Admission for International Students to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University must be viewed against the background of the South African Higher Education system. The South African Higher Education system operates mostly as a 3 1 1-2 system. This means the following: an undergraduate bachelor of three years or a four-year professional qualification followed by, in most cases, a one-year postgraduate programme referred to as an Honours degree. This specialist-taught programme is required for entrance to a Master s programme. Most research Master s programmes have a one-year minimum duration followed by a two-year minimum registration for a Doctoral programme. Admissions to all these programmes are based on academic excellence in previous studies. Applications from applicants that acquired an average mark of 60% or higher in their previous qualification, will be considered for admission. Admission to any programme is also determined by the capacity to supervise a postgraduate research topic. Prospective applicants are thus required to provide, along with their application, a complete academic transcript of previous studies, and all other relevant documentation that will assist the University to make an informed admissions decision. All students, prospective students or applicants who are not citizens or permanent residence of South Africa are considered to be international students. This category may further be broken down into two types: SADC (South African Development Community) students; and Non-SADC students students from other parts of Africa and the rest of the world. Prior to admission, international students are assessed to determine if their school results will give them conditional or full exemption. The foreign school qualification is benchmarked against the South African Senior Certificate with matriculation endorsement as the standard. Admission for Study Abroad or Exchange students Students applying to study for a semester or year at the NMMU must provide, together with an application form, a full academic transcript from their current institution, as well as a letter of recommendation from that institution. Application Process Prospective students are required to complete the relevant application form that is available at www.nmmu.ac.za/international or a form can be requested from the Office for International Education on international@nmmu.ac.za. Applications must be accompanied by the following documents: certified copies of school leaving certificates copy of passport / identity document full academic record and certificates of conduct issued at other institutions at which you were previously registered. * Please take note of the application fee and closing dates. Application deadlines Applications must reach the Office for International Education by the following dates: 1st Semester: January July: 31 October 2nd Semester: July November: 31 April Please post application forms to: Office for International Education P O Box 77000 1
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Port Elizabeth, SOUTH AFRICA, 6000 Accepted Applicants Applicants that are accepted will receive the following: An acceptance letter indicating their student number and the programme for which you are accepted for. This letter is required for a study permit. An acceptance of offer form. This must be completed and you must submit the required fee in order to secure your place of study. A request for accommodation form. International students are required for accommodation through. An orientation form. Medical aid information. A Pre-Arrival Booklet. A Fees Booklet. International students are legally required to have the following before they are allowed to register at a South African university: A valid study permit for the duration of your studies. A valid passport for the duration of your studies. Medical Aid recognised in South Africa. Pay all the required fees. Submit original documentation, which you submitted with your application. It is therefore imperative that you read your Pre-Arrival Booklet (link to http://www.nmmu.ac.za/documents/international/ NMMU%20Pre-Arrival%20Handbook%20 %202010.pdf) that outlines all the requirements in detail. * TO NOTE: It is the student s responsibility to contact the Office for International Education to find out if the course that they are interested in is open to applications from international students. 2
Admission Requirements General admission requirements As the language instruction of the University is English, all students must provide proof of the following English proficiency: Postgraduate language requirements IELTS: 6.5 overall score with a minimum of 6 in each section TOEFL: paper-based test (PBT) 580 overall with minimums of 53 in listening, 52 in reading and 59 in structure/written TOEFL: computer-based test (CBT) 237 overall with minimums of 19 in listening, 19 in reading and 25 in structure/written TOEFL: IBT 92 overall with minimums of 18 in listening, 17 in reading, 22 in writing and 22 in speaking Undergraduate language requirements IELTS: 6 of level A4 on the ALTE framework will also be accepted. TOEFL: paper-based test (PBT) 570 overall TOEFL: computer-based test (CBT) 230 A&O Level system of schooling This refers to the British system, practised by many countries linked to the British school system. The NMMU applies the following criteria: To qualify for admission to the University, applicants must have: Pass marks in five different subjects of which at least two must be A-level subjects including English, a second language, as well as a second subject such as Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Science. A-Level pass marks: Symbols A to D. O-Level pass marks: Symbols A to C. International Baccalaureate Diploma: International Baccalaureate Diploma: At least 27 points required. International Baccalaureate Certificate: Pass marks in two Higher Level, and three Subsidiary Level subjects, including English. Pass marks = symbols 5 to 7. Applicants with international or foreign qualification must satisfy the requirements laid down by the Matriculation Board to qualify for a certificate of exemption for a particular international or foreign school-leaving qualification. These requirements are contained in Government Gazette No. 31674, 5 December 2008 and can be found on the HESA website http://www.hesa-enrol.ac.za/mb/forpres.htm Over and above the guidelines supplied by HESA, the University may also apply specific admissions criteria for specific programmes. The criteria are included in the undergraduate and postgraduate admissions requirement sections. Faculty specific requirements further include an adherence to a School Performance Score (SPS). For direct admission to a program, international students will have to comply with the minimum SPS set for a programme applied for, as well as any other additional subject requirements and the language of teaching and learning requirement for foreign students. Furthermore, as the number of international applicants that the NMMU can admit is capped annually as part of the enrolment planning process, those applicants who have met the SPS, subject and language requirements will be subject to selection based on academic excellence. 3
Undergraduate requirements All undergraduate applicants must fill in an application form. The application form can be downloaded from this website, sent to you by post or you can request an application by e-mailing international@nmmu.ac.za Prospective students must submit a completed application. The form should be accompanied by the following: Certified / original school leaving certificates; Certified copy of passport; Certified copy of parent/legal guardian if applicant is under 21 years old; Curriculum vitae if available A photograph; Proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee of R500; Please ensure that the following information is clearly indicated on the application form: Programme / course you are applying for and where possible the qualification code eg BMusic (code 10500) for information on programmes on offer go to programmes; Applicants must sign the application form; The guardian must sign if the applicant is under 21 years of age; Please provide an e-mail address or fax number where possible; Prospective applicants must be aware that an incomplete application will not be processed and will result in unnecessary delays. Applications should also reach our office before the closing dates. Submission of a completed application form does not imply that you have been accepted as a student, or that you may register. All applicants will be notified, in writing of the outcome of their application. Guidelines for admissions to Undergraduate programmes International Students are not admitted into all programmes and it is for this reason that certain programmes are omitted from the list below; Applicants can be directly admitted if they meet the minimum criteria prescribed by the JMB (HESA) http://www.hesa-enrol.ac.za/mb/forpres.htm and the School Performance Score (SPS) as indicated below; Important to note not all subjects are recognized for exemption purposes and this information is regularly updated on the JMB website SPS system allocates point values to the six best school leaving symbols: Identify whether applicant meets the minimum criteria prescribed by the JMB; Identify whether applicant meets the grade requirements (see notes below); Identify whether applicant meets the compulsory school leaving subjects; Identify whether the applicant meets the English language requirement; Limitations to programmes are annually set by the enrolment planning process; International students are only accepted for full-time studies; Al international students are tested before registration using CAAR access assessment for research purposes, where applicable developmental recommendations are provided to the appropriate persons in Faculties; For the final selection and scoring the following conversion table of International School systems apply: Applicants with international or foreign qualifications must satisfy the requirements laid down by the Matriculation Board to qualify for a certificate of exemption for a particular international or foreign school-leaving qualification. These requirements are contained in Government Gazette No. 31674, 5 December 2008 and can be found on the HESA website http://www.hesa-enrol.ac.za/mb/forpres.htm. 4
School Performance School (SPS) and Equivalence Table for Awarding Points Applicants must preferably obtain at least the minimum SPS prescribed for the programme for which they are applying. To compute the SPS, the symbols/achievement ratings/ percentages obtained in school-leaving examinations need to be converted to an equivalent achievement standard on the National Senior Certificate (NSC). The following table will be used when assigning admissions points to subject performance in the national NSC and Senior certificate examinations, and for the following international examinations: Advanced Subsidiary (AS), Ordinary (O) and Advanced (A) levels, International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE), the Higher International Graduate Certificate of Secondary Education, the International Baccalaureate, and the Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education. If more information is required concerning specific country school system evaluations, applicants can consult the following comparative tables. POINTS NSC Level and % Senior Certificate HG Senior Certificate SG HIGCSE NSSC IGCSE O-level 12 A 11 B 10 9 C A-level* AS-level IB HL IB SL KCSE 8 7 (90-100%) A 1 A 7 A+ 7 7 (80-89%) B 2 D B 6 A- 6 6 (70-79%) C A 3 A E C 5 7 B+ 5 5 (60-69%) D B B D 4 6 B, B- 4 4 (50-59%) E C C E 5 C+ 3 3 (40-49%) F D 4 2 2 (30-39%) E 1 or 0 1 (0-29%) F Key: NSC Sen Cert HG Sen Cert SG HIGCSE IGCSE O-level AS A-Level NSSC IB HL IB SL KCSE National Senior Certificate Senior Certificate Higher Grade Senior Certificate Standard Grade Higher International Graduate Certificate of Secondary Education International Graduate Certificate of Secondary Education Ordinary level Advanced Subsidiary Advanced level. An A-level represents a year s extra study beyond AS level and is regarded as worth double the points awarded to an equivalent AS grade (i.e., 10-16 points on an 8-point scale) in many instances. Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate International Baccalaureate Schools (Higher Levels) International Baccalaureate Schools (Standard Levels) Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education 5
* Please note: Applicants completing Cambridge administered examinations will be accepted with the following grades: A-level: Grades A, B, C and D O-level: Grades a, b and c Students completing non-cambridge administered examinations will be accepted with the following grades: A-level: Grades A, B and C O level: Grades a, b and c * In addition to the above applicants must meet the minimum SPS score and programme related requirements. Programmes where compulsory school leaving subjects are indicated candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: O- level: minimum b grade A-level: minimum D grade OR the equivalent grade from other school leaving systems as indicated in the conversion table Applicants from SADC countries only offering GCSE or O level equivalents can be directly admitted to the extended programs if they meet the following criteria: 1. Extended programme in the faculty of Arts SPS score of 28 Minimum o-level b symbol or equivalent on the conversion table for compulsory school leaving subjects 2. Extended programmes in the faculty of Business and Economic Sciences SPS score of 28 Minimum o-level b symbol or equivalent on the conversion table for compulsory school leaving subjects 3. Extended programmes in the faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology SPS score of 29 Minimum o-level b symbol or equivalent on the conversion table for the compulsory school leaving subjects 4. Extended programmes in the faculty of Health Sciences SPS score of 29 Minimum o-level b symbol or equivalent on the conversion table for compulsory school leaving subjects 5. Extended programmes in the faculty of Law SPS score of 28 Minimum o-level b symbol or equivalent on the conversion table for compulsory school leaving subjects 6. Extended programmes in the faculty of Science SPS score of 29 Minimum o-level b symbol or equivalent on the conversion table for compulsory school leaving subjects Applicants from non-sadc countries that comply with the above criteria could also be admitted to the extended programs if the enrollment plan can accommodate them. 6
Over and above the guidelines supplied by HESA, the University also applies specific admissions criteria for specific programmes. These criteria are included in the following faculty specific information: International applicants (non-sa citizens), the points will be totalled to obtain a School Performance Score (SPS). For direct admission to a program the applicant will have to comply with the minimum SPS set for the programme applied for as well as any other additional subject requirements and the language of teaching and learning requirement for foreign students. (Applicants from non- English speaking countries are required to submit proof of English proficiency. A minimum TOEFL score of 230 on the computer-based test or 570 on the paper-based test or a 6.0 on the IELTS is minimum admissions requirements. Furthermore, as the number of international applicants that the NMMU can admit is capped annually as part of the enrolment planning process, those applicants who have met the SPS, subject and language requirements will be subject to selection based on academic excellence. * Please refer to the Faculty admission requirements pdf copies in the Online Brochure. Postgraduate requirements Postgraduate applicants must complete the following: Prospective students must submit a completed application. The forms should be accompanied by the following: Certified degree certificate. Full academic transcript/record of courses completed A certificate of conduct. Certified copy of passport. A one page research proposal outlining your intended research. Curriculum vitae. A photograph. Proof of payment of the non-refundable application fee of R500. Please ensure that the following information is clearly indicated on the application form: Programme / course you are applying for and where possible the qualification code eg PHD Information Technology (programme information can be obtained on the general website or click here for more information). Applicants must sign the application forms. Please provide an e-mail address or fax number where possible. Prospective applicants must be aware that an incomplete application will not be processed and will result in unnecessary delays. Postgraduate applicants can apply throughout the year and there is no closing date for applications. However, please note that registration for post-graduate studies for an academic year is from January to the first Friday in March. Therefore, it is important to note that if you would like to register in a particular year and for that year to count as an academic year you will have to submit your application well in advance in order for it to be processed and evaluated and for you to be accepted for registration in the following year. Submission of a completed application form does not imply that you have been accepted as a student, or that you may register. Applicants that consider the submission of an application for a research Master s qualification or an application for Doctoral studies should also submit a study proposal that includes a comprehensive description of the field of study as well as a description of the study topic. Applicants should also include the application fee with the application. Detailed admissions criteria for all the different qualifications offered at postgraduate level are provided in the faculty specific information. Applicants considering Honours and coursework Master s programmes should apply during the dates prescribed for postgraduate students. 7
All international research Master s and Doctoral students will be required to spend at least nine months of their time on the campus. Applicants can also be required to spend three weeks on-campus to finalise research proposals before final admission. Admission and registration procedures for research Master s and Doctoral degrees A general postgraduate application form can be obtained from the Office for International Education or be downloaded from the University s website at www.nmmu.ac.za/international. Apart from the general admission requirements, a candidate may be required to fulfil further requirements, e.g. supplementary work or an oral/written examination. Where applicable, a candidate must submit a research proposal for approval by the Faculty Research, Technology, and Innovation Committee within the prescribed minimum period. Once such approval has been obtained, the Faculty registers an official research project. If the candidate complies with these admissions criteria, various processes will be undertaken to assign the candidate an appropriate supervisor or promoter. Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.5 overall score with a minimum of 6 in each section. TOEFL: PBT 580 overall with minimums of 53 in listening, 52 in reading and 59 in structure/written. CBT 237 overall with minimums of 19 in listening, 19 in reading and 25 in structure/written. IBT 92 overall with minimums of 18 in listening, 17 in reading 22 in writing and 22 in speaking. 8
Fees The South African Higher Education system is a fee based system. All students are required to pay tuition fees. The NMMU has a differentiated fee payment system for international students. All students from SADC (Southern African Development Community Countries) pay local fees plus a Foreign Students Administration Fee. All other international students pay in addition to the above, a Foreign Student Tuition Fee. All international students must pay their fees prior to registration. Fees increase annually in December of each year. Application for admission Application fee of R500.00 to be submitted with all applications. Closing dates for applications: First semester (January) - Last day in October Second Semester (July) - Last day in April Our website address is http://www.nmmu.ac.za/international. If you have supplied us with a postal address, we will also mail you the application material. * Please note: You may remit your application fee by telegraphic transfer or bank draft. The bank details are as follows: Account Name: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Bank Name: ABSA Bank Address: Govan Mbeki Avenue, Port Elizabeth, 6001, SA Branch Code/ IBAN Code: 632005 Account Number: 1640 0000 46 Bank Swift code: ABSA ZAJJ 1640 0000 46 Reference Number: Student Name: (Please state on deposit slip) Please fax a copy of the deposit slip to: +27 (0) 41 504 1767 - - Attention: Office for International Education Finance Credit Card If you should wish to pay by credit card, please complete the attached official credit card authorization form and fax it to Office for International Education Finance on +27 41 504 1767. Please make sure you include all of the requested information on the form. The form is available in the Online Brochure. 9
Acceptance Deposits All acceptance deposits must be paid before the final dates for payment below. The university reserves the right to withdraw its admission offer if the deposits have not been paid by the following dates: Second Semester (July) - 1 June First semester (January) - 1 December You may remit your deposits by telegraphic transfer or bank draft per banking details above. Please fax copies of proof of payment to: +27 (0) 41 504 1767 Attention: Office for International Education Finance. The following fees are payable IN FULL prior to registration: Fees payable prior to registration The following fees are payable for the different categories of students prior to registration. Foreign Admin And Foreign Tuition Fees SADC Student Reg Fee + Foreign Admin Fee + Module Fees Non-SADC Student Master s Student PhD Student Study Abroad Student Exchange Student Reg Fee + Foreign Admin Fee + Foreign Tuition Fee + Module Fee Reg Fee + Foreign Admin Fee + Module Fee Reg Fee + Foreign Admin Fee + Module Fee Reg Fee + Foreign Admin Fee + Foreign Tuition Fee + Module Fee Reg Fee + Foreign Admin Fee + Module Fees (depending on exchange agreement) Registration fees Registration Fees are debited to students accounts and are payable every year. (Registration fees are not refundable under any circumstances.) Module Fees Prescribed compulsory modules for a diploma / degree divided into years, semesters, terms or trimesters. Year module Semester module Trimester/Term module Runs from January to November. A module offered over a six-month period. A module that is offered over a three-month period. * TO NOTE: The fees in this section are only an estimate. Fees increase annually in December by approximately 10%. Please refer to attachments for fees estimates in the Online Brochure. 10
Study Permit If you are an international student intending to study in South Africa - whether at a primary, secondary or tertiary educational institution - you must first apply for and be granted a study permit. A South African educational institution cannot register an international student until a valid study permit has been produced. Apply for your study permit, and await the outcome of your application, BEFORE departing for South Africa. The fact that you ve been accepted by a South African educational institution does not guarantee that you ll be issued a study permit. And you cannot enter South Africa on a visitor s visa and then apply for a study permit. How for your study permit Once you have confirmed your acceptance of a formal offer from a South African educational institution, you should collect a study permit application form from your nearest South African office abroad and complete and return the form to the same office. In general, your application should be accompanied by: A valid passport. A letter formally offering you a place of study at the relevant institution. Proof that you are financially able to pay your tuition fees and have adequate means of support. A medical certificate and proof medical insurance cover usable in South Africa. A repatriation guarantee. Unless a South African sponsoring body, citizen or permanent resident provides a written undertaking as specified in the application form, you will be required to lodge a cash deposit or bank guarantee equivalent to the costs of transportation to your home country in case you fail to comply with your permit conditions. However, if your course is not longer than a year, or you will be attending a religious institution, you will be exempt from this requirement, and need only possess a valid return/onward ticket. A written undertaking that you will return to your country of residence/origin after completing your studies. The relevant permit fee - see the relevant Home Affairs web page. It normally takes about six weeks for a study permit to be processed. You are advised, however, to make your application as early as possible. * Please take note: This information is meant to serve as a guide only. Requirements for studying in South Africa are subject to change, and each application is treated as an individual case. Always make inquiries before travelling to South Africa. 11
Study Abroad A melting pot of culture is present in the city of Port Elizabeth. Here the Xhosa s, Afrikaners and English work and socialise side-byside, creating a fusion of experiences for students. From drumming to your own beat at an African drumming session, to feasting on a traditional Afrikaans dish like melktert and enjoying the ultimate South African experience, a braai after and exciting day spent wildlife watching, you will experience it all while studying at the NMMU. Students coming on study abroad or an exchange agreement, whether it is for six months or a year, will not only be privy to top quality education, but also be able to experience adventure, wildlife, history, culture, and South African nightlife. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is indeed South Africa s unique study address. Study Abroad and Exchange Programme The NMMU proudly plays host to more than 300 Study Abroad and Exchange students a year, from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. These students are warmly welcomed as they add to the cultural diversity of the University and make the NMMU campus one of the most internationalised universities in South Africa. This programme accommodates students, not only from NMMU partner universities, but also from all over the world. Student who wish to spend a semester or year abroad, fall within this programme. We warmly welcome international students to join our exciting and diverse university environment for the study experience of a lifetime! NMMU accepts applications from students that fall within the following categories: Exchange students: NMMU has signed exchange agreements with specific institutions throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Africa, and Asia. To see the complete list of partners, click here. The exchange agreements have been set up for a specific number of students who will be selected by the home institution. Each home institution has their own internal procedure to selecting students. Students must liaise with their International Office (or relevant contact person) and applications will only be accepted if it is submitted via their International Office. Students who fall within these agreements may not directly submit an application to the NMMU. Study Abroad students: NMMU also accepts student from universities with whom we do not have agreements. These students are referred to as free-movers. Study abroad students are treated in the same way as exchange students as far as academic requirements and practical arrangements are concerned. Application Deadlines: Deadlines for the first semester (January to June) is 15 November, and for the second semester (July to November) is 30 April. The first semester spans from summer to winter, and second semester spans from winter to spring. Application Procedure In order for a place at NMMU please read the instructions carefully before completing the relevant forms. Application form Students are required to complete the official NMMU study abroad/exchange application form (see Study Abroad Application form). Please complete the form and make sure it is accompanied by the following: Certified copy of passport. Copy of a study record/academic transcript with the grades achieved (subjects completed at tertiary level) preferably in English. Curriculum Vitae. Passport photo. Recommendation / nomination letter from partner institution (including English Language Proficiency - this is applicable to exchange students). 12
In certain instances students may be required to submit TOEFLE / IELTS certificates or proof of English Language Proficiency. List of courses that you are planning to take at NMMU. Incomplete application forms will delay the process and we urge students to submit all the required documents. Acceptance letter After we receive the completed application form, we will send you an Acceptance Letter. You are required for a study permit in your home country at your nearest South African Embassy, High Commission, Consulate, or Trade Mission. When submitting your documents for the study permit application, please ensure that you have read and complied with the medical aid requirements. Modules Most modules/courses are available to study abroad and exchange students. Some modules/courses have restrictions on the number of places, and students may (in certain instances) not be allowed to enroll for these modules. Students can choose courses/subjects from any faculty. This provides students with the possibility to experience one of the 11 languages of South Africa like: Xhosa or Afrikaans, or learn more about the country s fascinating history while obtaining an international education in their chosen field. Credits All study abroad and exchange student are required to take a certain amount of modules that are worth credits. You are required to take the following amount of credits: Six month programme: 40 to 60 credits Year programme: 100 to 120 credits This requirement allows students to keep within their own university s credit requirements, as: 4 NMMU credits = 1 US credit 2 NMMU credits = 1 ECTS credit This arrangement will give students ample time to experience not only the Eastern Cape, but also the rest of South Africa. Orientation (please view Orientation page on the website - http://www.nmmu.ac.za/default.asp?id=4187&bhcp=1) Accommodation (please view the accommodation page on the website - http://www.nmmu.ac.za/default.asp?id=8351&bhcp=1) Pre-Registration and Registration Pre-Registration is the process that aids students in selecting courses and collating all the required documentation prior to actual registration. All international students are required to submit the following before registration (during the orientation and pre-registration period): Valid study permit. Valid passport. Proof of medical cover with a medical aid registered in South Africa. Proof of payment of study fees including accommodation. Travel Preparations For study abroad or exchange students it will be best to fly into either the O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg International) or the Cape Town International Airport. From there, any of the local airlines can take you to Port Elizabeth. You will be picked up at the airport by the Office for International Education and taken to your accommodation on arrival. Money Matters Please have some South African Rands on you when entering the country. You can also have traveller s cheques and foreign currency with you, which can be exchanged at a later stage. You can also open a South African bank account by coming to the Office for International Education and requesting an official letter from us, which will assist you in opening a bank account. 13
For further information on Study Abroad and Exchange opportunities, read more here [link to http://www.nmmu.ac.za/default. asp?id=7641&bhcp=1] 14