FAQ

30 September 2025

International Applicants: Deadline - 30 September 2025 (Application fee - please consult International Office

Applicants who do not meet direct entry (matric subject) requirements can be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) access. Granting RPL access is subject to:

RPL candidates are strongly advised to contact the department directly for tailored advice, attach a copy of the matric certificate with the query to info.emc@mandela.ac.za

ONLY accepted and registered BEMC students may apply for Recognition of module credits/exemptions (passed elsewhere) are subject to Departmental approval. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is granted and approved for applicants who have not met the matric subject requirements and requesting permission to apply using their previous EMC qualification(s) and experience.
 Applying for module credits or module exemption is registered BEMC students requesting permission to sign-off a module as a result of having passed a similar curriculum at another university.

Selection are scheduled for October and November in Port Elizabeth on university premises.

Selections are by invitation only, applicants who have been invited are given the exact dates via email.

 

Absolutely, yes! Not attending selections when invited = an incomplete application = cancellation of your application.

If the programme is not full, another selection round may be held in January of the intake year

Applicants referred to the department are expected to attend a one-day session that we call Selections. Selections consists of an information session, followed by a fitness, strength, swimming and phobia test.

Maintain fitness by doing exercises such as aerobics, running, swimming etc.

It is recommended that you do not apply for the B(EMC) programme unless you can find a way to overcome your phobias.


Due to the rigorous physical training requirements of the Emergency Medical Care programme, we regret that we are unable to accommodate individuals with physical impediments. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore other opportunities suited to your abilities within the university.

You will not be excluded if you cannot swim at the time of selections, but it will be to your advantage if you can. If you're accepted into the programme, you will need to pass a swimming assessment by the end of your 2nd year as part of the Physical Preparedness module. However, if you have a fear of water (aquaphobia), you are strongly advised to consider a different programme within our university that does not require swimming.

The 1st-Year is approximately R50 000 excluding Residence fees. Create your personal fee estimation here

The fee online fee estimation excludes the following items that are only charged after a student is registered:

 

  • Uniform & Equipment  +/- R 15 000 once-off
  • Indemnity Insurance cover  = R400-1000 annual
  • HPCSA registration  +/- R 350 once off
  • It is essential that you have a good working knowledge of the EMS industry. If you haven’t worked on an ambulance or in the EMS, then it would be very helpful for you to work a few shifts as a volunteer with an ambulance service;
  • It is imperative that you set-up your support systems to excel as a student. This entails having the financial means, support by family and loved ones, continuous internet access as well as trustworthy transport.

This varies according to each employer, yet an approximate figure would be R350 000 per annum. This amount is often doubled or tripled if working overseas.


In South Africa there are many job opportunities, especially for Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs) with the degree qualification. Also, many South African ECPs work overseas.


Visit the university Study at Mandela page for all the necessary information. In essence, you need to fill in an online application form and submit it with the necessary supporting documentation as stated on the application form. The admissions department is situated at Nelson Mandela University South Campus, Ground Floor, in the Embizweni building.


International Students please refer to the International Office for additional information.

Please visit International Office page to find the correct application process for the B(EMC) programme. 

There is limited annual intake for international students. All international candidates are expected to physically attend the compulsory Selection Day set out and will be communicated to potential candidates by the Department. Unfortunately, candidates who cannot make it to the Selection day, his/her space will be filled in by those who can/will be present on that day. In other words, the preference of candidate finalisation will mainly rest on candicates' presence at Selection day.