Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation is offered in the Faculty of Science at Nelson Mandela University. Full-time duration is 1 years.

Faculty: Science | Duration: 1 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The published curriculum is an NQF Level 7 qualification of 120 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Botanist, Conservation Biologist, Environmental Manager, Nature Conservationist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must be in possession of a three-year Diploma in Nature Conservation or equivalent qualification (e.g. Diploma in Game Ranch Management or Diploma in Wildlife Management). Candidates with a cognate qualification in the fields of ecology and natural resource management (e.g. BSc with majors Botany, Zoology or Ecology) can horizontally enter into this advanced diploma. The minimum entry requirement for the Advanced Diploma is a 60% average for the Diploma, or 60% average for majors in the case of cognate qualifications like BSc.

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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