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.
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