How Many Points Are Needed At NMU

How Many Points Are Needed At NMU

Applicants planning to apply to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) for the academic year 2026-2027, one of the first questions you are likely to ask is: “How many points are needed to get into NMU?” Understanding the university’s entrance requirements is important for successfully submitting your application. NMU introduced a new admissions process in 2019, moving away from the traditional Admission Point Score (APS) system. In its place, the university now uses the Applicant Score (AS), a refined method that takes a more tailored approach to evaluating prospective students.

The Applicant Score (AS) is calculated using six 20-credit subjects from your National Senior Certificate (NSC). It is important to note that Life Orientation is excluded from this calculation due to its 10-credit value, unless you qualify for bonus points (more on that below). Your AS must include scores for three compulsory subjects: your home language, first additional language, and mathematics (or maths literacy or technical maths), along with any subjects specifically required for your chosen programme.

For most qualifications, your total Applicant Score is out of 600. However, applicants from quintile 1, 2, or 3 schools may receive an additional 7 bonus points if they score at least 50% in Life Orientation, potentially boosting their score to a maximum of 607.

Understanding how NMU calculates your points is the first step to a successful application. Whether you are applying for a diploma, degree, or extended programme, knowing your AS and how it aligns with NMU’s requirements can make all the difference.

When Are Applications Open At NMU For The 2026-2027 Year

• The online application window for the academic year at NMU for the 2026-o2027 academic year opens from the 1st of April 2026, and the applications to all programmes will close on the 30th of September 2025.

Below are the details of the online closing dates for the NMU 2026 programmes:

• 30 June 2025 for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) applications.
• 01 August 2025 for early applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad)
• 30 September 2025 for late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad)
• 30 September 2025 for international student applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad)

Student Accommodation (On-Campus & Off-Campus):

• Closing date: 30 September 2025.

International Applicants:

• International student applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad): 30 September 2025 (application fee of R500)

How Many Points Are Needed At NMU

• To be considered for admission to Nelson Mandela University, a minimum Applicant Score (AS) of 22 is required. However, it is important to note that certain programmes may demand a higher AS, with some requiring scores of 330 or even 390, depending on the level and competitiveness of the qualification.
• Therefore, applicants are strongly advised to consult the specific programme requirements on the university’s official website to confirm the exact AS needed for their chosen field of study.

How To Calculate The NMU Points

• Your AS is based on six 20-credit National Senior Certificate (NSC) subjects.

Note: Life Orientation (LO) is excluded as it is only a 10-credit subject.

• Write down your Grade 12 subjects and use your most recent exam results (excluding March results).

You must include results for the following three subjects:

• Home Language
• First Additional Language
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics

Your AS must also include any specific subjects required by the qualification you’re applying for.

If you have 7 NSC subjects:

• Add the percentages of your six 20-credit subjects.
• Your AS will be a score out of 600.

If you have 8 or more NSC subjects:

Add the percentages for:

• Your three core subjects (two languages and Maths / Maths Lit / Tech Maths)
• Any additional required subjects
• Your next best subject(s), to make up six total subjects

Bonus Points:

• Applicants from quintile 1, 2, or 3 schools who achieve 50% or higher for Life Orientation may add 7 bonus points to their total out of 600 to get their final AS.

How To Apply To NMU for 2026

Submit an Online Application:

• Applications open in April. Complete and submit the online application form via the university’s official website.

Meet the Minimum Requirements:

• Before applying, ensure that you meet both the minimum Applicant Score (AS) and the required subjects for your chosen programme.

Submit All Supporting Documents:

• Make sure all required documentation is uploaded with your application.

CONTACT NMU:

• +27 (0) 41 504 1111
• [email protected]
• PO Box 77000
• Nelson Mandela University
• Gqeberha, 6031
• South Africa

Knowing how many points are needed to get into Nelson Mandela University is essential for planning your academic future. With the shift from the traditional APS to the more comprehensive Applicant Score (AS) system, NMU now evaluates applicants using a more specific and programme-focused approach. While a minimum AS of 22 is generally required, competitive programmes may demand significantly higher scores, sometimes as high as 330 or 390, depending on the qualification. Visit the Official Website Of NMU For More.