Higher Certificate in Information Technology in User Support Services at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

With this qualification you can work as an entry-level technical or user-support position that spans a wide range of computing environments requiring support personnel. Please note: An average of 60% for all modules at the exit level is required if an applicant wishes to proceed to the Diploma: IT (Support Services).

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 purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates who are productive, competent, able to work independently, and who can manage time effectively in entry-level technical user support positions that span a wide range of computing environments requiring support personnel. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 5 qualification of 120 credits.

Career pathways

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

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Minimum NSC statutory requirements for higher certificate entry must be met. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics or Technical Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Point Score of 290. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy requires a minimum Applicant Point Score of 305. NSC achievement rating of at least 35% for Mathematics or Technical Mathematics or 55% for Mathematical Literacy. Please note: The George Campus choice is situated in the Western Cape and is approximately 400 km from Port Elizabeth.

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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