On this page, you will find the list of requirements to study nursing in South African universities, based on the actual nursing courses which are offered. We looked at the required APS scores, subjects required, and marks (percentages).
Contents
UFS Nursing Requirements
Here’s a detailed guide on the application requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing program at the University of the Free State (UFS) for the year 2025:
To study nursing at the University of the Free State (UFS), the requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing program are:
- Admission Point (AP): Minimum of 30.
- Language of Instruction: Minimum of 50%.
- Mathematics: At least 40% or Mathematical Literacy at least 70%.
- Science: Either 60% in Life Sciences or 50% in Physical Sciences.
- Complete Application: Must include all supporting documents, including a medical certificate.
Applications must be submitted online by the deadline of July 31 for the following year’s intake.
The School of Nursing at UFS is known for its outstanding simulation, teaching, and learning facilities, which provide a cutting-edge environment for nursing students.
Application Process:
- Deadline: Prospective students must apply by 31 July of the preceding year to be considered for the upcoming academic session.
- How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online through the UFS official website.
Selection Criteria:
- Selection is primarily based on academic performance and meeting the minimum criteria.
- Due to regulations set by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), only 75 first-year students are admitted to the Bachelor of Nursing program annually at UFS.
Minimum Admission Requirements:
- Admission Point Score (AP): A minimum AP of 30 is required.
- Language Proficiency: At least 50% in the language of instruction.
- Mathematics: A minimum of 40% in Mathematics or 70% in Mathematical Literacy.
- Science Requirements: Applicants must score at least 60% in Life Sciences or 50% in Physical Sciences.
Additional Requirements:
- All applicants are required to submit a complete application including all supporting documents, one of which must be a medical certificate confirming the applicant’s capability to undertake the program.
- Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Documentation:
Make sure to include the following in your application:
- Certified copy of your academic transcripts and grade reports.
- Certified copy of your ID or passport.
- Proof of residence.
- Medical certificate.
Contact Information:
For more details about the application process or any other inquiries, you can contact the UFS School of Nursing via email at Klopper1@ufs.ac.za.
Nursing Requirements at Wits
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers great nursing programs through its Faculty of Health Sciences. Here’s a quick guide to the nursing requirements at Wits:
Prospective students must have achieved the following in their National Senior Certificate (NSC):
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Minimum Level 4
- Mathematics: Minimum Level 4
- Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences: Minimum Level 4
Composite Index (CI) Score
The Faculty of Health Sciences uses a Composite Index (CI) score for applicant selection. This score is based on:
- Matric Results (60% weighting):
- Five subjects are considered: English, Mathematics, the best of Physical Sciences or Life Sciences, and the two best other subjects.
- The percentage achieved in each subject is used rather than the symbol.
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) Scores (40% weighting):
- The average of the NBT scores contributes to the final CI score.
- All applicants must write the NBT, which should be completed by August 11.
Additional Information on NBT
- Validity: NBT results are valid for three years, and Wits considers only the first attempt of the most recent year’s results.
- Exceptions:
- Applicants to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) or Graduate Entry Physiotherapy Programme (GEPP), and those in their final year of or holding a bachelor’s degree, do not need to write the NBT.
Further information about NBT test dates and registration is available at www.nbt.ac.za.
To explore the Wits nursing program and its application process in detail, visit the Faculty of Health Sciences at www.wits.ac.za/health or check the course finder at Nursing at Wits.
VUT Nursing Requirements
Below you will find the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing and the National Higher Diploma/B Tech Community Nursing programs at Vaal University of Technology.
VUT Nursing Requirements:
- Bachelor of Nursing (R425):
- Mathematics, Life Orientation, Life Science, English, and Physical Science all at Level 4.
- Two additional subjects with a combined score of 6.
- Minimum APS of 26.
- National Higher Diploma Community Nursing:
- Matric Certificate/STD 10.
- Diploma in General Nursing, or Diploma in Midwifery or Psychiatry.
- B Tech Community Nursing:
- Matric Certificate/STD 10.
- Diploma in General Nursing, plus Diploma in Midwifery/Psychiatry and Community Nursing, or Diploma in Nursing (General, Community Health, and Psychiatry) and Midwifery.
- Minimum 60% average in General Nursing, Midwifery/Psychiatry, and Community Nursing.
UJ Nursing Requirements
To study the Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Johannesburg, prospective students need to meet the following subjects requirements:
- Academic Performance Score (APS): Minimum of 30.
- Language Requirements: English at Level 5 (60%+).
- Mathematics: At least Level 4 (50%+).
- Physical Sciences: Minimum Level 4 (50%+).
- Life Sciences: Minimum Level 4 (50%+).
- Further Education Certificate: Must hold a certificate with full exemption, level 4.
- Clinical Learning Facilities: Availability is limited, and additional criteria may apply.
Note: Mathematical Literacy is not accepted, and Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Nursing
To apply for the Bachelor of Nursing at UJ, prospective students must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Performance Score (APS): Minimum APS of 30.
- Language Requirements: English at level 5 (60%+).
- Mathematics: At least level 4 (50%+).
- Physical Sciences: Minimum level 4 (50%+).
- Life Sciences: Minimum level 4 (50%+).
- Further Education Certificate: Applicants must hold a Further Education Certificate (level 4) with full exemption.
- Clinical Learning Facilities: Availability is limited, and additional selection criteria may apply.
Note: Mathematical Literacy is not accepted, and Life Orientation should be excluded when calculating the APS.
More about the Bachelor of Nursing at UJ
Postgraduate: Master of Nursing Science in Professional Nursing Science
For the Master of Nursing Science in Professional Nursing Science at UJ, students need:
- Qualification Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree with 480 approved credits at NQF level 8, or
- A postgraduate diploma at NQF level 8.
- Academic Achievement: Minimum 65% in core modules of the undergraduate qualification that aligns with the master’s specialization.
- Nursing Education: Passed nursing education at NQF level 8 (level 3).
- Professional Registration: Proof of registration with the SANC as a general nurse and nurse educator.
- Employment Requirements: Full-time or part-time employment as a nursing practitioner if required by the research topic.
More about the Master of Nursing Science at UJ
Doctor of Nursing Science in Professional Nursing Science
The Doctor of Nursing Science at UJ requires the following:
- Qualification Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree with 480 approved credits at NQF level 8, or
- A postgraduate diploma at NQF level 8.
- Academic Achievement: At least 65% in core modules of the undergraduate qualification relevant to the intended master’s specialization.
- Nursing Education: Passed nursing education at NQF level 8 (level 3).
- Professional Registration: Proof of registration with the SANC as a general nurse and nurse educator.
These requirements ensure a high standard for prospective nursing professionals aiming to deepen their expertise through postgraduate studies.
SMU Nursing Requirements
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) offers the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM) degree under the School of Health Care Sciences (SHC B2). Admission to this program is competitive, and the Selection Committee evaluates applicants based on the following requirements:
Minimum Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) endorsed for a bachelor’s degree study, accompanied by a full exemption certificate from the South Africa Matriculation Board.
- An APS (Admission Point Score) of at least 25 or a minimum combined score of 16 from the first four subjects listed below.
Required Subjects and Scores for Nursing at SMU
- Life Sciences: Minimum score of 4
- Mathematics: Minimum score of 4
- Physical Sciences: Minimum score of 4
- Language of Learning/English: Minimum score of 4
- Additional Subject 1: Minimum score of 3
- Additional Subject 2: Minimum score of 3
- Life Orientation: Minimum score of 3
TUT Nursing Requirements
Below are the requirements for nursing studies at Tshwane University of Technology:
Admission Requirements
To apply for the nursing program at TUT, you must meet the following academic criteria:
- Educational Background: a National Senior Certificate with a bachelor’s degree endorsement, or an equivalent qualification,
- Subject Requirements: Minimum achievement level of 4 (approximately 50-59%) in:
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language),
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, and
- Life Sciences.
- International Qualifications: Candidates with qualifications obtained outside of South Africa must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Selection Criteria and Procedures
The selection process for the TUT nursing program:
- Phase 1: Initial screening based on the Admission Point Score (APS), which must be at least 25, excluding Life Orientation.
- Phase 2: Applicants with an APS between 25 and 29 undergo a TUT potential assessment test, needing at least a 50% score to move forward.
- Phase 3: Applicants scoring an APS of 30 or higher are exempt from the potential assessment and automatically considered for entry into the program.
This rigorous selection process helps ensure that only the most capable and dedicated students are admitted, maintaining the high standards of TUT’s nursing education.
Academic Structure and Opportunities
The nursing program spans four years, involving intensive day classes that cover both theoretical and practical aspects of nursing. Successful completion of this program leads to registration as a professional nurse and midwife, opening doors to various career opportunities in healthcare settings.
Further academic pursuits include:
- Master of Nursing (MNursing)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Science
Application Details
- Intake Session: January of each year.
- Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by June 15th for the following year’s intake.
- Application Status: Applicants can check their status via the TUT website.
SMU Nursing Requirements
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) offers the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM) degree under the School of Health Care Sciences (SHC B2). Below are the requirements:
Minimum Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) endorsed for a bachelor’s degree study, accompanied by a full exemption certificate from the South Africa Matriculation Board.
- An APS (Admission Point Score) of at least 25 or a minimum combined score of 16 from the first four subjects listed below.
Required Subjects and Scores for Nursing at SMU
- Life Sciences: Minimum score of 4
- Mathematics: Minimum score of 4
- Physical Sciences: Minimum score of 4
- Language of Learning/English: Minimum score of 4
- Additional Subject 1: Minimum score of 3
- Additional Subject 2: Minimum score of 3
- Life Orientation: Minimum score of 3
If you would like to study Nursing from the Nursing Colleges in South Africa, other than the universities listed above, you can find all the Nursing Colleges in South Africa Here
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