NMU Courses

Here is a list of courses or programmes offered by Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and all candidates interested in studying at the institution are encouraged to take note:

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
  • Agriculture and Game Management (Port Elizabeth, Addo)
  • Agricultural Management (George campus)
  • Applied Language Studies
  • Architectural Technology & Interior Design
  • Architecture
  • Art and Design: Introductory Studies
  • Biochemistry and Microbiology
  • Botany
  • Building and Human Settlement Development
  • Business Management
  • Ceramic Design
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computing Sciences
  • Construction Management
  • Criminal and Procedural Law
  • Development Studies
  • Dietetics
  • Drawing
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Emergency Medical Care
  • Environmental Health
  • Fashion Design
  • Forestry (George campus)
  • Game Management (Port Elizabeth, Addo)
  • Game Ranch Management (George campus)
  • Geosciences
  • Graphic Design
  • Human Movement Science
  • Human Resources Management
  • Industrial and Organisational Psychology
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Media and Communication
  • Language & Literature
  • Logistics Management
  • Management and Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing Management
  • Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Medical Laboratory Sciences
  • Mercantile Law
  • Music
  • Nature Conservation (George campus)
  • Nursing Science
  • Ocean Sciences
  • Painting
  • Pharmacy
  • Photography
  • Physics
  • Political and Conflict Studies
  • Printmaking
  • Private Law
  • Psychology
  • Public Law
  • Public Management and Leadership
  • Public Relations & Communication Studies
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Radiography
  • Sculpture
  • Social Development Professions
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Stained Glass
  • Statistics
  • Textile Design
  • Textile Science
  • Tourism Management
  • Wood Technology (George campus)
  • Zoology

SHORT COURSES

CATEGORIES AND MODULES*COMPLEXITY LEVELDURATION
ADMINISTRATION
Effective Office AdministrationM2 Days
Prepare, Conduct and Record MeetingsM+11 Day
Professional Personal AssistantM+12 Days
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Business Plan DevelopmentM3 Days
Introduction to EntrepreneurshipM3 Days
Personal Effectiveness in a Business EnvironmentM2 Days
Principles of Costing and PricingM2 Days
Tender to Secure BusinessM2 Days
The Function of Market MechanismsM3 Days
The Importance of Innovation in BusinessM2 Days
The Viability of Business Ideas and OpportunitiesM2 Days
BUSINESS LAW
Contract ManagementM+23 Days
Legal Principles for BusinessM+22.5 Days
COMMUNICATION
Assertiveness and Influencing SkillsM+12 Days
Business Writing SkillsM+11 Day
Communication in a Business EnvironmentM+22 Days
Conflict Resolution Skills and StrategiesM+12 Days
Effective Presentation SkillsM+12 Days
Effective Writing SkillsM2 Days
Facilitating Organisational ConversationsM+22 Days
Frontline CommunicationM1 Day
Interpersonal SkillsM+13 Days
Professional Presentation Skills M+22.5 Days
Report Writing SkillsM+11 Day
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Excellence in ServiceM1 Day
Excellence in Service ImplementationM+1½ Day
Marketing Principles and Customer Relationship ManagementM+24.5 Days
ECONOMICS
Economic Principles for ManagersM+24 Days
FINANCE
Basic Financial PrinciplesM1 Day
Financial Principles (Intermediate)M+13 Days
Finance for Non-Financial ManagersM+25 Days
Financial Management for a New VentureM2 Days
HUMAN RESOURCES and LABOUR RELATIONS
Employment EquityM+1½ Day
Handling Workplace Labour RelationsM+13 Days
Human Resource Management for Non-PractitionersM+23 Days
Labour RelationsM+23 Days
Role of the Shop StewardM+11 Day
Talent Attraction and RetentionM+21 Day
Workplace DisciplineM2 Days
IMPROVING PERFORMANCE
Creative Problem Solving and Decision MakingM+11 Day
Facilitator CourseM+13.5 Days
Motivating PeopleM1 Day
Monitoring & Evaluation for Organisational Performance M+35 Days
Productivity, Continuous Improvement and Introduction to Work StudyM+12 Days
Time ManagementM1 Day
Tools for Continuous ImprovementM1 Day
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
Change ManagementM+11 Day
CoachingM+12 Days
Contemporary ManagementM+25 Days
Diversity and Personal EffectivenessM+11 Day
Ethics in Moral LeadershipM+22 Days 
Integral Leadership for Established ManagersM+36 Days
Knowledge Management for Organisational TransformationM+23 Days
Leadership and Teambuilding SkillsM+13 Days
Leadership Skills for the 21st CenturyM+25 Days
Management Skills for 21st Century LeadersM+13 Days
Mentorship M+11 Day
Principles of Effective Teams and MeetingsM2 Days
Women in LeadershipM+23 Days
OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN
Basic Principles of Operations ManagementM+11 Day
Customer Centric Approach to Supply Chain ManagementM+23 Days
Fundamentals of Costing and Estimation ManagementM+13 Days
Fundamentals of Freight ManagementM+13 Days
Fundamentals of Inventory and Stores ManagementM+13 Days
Fundamentals of Purchasing ManagementM+13 Days
Fundamentals of Supply Chain ManagementM+13 Days
Integrated Operations ManagementM+24 Days
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Applied Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for Self-ManagementM+12 Days
Effective Thinking in the Problem-Solving ProcessM+12 Days
Emotional and Cultural Intelligence for the 21st Century LeaderM+23 Days
Self DevelopmentM+23 Days
Stress ManagementM+21.5 Days
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Advanced Monitoring and Evaluation for Project Managers (#ECSA)M+27 Days
Basic Project Management Tools and TechniquesM+11 Day
Leadership in the Project EnvironmentM+23 Days
Monitoring and Evaluation for Project ManagersM+13 Days
Monitoring and Evaluation for Organisational PerformanceM+35 Days
MS ProjectsM+22 Days
Project Management (incl. MS Projects)M+25 Days
Project Management (excl. MS Projects)M+23 or 5 Days
Project Finance M+23 Days 
QUALITY
Principles of QualityM1 Day
Quality as Business ExcellenceM+12 Days
RESEARCH
Basic Research MethodologyM+22 Days
Research for Senior ManagersM+46 Days
RETAIL
Retail Manager (Operational Finance) Skills ProgrammeM+15 Days
SAFETY
Safety, Health and Environmental ManagementM+22.5 Days
Safety, Health and Environmental Risk ControlM+11.5 Days
SALES
Creative Selling TechniquesM+14 Days
STRATEGY
Analytical ThinkingM+12 Days
General and Strategic ManagementM+23 Days
Organisational DevelopmentM+25 Days
Strategic ManagementM+24 Days

 


Sponsored Guide


Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.