Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) opened on 1 January 2005, the result of the merging of the PE Technikon the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE) and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University (Vista PE).
History
The PE Technikon has its roots in the country’s oldest art school, the PE Art School founded in 1882; the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), the country’s first dual-medium residential university, came into being on 31 January 1964; and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista university, which opened up access to higher education for disadvantaged students.
Education
Mandela believed that education was a force of good and called on all South Africans to treasure knowledge and never stop learning. He valued diversity - especially the coming together of different minds, different backgrounds, different talents and different approaches to achieve greatness.
He also made it clear that his contribution was just the beginning; calling on students, academics, and universities to forge new paths, and bring about new cycles of economic innovation, democratic change and equality.
Nelson Mandela UniversityKey Statistics & Highlights
Below you will find scholarships related to Nelson Mandela University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1410
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 151 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
1268
1259
1410
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
-
1201
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
1401
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
-
-
1401
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
The Nelson Mandela University provides different types of residences for students at different stages of their development. Residences are located on the Summerstrand North, South, Second Avenue and George Campus.
In addition, three senior undergraduate residences and Post Graduate Student Village (PGSV) on the Summerstrand Campus exist.
Library services
In pursuance of the Nelson Mandela University vision in becoming a dynamic African University that provides cutting edge knowledge for a sustainable future, Nelson Mandela University LIS aspires to be the global leading academic library and information service that is recognized as an innovative, creative and accessible partner in advancing the teaching and engagement goals of the University.
Campus life
Nelson Mandela University is the largest higher education institution in the Eastern and Southern Cape, with some 27 000 students enrolled on seven different campuses or delivery sites – six located in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, and one in the beautiful city of George.
The multi-campus structure enables Nelson Mandela University to be closely involved with, and geographically closer to, the communities it serves. The main campus of Nelson Mandela University is situated in Summerstrand, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
The faculties are spread across the six campuses, and in some cases programmes are duplicated on more than one campus.
Sports facilities
Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre (South Campus), Madibaz Indoor Sport Centre Missionvale Campus
Accreditation
Yes, programmes offered at Nelson Mandela University are internationally recognised and accredited by the relevant professional bodies.
I liked it's location and how they handled the education system, good engineering faculty, the inclusive vibes, and less protest drama what I disliked is the slow administration, weak job placements,
Posted bySihle
Studied fromUnknown
Posted onAug 2026
5/5
Nelson Mandela university review
The facility is amazing and the lecturers, especially student support are so exceptional.I got there as a fresher and the freshers welcoming was out of this world.And today I hold a bachelor's degree with them and its a very reputable university.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromUnknown
Posted onAug 2026
4/5
My Experience
very well-organized university situated near the ocean, which is a plus for me. The student experience depends on the individuals because a lot of the students come from townships and rural areas. The facilities are not the best, but you can work with them. Campuses and lectures are not the best, but you can do with what you have been given. The overall experience is 60/100
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