Once you have considered the DBA admission criteria and feel qualified to apply for the DBA programme, you can begin the application process:

1. We can only accept certified copies of electronic documents.
2. If you are alumni of the University, we must receive permission from you to request your documentation (academic records, etc.) from our main admissions department. Please ensure that you give us your correct NMMU/UPE/Vista/PE Technicon student number.

VERIFY RECEIPT OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL: it is critical that you contact the Nelson Mandela University Business School once you’ve submitted an application. Your submission can be verified by emailing: bsapplications@mandela.ac.za

The applications process is as follows:

1. Complete the online NMU Postgraduate Application Form by clicking on this link;
2. Submit the supporting documents onto the online system and submit to bsapplications@mandela.ac.za in PDF format.

Once you’ve completed the online Nelson Mandela University Postgraduate Application Form, you will receive an SMS and email stating that you’ve applied. You will also receive a student number.

1. Certified copy of your Identification Document (ID).
2. Certified copy of your Qualifications (Undergraduate & Postgraduate).
3. Certified copy of your Academic Records/Transcripts (Undergraduate & Postgraduate).
4. Certified copy of your School Leaving Certificate.
5. Marriage Certificate (female applicants only – if applicable).
6. Masters treatise/thesis completed (PDF copy).
7. Attach a CV;
8. Attach 2 letters of recommendation, one from an academic and one from a prominent business leader or manager;
9. Attach the two-page personal essay; and
10. Attach a 10 - 12 page preliminary research proposal.

Additional for International Students only:

1. English proficiency certificate (if applicable).
2. Proof of payment of R500.00 application fee (non-refundable).

PLEASE NOTE: An application will be considered ‘incomplete’ if any of these above documents are outstanding.

Once you have submitted all the required documents, your application will be reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum application criteria.

If the applicant does not meet the minimum entry requirements and/or does not fit within the approved departmental research themes, the decision is tabled at the School Proposal Committee (SPC) for ratification and feedback to the applicant.

If the applicant does meet the minimum entry requirements and fits within the approved departmental research themes, the two-page personal essay and preliminary research proposal are circulated among internal subject experts, who then make recommendations of approval or otherwise to the SPC. The SPC conducts the interview with the applicant.