Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is located in Port Elizabeth, South Africa’s “City of Friendship,” and is one of the country’s 11 key universities. Its history dates back to the Port Elizabeth School of Art, founded in 1882. It was formed through the merger of three institutions in 2005 and officially renamed to its current name in 2017, becoming the only institution of higher education in the world named after this great leader. print Nelson Mandela University Diploma
Academic Reputation and Rankings
Nelson Mandela University is a comprehensive university that maintains a stable standing in numerous authoritative rankings. In the 2026 THE World University Rankings, it is ranked 1,201st; in the 2026 US News World University Rankings, it is ranked 1,259th; and according to BusinessTech’s rankings, it is ranked 18th among South African universities in 2026, reflecting its status as a major institution of higher education in South Africa.
Faculties and Programs
NMU is a truly comprehensive university with seven faculties: Business and Economic Sciences, Education, Engineering/ Built Environment and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science. It offers over 500 courses, ranging from certificates and diplomas to doctoral research programs. Its strengths span a wide range of disciplines, including art and design, accounting, engineering, health and environmental sciences, and information technology. Notably, its business school is internationally recognized, attracting many international students to study here. The university has a total of seven campuses—six in Gqeberha and one in George. The main campus is situated within an 830-hectare coastal nature reserve, making it the only university campus in South Africa located within a nature reserve and the only university in the world where students can participate in “game drives” on campus.
Global Academic Partnership Network and Research Strength
Nelson Mandela University is committed to building a balanced global academic partnership network. It has established stable cooperative relationships with internationally renowned institutions such as the University of Edinburgh and the University of Southampton in the UK, KU Leuven in Belgium, the University of Oldenburg in Germany, and Masinde Mulirwo University of Science and Technology in Kenya, covering multiple fields including oceanography, education, faculty and student exchanges, and dual-degree programs.
In February 2026, the university hosted the Global Executive Group of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), comprising representatives from 125 countries. Following friendly discussions, both parties signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate closely in professional development, practical training, research, and innovation. By April 2026, Naledi Pandor, former Minister of Education of South Africa, officially became the President of Nelson Mandela University. In her inaugural address, she issued a call to “Make Good Trouble”—that is, to drive social change through principled activism—thereby highlighting the university’s role as a champion of social justice.
