Every year, the University offers prospective students an “insider view” of what they can expect when they choose to study at the institution. The Open Days are taking place on 10 and 11 March, in Gqeberha, and 17 and 18 March, in George.
This year, Open Day is taking place earlier than usual, which was a decision informed by applications for the 2024 academic year opening in April.
“The University decided to move the Open Day weekends earlier to afford prospective students, teachers and parents/guardians ample opportunity to get an insider view of our institutional offering early enough, to be able to make an informed decision when they begin the application process,” said Student Recruitment Events Specialist, Nosithembele Mrara, who coordinates the Open Days.
For the past two years, the University held its Open Days virtually through a series of webinars, where respective faculties showcased their unique offerings.
This year, scores of learners from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and surrounding areas – some from as far afield as East London – and the greater Garden Route, will have an in-person experience at the Missionvale Campus, in Gqeberha, and at the Furntech Building, on the George Campus.
The 2023 Open Days will also be the first in which the recently launched MBChB programme will be showcased, affording prospective medical students an opportunity to pose questions relating to the programme.
The Open Day weekend in Gqeberha will also include a parent information session that will be addressed by the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, Dr Muki Moeng.
“The aim of Open Days is to showcase all that Nelson Mandela University has to offer – from academic programmes, student life and sport, to extracurricular assistance such as psychosocial support from the Emthonjeni Student Wellness,” Mrara said.
“They offer prospective students an opportunity to interact with the various offerings, enjoy demonstrations and be able to ask questions that will aid in their decision-making prior to application.
“High school learners, primarily those in Grade 11 and 12, are encouraged to participate in and attend Open Day and see what Mandela University has to offer, as well as to timeously apply to the institution for an increased chance of acceptance.”
While Open Day primarily targets the undergraduate market – Grade 11 and 12 learners – it is recommended that learners from Grade 9 begin to take interest in such initiatives to equip them in their subject choice decision-making. This can be done by visiting the University’s MyFuture web page.
The University looks forward to hosting learners from various corners of the Eastern and Western Cape and trust that they will find value in Open Day.
