Choosing the right nursing program is a crucial step for aspiring healthcare professionals.
In South Africa, numerous universities and colleges offer nursing degrees, each with distinct Admission Point Score (APS) requirements that reflect the academic rigor and competitiveness of the program. Understanding these APS requirements is essential for prospective students to gauge their eligibility and prepare adequately for their applications.

The APS is calculated based on the student’s performance in their matriculation subjects, primarily focusing on key areas such as English, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences. This scoring system helps institutions assess the preparedness of applicants for the demands of nursing education. Here, we have compiled a detailed list of APS requirements for nursing programs across various higher education institutions in South Africa. Each program has specific criteria that must be met, and this guide aims to provide prospective nursing students with the information needed to navigate their way through the application process effectively.

How Many Points are Needed for Nursing Studies in SA:

Here are the APS (Admission Point Score) requirements for 20 nursing programs at various institutions in South Africa:

  1. University of Pretoria (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
    • APS: Minimum of 25 points required.
    • Requires Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Languages at specific levels.
  2. North-West University (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Minimum of 25 points required.
    • Important subjects include Physical Science or Life Sciences, and Mathematics, all at Level 4 (50%).
  3. Tshwane University of Technology (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Minimum of 27 points required.
    • Key subjects include English, Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, and Life Sciences.
  4. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery)
    • APS: At least 25 points.
    • Requires English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
  5. University of Johannesburg (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Generally, 25 points are needed.
    • Subjects like Mathematics, Life Sciences, and English are important.
  6. Stellenbosch University (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: 30 points typically required.
    • Emphasizes Mathematics, Physical Sciences/Life Sciences, and Language proficiency.
  7. Durban University of Technology (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Minimum of 28 points required.
    • Key subjects include English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
  8. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Around 27 points.
    • Important subjects include Mathematics, Life Sciences, and English.
  9. University of the Free State (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Minimum of 28 points typically needed.
    • Subjects include Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Language of instruction.
  10. Walter Sisulu University (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
    • APS: 28 points required.
    • Focuses on Life Sciences, Mathematics, and English proficiency.
  11. University of Cape Town (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Minimum of 38 points.
    • This high APS requirement reflects the program’s comprehensive curriculum and competitive nature.
  12. Rhodes University (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
    • APS: Minimum of 30 points.
    • Prioritizes subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, and English.
  13. Nelson Mandela University (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
    • APS: At least 30 points required.
    • Focus on academic proficiency in English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.
  14. University of KwaZulu-Natal (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Minimum of 32 points.
    • Strong emphasis on Life Sciences, English, and Mathematics.
  15. University of the Western Cape (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: 28 points required.
    • Subjects such as Mathematics, Life Sciences, and a language are key to reaching the needed score.
  16. Central University of Technology, Free State (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: Minimum of 24 points.
    • Focuses on English, Mathematics, and Life Sciences as core subjects for evaluation.
  17. Vaal University of Technology (Bachelor of Nursing)
    • APS: 25 points needed.
    • Requires good grades in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English.
  18. University of Limpopo (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
    • APS: Minimum of 26 points.
    • A focus on achieving high marks in key science subjects and English or the language of instruction.
  19. University of Venda (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
  20. University of Fort Hare (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
    • APS: Minimum of 26 points.
    • Critical subjects include Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and English.
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Please confirm with the relevant institutions te get the most up to date info.