Late applications

Hello Mariham
We have looked into the current status for you, and here is the situation for the 2026 academic year at Nelson Mandela University (NMU).

Status of Late Applications for 2026
Unfortunately, online late applications for the 2026 intake are now closed.

The university officially closed its application cycle for the 2026 academic year late last year. Currently, the university has transitioned into the registration phase.

Key Dates to Keep in Mind
Since we are now in January 2026, the university is focused on the following:

Key Dates (2026 Intake):

General Late Applications Closed: Around September 30, 2025, for most UG/PG programs.
Specific Programs (MBChB, BPharm, BRad): Had earlier deadlines (June 30, 2026).
General Application Consideration (Post-Main Deadline): Until September 30, 2026, for courses with available space.

What to Do Now (For 2026 Intake):
Check the Portal: Use the official NMU e-portal: apps.mandela.ac.za/e-portal.
Log a Case: If you missed the deadline, contact the Student Access & Enrolment Office via their CRM Portal: crm.mandela.ac.za/.

NSC Results: Outcomes for those who applied on time began being released around 14 January 2026.

Registration: Online registration for students with firm offers opened on 15 January 2026 and will run until 28 February 2026.

2027 Applications: If you missed the 2026 cycle, applications for the 2027 intake usually open around April 2026.

What can you do now?
If you were hoping to start studying this year, here are a few steps you can take:

Contact the Admissions Office: Sometimes, very specific programs might have “walk-in” or “CACH” (Central Applications Clearing House) opportunities if spaces remain. You can reach them at 041 504 1111 or email info@mandela.ac.za.

Check CACH: The Department of Higher Education usually opens the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) in late January for students who haven’t secured a spot. This service matches your results with available spaces in universities and TVET colleges across the country.

Prepare for 2027: Use this time to ensure you have all your documents ready for when the 2027 applications open in a few months.

Closing dates
2027 Closing Dates
1) Academic Online Applications
Prospective undergraduate, postgraduate and international students who wish to join Nelson Mandela University in 2027 are invited to apply online.

30 June 2026 for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) applications.
03 August 2026 for early applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad)
30 September 2026 for late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad)
30 September 2026 for international student applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad)
2) Student Accommodation (On-Campus & Off-Campus)

Closing date: 30 September 2026.
3) International Applicants

International student applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad): 30 September 2026 (application fee of R500)

I know this might not be the news you were hoping for, but don’t be discouraged! There are always alternative pathways.