Study Abroad

Studying abroad at Nelson Mandela University for six months or a year allows you to experience top quality and affordable education as well as to experience the wildlife, history and culture of South Africa!

A Study Abroad student is a full-time, non-degree seeking student, registered for a variety of modules from one or more faculties for a period of six months to one year.

The Academic year at Nelson Mandela University:

Summer / First semester:

January - June

Winter / Second semester:

July - November

What type of student are you?

Exchange Student

Our university has signed exchange agreements with specific institutions throughout Europe, the USA and Asia.

The exchange agreements have been set up for a specific number of students who will be selected by their home institution.

Contact your university’s International Office to find out how you can become an Nelson Mandela University Study Abroad student.

Study Abroad / Free Mover

Our university accepts students from partner universities that are not covered by an exchange agreement. These would be full fee paying Study Abroad students.

We also accept students from universities with whom we do not have agreements. Basically this is the same as a Study Abroad student, but you are referred to as a “Free Mover”.

Email Us get the application form

Designing your own programme

Knowing that you will be coming from your home university, with its unique programme structure, we will be able to assist you in selecting modules to suit your course of study and help you meet your study goals.

Application due dates:

First semester: 15 November of the previous year
Second semester: 30 April of the same academic year

Study Abroad students from Partner Universities Students must liaise with their International Office, and applications will only be accepted if they are submitted via their International Office.

Where is Nelson Mandela University?

Port Elizabeth in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa is the beautiful coastal city where the Nelson Mandela University lays its foundation.

Offering visitors a choice of stunning beaches, interesting museums and memorials, award-winning wildlife destinations, cultural and historical experiences, Port Elizabeth has some of the friendliest folk in the country.

Nelson Mandela Bay prides itself on offering the Big Five - lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard and elephant. Visitors may also be fortunate enough to see a great white shark or a southern right whale in the bay waters.

Files you can download

Sort by: Name Date Size

Graduate-Scholars-Application-Form (242 kB)

Study-Abroad-Application-Form (183 kB)