South Africa: Nelson Mandela University

Academics

Established in 2005, Nelson Mandela University currently has more than 20,000 students and is one of the few comprehensive universities in South Africa. The university already has a strong track record in both fundamental and applied research, working extensively in partnerships with business and industry professionals.

NMU is the most culturally, linguistically and academically diverse university in South Africa. It prides itself on being at the forefront of the political and educational transformation of higher education in South Africa and is also the largest university campus in the southern hemisphere. 

Courses: NMU offers a comprehensive list of courses (modules) to choose from that align well for UNI students.  Most modules are available to Study Abroad and Exchange students, however, each department/faculty has its own requirements for certain programs and modules. All courses are taught in English though students are able to take Xhosa or Afrikaans as well during their semester at NMU.

Information on courses and when they are offered can be found here. You can see what is offered in specific subjects first and then use the browser to determine if it is available during a specific term. Meet with Study Abroad Staff for assistance with navigating courses. 

Community Service Learning: The International Office offers a unique and popular 2 US credit module called Community Service Learning (CSL 100). This CSL module allows students from abroad with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop their global citizenship through volunteer work. Students will have the opportunity to make a difference in communities where assistance is much needed. Students can volunteer through service-learning initiatives by assisting at one of NMU's approved community-service learning projects. There is an additional cost for the course, which pays for transportation to and from the volunteer site(s).
 

Teaching Methods and Styles: In South Africa, most undergraduate courses consist of lectures, classes, workshops, and tutorials. Students will also have 'unstructured' time providing them with the opportunity for individualized reading and research. Grades are often weighed heavily on exams and other assessments. 

Academic Calendar: The university operates on a semester system. Semester 1 (Spring semester) running from February to June and Semester 2 (Fall semester) running from July to December. When thinking about semester dates, it is important to note that on the other side of the hemisphere, their Spring semester is our Fall and vice versa. When searching for courses, please remember that NMU's Semester 1 is UNI's Spring semester and NMU's Semester 2 is UNI's Fall semester.

Credits and Grades: NMU is a great place to study abroad and receive a sufficient amount of credits. Students need to take 40-60 NMU credits per semester and 100-120 NMU credits per academic year (fall and spring). Grades are also calculated differently. Credit conversions, and grading equivalencies can be found below:

4 NMU credits = 1 US credit.

Credits                                                                     Grades
4 = 1                                                                    75 -- 100 = A
6 = 1.5                                                                 70 -- 74 = B+
7 = 1.8                                                                 65 -- 69 = B
8 = 2                                                                   60 -- 64 = B-
10 = 2.5                                                               57 -- 59 = C+
12 = 3                                                                  54 -- 56 = C
15 = 3.8                                                               51 -- 53 = C-
16 = 4                                                                  Less than 51 = no transfer credit 

Take a view of campus at the video below: 
 

Housing & Meals

International students who choose to study at NMU will live in off-campus, apartment-style accommodation with other international students. Students will have their own rooms and share a restroom and kitchen with one other student. The most common options that UNI students opt for is an "Explorer - Two Bed" accommodation. This is what is used for the cost estimate, but there are more options shown on CampusKey Webpage. 

This accommodation is self-catered and is located extremely close to a grocery store and restaurants. The accommodation also offers an exercise facility and a common area game room. The university has multiple levels of security to ensure student safety. 

CampusKey is located 100 meters from the beach, 2km from the main campus, and is centrally located to all other amenities and boasts a diverse mix of students from every corner of the world.

Further details on CampusKey can be found on the student living page.

Health & Wellbeing

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

• Review your destination-specific health risks
• Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
• Provide guidance on food and water safety
• Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
• Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Important Information to Review

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to South Africa, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Immigration Information:

Information on the visa process for South Africa can be found at www.southafrica-usa.net/homeaffairs/jurisdiction.htm. 

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to South Africa

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). View eligibility requirements.