Funding
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2027 Intake · Creating Opportunities
Apply to the University of Mpumalanga — South Africa's newest public university.
Founded in 2013/2014 and based in Mbombela and Siyabuswa, UMP has grown fast since its first intake of just over a hundred students. Here's exactly what you need to apply for 2027, and by when.
3Faculties
R200Application Fee
30 Nov2026 UG Closing Date
About the university
Creating Opportunities, since 2013/14
The University of Mpumalanga was established in 2013 and welcomed its first cohort of just over 160 students in February 2014, offering a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Diploma in ICT. It was built on the infrastructure of three existing institutions — the Lowveld College of Agriculture, a hospitality school at KaNyamazane, and the Siyabuswa Education Campus — and is one of only two new public universities established in South Africa in recent years, alongside Sol Plaatje University.
UMP's main campus is in Mbombela, with a second campus in Siyabuswa and additional sites of delivery in Marapyane and at the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust. Growth has been rapid: from that first intake to several thousand students today, across an expanding range of qualifications.
Good to know
UMP's academic structure is organised into three Faculties made up of eight Schools. Most undergraduate programmes require a National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor's pass, including at least a Level 4 (50–59%) rating in four 20-credit NSC subjects.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
UMP sets different closing dates depending on the level of study — and some high-demand undergraduate programmes may close earlier once places fill up.
1 JUNE 2026
Applications open
The UMP online application system opens for the 2027 academic year, for all levels of study.
30 NOVEMBER 2026
Undergraduate closes
Final date for undergraduate and Advanced Diploma applications.
30 JANUARY 2027
Postgrad closes
Final date for Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's and Doctoral applications.
EARLIER FOR SOME
High-demand programmes
Popular undergraduate programmes may reach capacity and close before the general date — apply early.
Online only
How to apply to UMP
UMP applications are submitted online through the university's official application portal.
01
Before you start
- Check your programme's admission requirements in the current UMP prospectus.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID or passport and your latest school results.
- Have proof-of-payment details ready for the R200 non-refundable application fee.
02
Submit online
- Go to the official UMP online application system on ump.ac.za.
- Capture your biographical information and create your applicant profile.
- Select up to two programme choices, upload your documents, and pay the application fee.
- Submit before the closing date for your qualification level.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Certified copy of your Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate
- Grade 11 final results, or latest Grade 12 results if you're a current matriculant
- Certified copies of any other relevant academic documents
- Proof of payment for the non-refundable application fee, referenced with your ID or student number
Costs
Application fees
Application feeR200 (non-refundable)
Programme choices per applicationUp to 2
Minimum entry requirementNSC Bachelor's pass
⚠️ Submission of an application does not guarantee admission — places depend on academic results, programme requirements, available space and the university's selection process. Always confirm your reference number when paying the fee.
Where you could study
Faculties at a glance
Faculty
Agriculture and Natural Sciences
Built on the legacy of the Lowveld College of Agriculture, blending technical agricultural knowledge with managerial and business skills.
Faculty
Education
Trains Foundation Phase teachers to lead in an African society and in African languages, with strong emphasis on multilingual and mother-tongue education.
Faculty
Economics, Development and Business Management
Covers business, ICT, hospitality and development-focused programmes, including the legacy hospitality school at KaNyamazane.
Where UMP is based
Campuses and delivery sites
Mbombela
Main campus, at the corner of the R40 and D725 roads.
Siyabuswa
Second campus on Bheki Mfundo Drive, rooted in the former Siyabuswa Education Campus.
Marapyane
Additional site of delivery supporting programme access in the region.
MRTT
Delivery site at the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust.
Keep reading
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Frequently asked questions
When do UMP 2027 applications open and close?
Applications open on 1 June 2026. Undergraduate and Advanced Diploma applications close 30 November 2026. Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's and Doctoral applications close 30 January 2027. Some high-demand programmes may close earlier once places fill — always confirm on the official UMP website.
How much is the application fee?
R200, non-refundable, payable to the university with your ID or student number as reference. Proof of payment must be submitted along with your application.
What are the minimum entry requirements?
Most undergraduate programmes require a National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor's pass, including at least Level 4 (50–59%) in four 20-credit NSC subjects. Some programmes set additional subject-specific requirements.
How many programmes can I apply for?
Applicants can generally select up to two programme choices per application — worth using both if you have a realistic backup alongside your first choice.
Where is UMP located?
UMP's main campus is in Mbombela, with a second campus in Siyabuswa and further delivery sites in Marapyane and at the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust. Established in 2013/2014, it's one of South Africa's newest public universities.
Creating Opportunities starts with applying.
Get your documents ready and submit your University of Mpumalanga application before the closing date for your qualification.
Apply to UMP Now →