Study Abroad

Your study adventure story in South Africa

Study at Nelson Mandela University and experience top quality, affordable education as well as an authentic South African cultural adventure!

A life experience that you'll never forget!

Experience what it really feels like to live in a different country, learn about our unique African cultures, travel the land and make some unforgettable memories with some awesome new friends!

While you are studying at Nelson Mandela University you are seen as a full-time student, registered for a variety of modules from one or more of our faculties for a full semester.

Our home is your home

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

The city offers visitors a choice of stunning beaches, award-winning wildlife destinations, and a truly authentic South African heritage

Study within nature!

With a total of 7 campuses and over 28,000 students, Nelson Mandela University is the largest university in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, with our main campus in the heart of a coastal nature reserve.

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

The city offers visitors a choice of stunning beaches, award-winning wildlife destinations, and a truly authentic South African heritage

On 20 July 2017, the university was officially renamed Nelson Mandela University, the only university in the world to carry the name of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. With the full support of Mandela’s eldest grandson and custodian of the family, Mandla Mandela, it is our unique privilege to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s most beloved statesman and a man who became the world’s moral compass.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to Change the World .” - Nelson Mandela

Mandela believed that education was a force of good and called on all South Africans to treasure knowledge and never stop learning. He valued diversity, especially the coming together of different minds, different backgrounds, different talents and different approaches to achieve greatness.

Studying at the Nelson Mandela University is a life changing experience! Watch our video to get a taste of what you can expect!

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. Watch the video to see how to browse for modules offered at Nelson Mandela University

Our Faculties:
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Business &
Economic Sciences Faculty of Engineering,
the Built Environment and Technology
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Science

The Academic year at Nelson Mandela University

First semester: February - June / Second semester: July - November

We accept students from all around the world

Our university accepts students from any university, however, we have signed exchange agreements with specific institutions throughout Europe, the USA and Asia.

Students from partner institutions should liaise and submit their applications directly to their home university International Office.

We also accept students from universities with whom we do not have agreements. These students should apply directly to the Nelson Mandela University as a full fee paying student.

Nomiyation deadlines:

First semester: 1 November

Second semester:15 April

Application deadlines:

First semester: 15 November of the previous year

Second semester:30 April of the same academic year

Download Our 2025 Study Abroad Fact Sheet

Get quick answers to your most common questions about studying abroad at Nelson Mandela University. Explore the details on the application processes, and everything you need to know as a prospective international student.

DOWNLOAD HERE

One of our Study Abroad Advisors will help you with all the details.

Email us

Nelson Mandela University - International Office

The Mandela International Office is the first port of call for international students seeking assistance with any aspect of their academic or residential life.

The support network throughout the University and the surrounding neighbourhood is comprehensive, and visitors and students can feel confident that they will easily settle into their new environment.

All these connections make the Nelson Mandela University a unique place to study.

Learn more about the Mandela International Office Button

Call us on: +27 (0) 41 504 2161

We use cookies to collect information to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more about cookies. Read our privacy statement.