Once you have considered the PDBA admission criteria and feel qualified to apply for the PDBA 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 you give us your correct NMMU/UPE/Vista/PE Technikon student number. 

VERIFY RECEIPT OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL: it is critical that you contact the Business School once you’ve submitted an application.

Your submission can be verified by emailing: bsapplications@mandela.ac.za or calling us on 041 – 504 4047/3777 if we do not acknowledge receipt of your application within 36 hours.

Application Process

PHASE 1. 

1. Complete the online NMU Postgraduate Application Form by clicking on this link; AND
2. Complete the online Business School Application Form by clicking on this link.

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

The certified documentation that we require:

3. Certified copy of your Identification Document (ID).
4. Certified copy of your Qualification (please see Recognition of Prior Learning if you do not have a qualification).
5. Certified copy of your Academic Record/Transcript clearly stating the number of credits completed AND NQF level.
6. Certified copy of your School Leaving Certificate.
7. Marriage Certificate (female applicants only – if applicable)
8. Essay (500 words) about life experiences, goals, attitudes, values and why you would like to be considered for this programme.
9. Comprehensive CV.
10. Proof of address.

PLEASE NOTE: An application will be considered 'incomplete' if any of the above documents are outstanding. It remains the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required documentation has been submitted. The Business School will not review any applicants which are deemed incomplete.

Once you have submitted all the required documents, your application will be reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum application criteria. You will receive a notification of the first review evaluation.

• Please see Psychometric Testing & Interviews for PHASE 2 of the application process >>>

RPL – Recognition of Prior Learning

For individuals without a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, the University offers the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route. This process is rigorous and extensive in nature and culminates with your application serving at our Faculty Management Committee (FMC) meeting. This Committee will then make a final decision regarding your application (please note they meet once a month).

The process your application will follow can be found below:

1. Submission of application
2. Writing of psychometric test
3. Interview
4. Recommendation by Business School
5. Submission of recommendation and application to Faculty Management Committee

PLEASE NOTE:

1. With the change in admission requirements for the MBA programme, an applicant would require at least an NQF 7 undergraduate qualification along with 10 years senior business management (Senior Manager, Director, CEO) working experience to be considered for RPL onto our MBA programme.
2. An applicant would require at least 10 years senior business management (Senior Manager, Director, CEO) working experience to be considered for RPL onto our PDBA programme.
3. RPL candidates can only make up 10% of our overall student body.
4. RPL Applications close: TBC