Advanced Diploma in Information Technology at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

The study of Information Technology (IT) at this level aims to address and equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the Information Technology discipline. Students will be able to analyse, design and implement IT solutions to make meaningful contributions to the industry and national development, by ensuring optimal utilisation of IT resources. Various career opportunities exist, depending on the subject specialisation selected.

Faculty: Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology | Duration: 1 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The study of Information Technology at this level aims to address and equip students with the theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills to design and implement IT solutions to problems. Security is a key element in any IT solution and this qualification will equip the student with the necessary knowledge to secure infrastructure as well as include security in the design and implementation of IT solutions. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 7 qualification of 120 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Information Systems Engineer, Information Technologist, Software Developer, IT Specialist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The minimum admission requirement is a NQF level 6, Diploma in Information Technology of 360 NQF credits or a qualification deemed equivalent by the department and approved by the Faculty Management Committee (FMC). Students must have at least a 60% average for the final year major modules of the Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree modules.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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