Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

This programme aims to develop eager individuals through facilitation of a strenuous learning experience, based on international best practice guidelines. Graduates will become highly skilled, knowledgeable and independent paramedics registered with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Emergency Care Practitioner – the highest register for paramedics. The EMC programme aims to meet the needs of South Africa, by producing well balanced practitioners with a thorough understanding of rescue principles and advanced patient care in the most diverse and adverse conditions.

Faculty: Health Sciences | Duration: 4 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The purpose of this qualification is to develop a learner competent in the knowledge; attitude, insight and skills required for the emergency medical care and rescue professions. The qualifying learner will be able to competently apply an integration of theoretical principles, proven techniques, practical experience, clinical procedures and appropriate skills in order to: · Provide independent, specialized emergency medical care and rescue services to all sectors of the community. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 8 qualification of 528 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Paramedic.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 370. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS • Minimum NSC statutory requirements for degree entry must be met. • An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Score of 370. • An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy requires a minimum Applicant Score of 385. • NSC achievement rating of at least 50% for Mathematics or 65% for Mathematical Literacy. • NSC achievement rating of at least 50% for Physical Sciences. • NSC achievement rating of at least 60% for Life Sciences. • Admission is subject to departmental selection that includes an interview as well as a medical fitness report and satisfactory physical assessment.

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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