Nelson Mandela University has residences on its South, North and 2nd Avenue campuses, and every residence student pays a R500 registration fee each year. The university’s pages I could open list no per-residence prices, so I have not quoted any. Port Elizabeth is now officially called Gqeberha, and the university’s postal address is there.
Details come from Nelson Mandela University’s student housing account guide and residence registration fee page, checked on 30 October 2026. Neither page states the academic year its amounts apply to. Amounts are in South African rand (R).
Fees and payment rules
- Registration fee: R500, charged to your account every year and non-refundable, even if you cancel your residence place.
- Down payment: expected from every prospective resident before residence registration. Sponsored students, NSFAS-funded students and university bursary holders may be exempt if a bursary or loan covers accommodation and any previous debt is settled.
- Semester 1 (January to June): fees must be paid in full by 30 April.
- Semester 2 (July to November): fees must be paid in full by 30 September. Unpaid semester 1 fees block your return for semester 2.
- Recess: fees cover academic semesters only and exclude the winter and summer breaks.
- Changes: room changes, new occupancies and cancellations take effect at the end of a month, because fees are set monthly.
The university links a “Fees per Residence” page for room prices. I could not open it, so ask the Student Housing office for the current schedule before you budget.
Private accommodation
I have not listed suburbs or private rents, because I could not verify them against reliable sources. View any room in person or on a live video call, get a written lease and never pay before you have one.
FAQs about student accommodation in Port Elizabeth
Is Port Elizabeth the same as Gqeberha?
Yes. The city is now officially Gqeberha, though many people still search for Port Elizabeth.
When are Nelson Mandela University residence fees due?
By 30 April for the January to June semester and by 30 September for July to November.
Sources
- Nelson Mandela University: residence down payments, deposits and registration fees
- Nelson Mandela University: residence registration fees
All checked 30 October 2026.
