraduate certificate and diploma programmes:

• A candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree and/or an honours degree or another suitable qualification approved by Senate.
• Other and additional requirements relating to the level of competence achieved for the bachelor’s degree may be stipulated by the faculty.

Admission to master’s programmes:

• A candidate must hold an honours degree or other qualifications approved by Senate.
• A candidate may be required to fulfill further requirements as prescribed by Senate.

Admission to doctoral programmes:

• A candidate must hold an master’s degree or four year professional bachelor’s degree or other qualifications approved by Senate.
• A candidate may be required to fulfill further requirements as prescribed by Senate.

General application procedures

• Before completing the application form and paying the application fee, please take note of the minimum admission requirements for the programme of your choice.
• The minimum admission requirements refer to the set of prescribed criteria for each programme as approved by Senate.
• All applications for admission are subject to selection.
• Prospective students must complete the prescribed application forms as provided by Student Admissions.
• Candidates not previously registered at Nelson Mandela Uiversity must complete an application form for Admission to the University, as well as an application form for Admission to Postgraduate Studies (for U.24)
• Applicants, who have obtained their immediately preceding degree at Nelson Mandela University, only complete the application form for postgraduate studies (form U.24).
• In addition to these forms, departmental application forms may also have to be completed. More information can be obtained from the relevant faculty officer.
• A non-refundable application fee must accompany the application.
• A student who enrolls at Nelson Mandela University for the first time must also provide certified copies of degrees already obtained, as well as complete academic records if the previous degree was obtained at another university.
• Hand in your fully completed application form, with certified copies of your ID document, academic record and certificate of conduct (from a previous institution), marriage certificate (if applicable), certified copy of passport (if available), proof of permanent residency (international students) and medical disability certificate (if applicable).
• An applicant will be notified in writing of the outcome of his or her application.
• Holders of qualifications awarded by international universities should note that they may be required to submit their qualifications for validation by the Centre for the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Qualifications at the South African Qualifications Authority. Nelson Mandela University’s Office for International Education can assist in this validation process.

Application procedures for research master’s or doctoral applicants

• A prospective master’s or doctoral student must contact the relevant Head of Department or Director of School (academic managers) to discuss the proposed field of study, and to identify a suitable supervisor who will advise the candidate on a preliminary research topic, before applying for admission.
• The suitability of the proposed field of study or preliminary research topic will also be based on the extent to which it falls within the academic unit’s research focus areas.
• The completed application forms, plus proof of payment of the application fees, may then be handed in or mailed to Admissions.
• The application form contains information regarding the candidate’s academic and other qualifications, relevant competencies and experience, as well as the proposed field of study/preliminary research topic.
• After being processed, the application forms are sent to the faculty officer who consults with the relevant academic manager and supervisor to ensure that the candidate adheres to the relevant institutional and faculty-specific and programme-specific admissions criteria.
• Once the application has been approved, the prospective candidate will be notified in writing and may then register for the qualification.

Important dates

• The closing date for application for honours degree programmes is usually the same as for undergraduate programmes – roundabout August 1 of each year – or as indicated by the relevant academic department. Please consult the relevant faculty officer.
• Closing dates for application and registration of coursework (taught) master’s degree programmes differ from programme to programme and may be followed by interviews and selection processes. Please consult the relevant faculty officer.
• First-time postgraduate research degrees (master’s and doctoral) are permitted to register throughout the year, although re-registration for continuing students must take place before March 1.