Diploma in Public Management (Extended) at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

This programme provides matriculants who do not qualify for direct entry to mainstream programme but hope to pursue a career in either the public or private sectors, alternative access to the diploma programme.

Faculty: Humanities | Duration: 3 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The programme trains students for a career in the public sector. The programme is designed in such a way that the student is equipped with administrative and management skills which are relevant for a career in the private and public sectors. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 6 qualification of 360 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Politician, Public Administrator, Public Manager.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 290. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Minimum NSC statutory requirements for diploma entry must be met. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics or Technical Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Score of 290. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy requires a minimum Applicant Score of 305. NSC achievement rating of at least 30% for Mathematics or Technical Mathematics or 50% for Mathematical Literacy.

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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