Nelson Mandela University (NMU) has announced that online applications for the 2027 academic year will officially open on April 13, 2026. For students aspiring to enter highly competitive medical fields, such as the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), early submission is mandatory.
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These programs are classified as selection modules with limited space, meaning the university closes applications for them much earlier than for other degrees.
Application Deadlines for 2027
To be considered for the 2027 intake, you must submit your online application and all required supporting documents by the following dates:
| Qualification | Closing Date |
| MBChB (Medicine & Surgery) | June 30, 2026 |
| BPharm (Pharmacy) | June 30, 2026 |
| BRad (Radiography) | June 30, 2026 |
| Early Applications (Other Faculties) | August 3, 2026 |
| Student Housing Applications | September 30, 2026 |
Admission Requirements for MBChB and Pharmacy
NMU uses an Applicant Score (AS) system to rank students. This score is calculated using your top six school subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Minimum Applicant Score: 430
- Mathematics: 60% minimum
- Physical Sciences: 60% minimum
- Life Sciences: 60% minimum
- English (Home or First Additional Language): 60% minimum
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Minimum Applicant Score: 410
- Mathematics: 60% minimum
- Physical Sciences: 60% minimum
- English (Home or First Additional Language): 50% minimum
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure your mid-year Grade 12 results meet the minimum AS and subject-specific percentages. NMU does not allow applications for these programs if you are upgrading marks after the June 30 deadline.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Gather clear, scanned copies of the following:
- Your South African ID or valid passport.
- Your final Grade 11 results.
- Your mid-year Grade 12 results (if available at the time of application).
- A declaration form (available on the NMU website) signed by your parent or guardian if you are under 18.
3. Submit Online
Visit the NMU Online Application Portal starting from April 13, 2026. There is no application fee for South African citizens applying online. International students must pay a non-refundable fee of R500.
4. Track Your Status
After submitting, you will receive a student number. Use this to log in to the NMU portal to track your admission status. Because MBChB and Pharmacy are selection programs, final decisions are usually only communicated after the final matric results are released in January 2027.
NMU Admissions Contact Details
If you need assistance with the portal or have specific questions about the Health Sciences faculty, use these contact details:
- Admissions Office Phone: +27 (0)41 504 1111
- Admissions Email: admissions@mandela.ac.za
- Medical School Specific Inquiries: medicalschool@mandela.ac.za
- Physical Address: University Way, Summerstrand, Gqeberha, 6001.
Remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a spot. Admission is based on academic merit and available space within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Apply as soon as the portal opens to avoid technical delays near the June deadline.