What are the available Courses for students at NMU

by

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties. This guide provides an overview of the available courses for students, structured by faculty, to help prospective students explore their academic options.

Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in various specializations including Accounting, Economics, Business Management, and Marketing.
  • Postgraduate: Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Commerce, focusing on advanced studies in finance, economics, business management, and more.

Faculty of Education

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Early Childhood Development, Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase, and Further Education and Training Teaching.
  • Postgraduate: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for graduates seeking to move into teaching, along with Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Education.

Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BScEng) in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial Engineering. Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in various engineering fields, and National Diplomas in Civil Engineering and Surveying.
  • Postgraduate: Offers Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Engineering and the Built Environment, focusing on advanced research and specialization.

Faculty of Health Sciences

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Health Sciences in fields like Dietetics, Emergency Medical Care, Nursing Science, and Radiography.
  • Postgraduate: Postgraduate diplomas, Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various health science disciplines, including public health, pharmacy, and healthcare management.

Faculty of Humanities

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in disciplines such as Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, and Media Studies. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) are also offered.
  • Postgraduate: Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Humanities, covering a wide range of subjects from development studies to conflict management and creative arts.

Faculty of Law

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which can be pursued as a first degree or after completing a relevant bachelor’s degree.
  • Postgraduate: Offers LLM (Master of Laws) and LLD (Doctor of Laws) focusing on specialized areas of law, including human rights, environmental law, and commercial law.
See also  How to check the Status of Application at UKZN

Faculty of Science

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computer Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences.
  • Postgraduate: Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Science, offering deep dives into research and specialization in areas such as biotechnology, environmental science, and information technology.

Other Program Options

  • Extended Programs: NMU also offers extended curriculum programs (ECPs) designed to support students who require additional academic support. These programs extend the duration of study by a year and provide foundational skills to enhance academic success.
  • Diploma and Certificate Programs: Apart from degree programs, NMU offers a variety of diploma and certificate programs that cater to specific career paths and vocational training needs.

Choosing the Right Program

When selecting a course, consider the following:

  • Career Goals: Choose a program that aligns with your career aspirations and interests.
  • Academic Strengths: Consider your academic strengths and how they match with the program requirements.
  • Practical Experience: Look for programs that offer practical experience, internships, or work placements as part of the curriculum.

Applying to NMU

Once you’ve identified a course of interest:

  • Check Specific Requirements: Each program may have its specific admission requirements, including prerequisite subjects and minimum grades.
  • Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documents and submit your application through NMU’s online application portal within the application period.

Conclusion

NMU’s diverse range of programs across various disciplines provides numerous opportunities for students to pursue their academic and professional goals. By carefully considering their interests and career objectives, prospective students can find a program that suits their aspirations at NMU. For the most up-to-date information on courses, admissions, and application deadlines, always refer to the official Nelson Mandela University website or contact their admissions office directly.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

Related Resources

🎓 Bursary Applications South Africa Latest bursary opportunities and application guides
🏛️ University Applications University admission requirements and application tips
🏦 NSFAS Applications NSFAS funding applications and student finance guides

Similar Articles On this topic

Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect

For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.

See also  Available Courses and Programs for the University of Free State

What Are Student Loans?

Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.

Types of Student Loans in South Africa

  • NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
  • Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
  • Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.

Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan

Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:

  • Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
  • Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
  • Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
  • Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)

How to Apply for a Student Loan

To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:

  1. Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
  2. Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
  3. Complete the application form online or at a branch.
  4. Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
  5. Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
See also  CIDB registration fee

Loan Amounts and Repayment

The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:

  • NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
  • Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.

Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.

FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa

1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?

For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.

2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?

NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.

3. What is the interest rate on student loans?

Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.

4. What happens if I fail my courses?

If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.

5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?

Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.

Final Thoughts

Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.

More Online Application Guides :