In South Africa you can study nursing at diploma or degree level. At any level and across various universities, admission requirements are absolutely different. We look at admission requirements for nursing program in various South African universities
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA BACHELOR OF NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission requirements
Mathematics, Physical Science, Biology or Physiology are recommended subjects. Selection is based on academic merit. An AP-score Grade 11(25) and Grade 12(24) is required. A personal interview is conducted with every applicant. An NSC for degree purposes is required with the following minimum subject requirements and AP-score per subject, indicated in brackets:
- English (4);
- Additional Language (4);
- Four other subjects (4);
- Life Orientation (4) – Life Orientation is excluded from the APS-calculation.
Admission to the course is subject to Departmental selection, and applications close on 31 May of the preceding year. Selection also includes writing the University’s admission test.
UNIVERSITY OF WITWATERSRAND SOUTH AFRICA BACHELOR OF NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
English HL or 1st Add Lang – 4
Mathematics – 4
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science – 4
If you are applying to the Faculty of Health Sciences, you will not be selected solely on your school leaving results, although they are very important. A composite index is calculated, taking into consideration
(1) your academic results for FIVE subjects and (2) National Benchmark Test scores. Only five subjects are used to derive a matriculation score, which is calculated according to the percentages obtained, NOT symbols. These are English, Mathematics, Physical Science/ Life Sciences and
the best two other subjects.
(Dentistry requires Physical Science and Life Sciences and the best other subject).
ALL applicants (excluding applicants who are applying to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme – GEMP only) are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
GEMP applicants may be invited to the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT) and all applicants are advised to prepare in the event that they are invited. For more information on the WAPT please refer to:
UNIVERSITY OF KWA ZULU NATAL BACHELOR OF NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Requirements
- You must have a matriculation exemption. If you are still in Standard 10/Grade 12, you may be included in the selection procedure, but your selection is conditional pending your final matric results.
- You need to be in reasonably good health (will have a physical examination)
Application requirements
APS score of 27/32, with compulsory NSC subject English 4 (HL/FAL)and Mathematics Literacy or Mathematics at Level 3 and Life Orientation Level 4, or matric exemption 32 points
How to apply
The Central Admissions Office handles admissions to all tertiary education institutions in the region, so make sure that you indicate that you want to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Your completed application form must be returned to the office by the 30 September, together with a completed Health Questionnaire, which is obtainable with the application form from the Central Application Office, COA contact details : 031 268 4444.
NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Entry requirements
- The table below explains how well you will need to do in your school subjects to meet the minimum entry requirements for each type of qualification.
- It is important to note that the table refers to minimum entry requirements.
- The university may add additional requirements for specific programmes.
Qualification | Minimum Statutory Entry Requirement |
Higher Certificate | Pass on the NSC |
Diploma | Pass NSC with: An achievement rating of 3 (40 -49 %) or better in four subjects, together with any other university requirements. |
Bachelors Degree | Pass NSC with: An achievement rating of 4 (50 – 59 %) or better in four subjects from the designated list, together with any other university requirements. |
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA) BACHELOR OF NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission and re-admission requirements
Qualification admission requirements
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning.
Applicants have to be registered with the SA Nursing Council (SANC) or equivalent registering body as a professional nurse.
Applicants, who do not comply with the above requirements, should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
UNIVERSITY OF THE CAPE TOWN BACHELOR OF NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admissions Requirements
General Criteria for Admission to the University for 2017
In order to study at the University of the Western Cape the applicant must have met the following criteria:
- The National Senior Certificate (NSC) required for Degree, Diploma or Higher Certificate study, as appropriate.
- To qualify for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), a learner needs seven subjects consisting of four compulsory subjects and three subjects of the learner’s choice.
- The four compulsory subjects are: two languages, one being the students Home Language and the other a first additional Language, Life Orientation and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- The learner has to achieve a rating of at least 4 (50-59%) for four designated subjects in order to be eligible for degree study.
- In addition to the above, UWC has its own programme requirements which is specified in the tables below.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOMPO BACHELOR OF NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission Requirements for first entering students
Applying at University of Limpopo
Application process:
Step 1: Download application form from our website or apply online www.ul.ac.za/online
Step 2: Your academic application form must be accompanied by an application fee which is R200-00 for South African students and R345-00 for International students.
Step 3: Once you have submitted your application form, please wait for 4 weeks before checking on your application status.
Application closing date: 29 September 2015 (Both SA and International students)
*Note: make sure that you meet or exceed the admission requirements as set out on the prospectus. Only Bachelor Certificate holders are eligible to apply for admission.
1.1 National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor exemption
Prospective students, with an NSC, who wish to gain entry to any undergraduate programme at the University of Limpopo, should comply with the following:
- Life Orientation with an achievement level of at least three (3).
- Aligned with the language policy of the university, English as a language of learning and teaching with an achievement level of at least three (3).
- The required minimum levels of achievement in specific subjects as stipulated in the Calendars of each Faculty, provided that:
- Four 20-credit subjects were achieved with a minimum NSC achievement level of four (4) for degree programmes and
- Four 20-credit subjects were achieved with a minimum NSC achievement level of three (3) for diploma programmes.
- The required Admission Point Score (APS) as stipulated in the Calendars of each Faculty.
Meeting the minimum APS for a particular programme does not, however, guarantee admission.
1.2 Matriculation Certificate (prior 2008)
- Students, who successfully completed Grade 12 before 2008, can apply for admission to the University with the normal Grade 12 Senior Certificate with full university exemption by converting their grade symbols to an APS.
1.3 National Certificate (Vocational)
- Students who have successfully completed a National Certificate Vocational NC(V) Level 4 qualification will require the following and will be subject to Faculty Admission Specifications and Placement Tests:
- NC(V) level 4 certificate with 3 fundamental subjects 60% (Life Orientation included) and 4 relevant vocational subjects at 70% for degree programmes.
- NC(V) level 4 certificate with 3 fundamental subjects 50% (Life Orientation included) and 3 compulsory vocational subjects at 60% for diploma programmes.
1.4 The Admission Point Score (APS) system
The system is a simple calculation, using your NSC or Grade 12 university exemption results, which can be done by any prospective student to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements to gain entry into:
- The University of Limpopo
and
- A specific programme of choice offered by a Faculty within the University.
Meeting the minimum APS for a particular programme does not, however, guarantee admission.
The calculation is done by the addition of the achievement levels in six (6) recognised 20 credit subjects as stipulated by specific requirements of the Faculties. Achievement levels are as follows (Note Life Orientation is not used in the APS calculation):
NSC Achievement Level | NSC% | Senior Certificate Higher Grade | Senior Certificate Standard Grade | APS | NC(V) |
7 | 80-99 | A | 7 | 5 | |
6 | 70-79 | B | A | 6 | 4 |
5 | 60-69 | C | B | 5 | 3 |
4 | 50-59 | D | C | 4 | 3 |
3 | 40-49 | E | D | 3 | 2 |
2 | 30-39 | F | E | 2 | 1 |
1 | 0-29 | G | F | 1 | 1 |
The following is an example of an APS calculation:
School subject | NSC Achievement level | Senior certificate (Higher grade) |
APS |
Language 1 | 4 | D | 4 |
Language 2 | 4 | D | 4 |
Mathematics | 6 | B | 6 |
Physical Science | 6 | B | 6 |
Life Science | 7 | A | 7 |
Accounting | 2 | F | 2 |
APS Total | 29 |
- Qualifications other than the NSC
Prospective students should get verification of the qualification from Higher Education South Africa (HESA). More information can be obtained from www.hesa.org.za. Prospective students with matriculation qualifications from outside the borders of South Africa, can also contact the International Office on +27 (0) 15 268 3046.
APS Conversion Table for Non- NSC examinations.
APS | NSC | IGCSE/ GCSE/ NSSCO-Level | HIGCSE/ NSSC HL | AS Level | A-Level | IB-HL | IB-SL |
10 | A | 7 | |||||
9 | |||||||
8 | 8 (90-100) |
B | 6 | ||||
7 | 7 (80-89%) |
1 | A | C | 5 | 7 | |
6 | 6 (70-79%) |
2 | B | D | 4 | 6 | |
5 | 5 (60-69%) |
A | 3 | C | E | 5 | |
4 | 4 (50-59%) |
B | 3 | D | 4 | ||
3 | 3 (40-49%) |
C | 4 | E | 3 | ||
2 | 2 (30-39%) |
D/E | 2 | ||||
1 | 1 (0-29%) |
F/G | 1 | ||||
NSC – National Senior Certificate (completed Grade 12 in and after 2008) IGCSE – International General Certificate of Secondary Education NSSC – Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate HIGCSE – Higher International General Certificate of Secondary Education A Level Advanced level O Level – Ordinary Level AS – Advanced subsidiary IB-HL International Baccalaureate Higher Level IB-SL International Baccalaureate Standard Level |
- Placement Test
The University of Limpopo will conduct National Benchmarking Tests for prospective students. The results of the test will be used for research in terms of student profiles and for allocation of appropriate support.
- Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP)
The extended curriculum programmes offered at the University are linked to the corresponding approved regular undergraduate degree programmes, but allow students an additional year to achieve the learning outcomes. Results of the Placement Tests are of particular relevance to gain access into these programmes.
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE BACHELOR OF NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Due to the demand of the nursing profession and limited practical training facilities, prospective students for the BSocSc Nursing Degree are subjected to selection.
- All prospective students for the above field of study must write the NBT (National Benchmark Tests). Results of this test will serve as additional guide for selection.
- Please refer to the selection form for this year’s closing date.
Method of selection
- Selection takes place according to the Selection Policy of the School of Nursing.
- Final selection will only take place in January after the final Grade 12 results are obtained.
Application for Admission
- A prospective student must submit his/her completed application for admission form to the university, selection form, medical report, health questionnaire and photographs to:
The Program Director: Undergraduate programme,
School of Nursing,
Faculty of Health Sciences,
UFS
P.O. Box 339,
Bloemfontein,
9300
RHODES UNIVERSITY NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The minimum entry requirements for admission to Rhodes University in 2017 are set out in the following table below. Note (a) the point levels that are required (b) the differences in the achievement levels that are needed for Mathematical Literacy, (c) the need for Life and/or Physical Sciences for degrees in Science or Pharmacy.
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ADMISSION POINT SCORE (APS)
The percentages achieved in National Senior Certificate examinations (preliminary and final examinations) will be allocated an admissions score using the percentage obtained for each subject. The sum of six subject scores, excluding Life Orientation but including English and any other required subject(s) for the relevant programme is considered when deciding on admission. Results below 40% for any subject do not attract a score. Mathematics Paper 3 does not contribute to the APS score but the results will be captured for the Dean to note when making an admission decision.
EXAMPLES OF POINTS CALCULATIONS
English Home Language | 78% | 7.8 points |
Afrikaans/isiXhosa first/Additional Language | 73% | 7.3 points |
Mathematics | 69% | 6.9 points |
Life Sciences | 70% | 7.0 points |
Dramatic Arts | 89% | 8.9 points |
Accounting | 73% | 7.3 points |
Life Orientation | 90% | 0 points |
Additional Mathematics | 60% | 0 points |
TOTAL POINTS | 45.2 points |
DEANS DECISIONS
An application is usually (and wisely) made well in advance of knowing your final results, in which case the application form requires your school to supply provisional results, based on internal examinations. If your provisional scores are very promising you may well be offered a place to study even before you take the final examinations. Please note an offer is conditional subject to you obtaining “Bachelor Degree Status” and your admissions point score (APS) being maintained or improved.
If you do not meet the APS score of 45 points for automatic acceptance, you may still be considered for a place at the Dean’s discretion. Such places are usually offered with some extra conditions. Some places are usually offered to students with an APS score of 34 – 44 with some extra conditions (see extended studies below). It is therefore very important to give full information when completing the application form as this is the information that the Dean will use for making a decision.
Extended Studies Programme
This is an alternative route to university studies at Rhodes. A limited number of students who show potential to succeed are exposed to a carefully designed and supportive learning environment which enhances their ability to succeed at Rhodes University. This option is for students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds on condition that they take their degree over an extra year at University. It is therefore very important to give full information when completing the application form as this is the information that the Dean will use in making a decision.
NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS (NBT’S)
It is recommended that all first-time university entering South African applicants write the NBT’s. If the applicant does not meet the automatic entry requirements the NBT results will be used by the Dean to make decisions on applications. These test results can also be used if a candidate does not meet the entrance requirements in their final examinations.
There are two NBT’s. The Academic and Quantitative literacy test (AQL) consists of two components, namely academic literacy and quantitative literacy. An applicant will be awarded separate scores for each component, even though they are written as one test. Applicants to all faculties should write the AQL. The Mathematics test is based on the Mathematics Grade 12 Syllabus. Applicants who wish to enter Pharmacy, Science or Commerce should write the Mathematics Test. One score is awarded for the Mathematics Test.
For further information about the NBT’s, dates and venues, please visit www.nbt.ac.za or 021 650 3523.
International requirements
40 points and above will receive a firm offer, 37 – 39 points will remain on hold until the end of September to be considered by the Dean if space is available.
For candidates who offer A, O, HIGCSE & IGCSE, five different subjects are counted. The basic minimum requirement for admission to the University is a certificate of Full Exemption or Foreign Conditional Exemption from the Matriculation Board. Applicants who have passed A levels are eligible for full exemption provided the passes in approved subjects meet the following requirements:
A-level: symbols A-E (minimum of 2 subjects)
AS-level: symbols A-D (4 subjects and 1 at O-level)
O-level: symbols A-C (maximum of 3 subjects)
At least 2 subjects at A-level and 3 different subjects at O-level or 3 subjects at A-level and 2 at O-level
HIGCSE/IGCSE qualification:
HIGCSE: symbols 1-3 (4 subjects)
IGCSE: symbols A-C (1 subject)
International Baccalaureate (B)
3 High level (HL) subjects: Grade 4
4 Standard Level (SL) subjects: Grade 5
Points rating
Symbol/Result/ Grade | Points Awarded | |||||||
A, O & IGCSE | HIGCE | IB | A Level | AS Level | HIGCSE | O Level & IGCSE |
IB HL SL |
|
A | 1 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 10 | 7 |
B | 2 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 6 |
C | 3 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 5 |
D | 4 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | ||
E | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
If you are applying for Pharmacy your A Levels or AS Levels must include Mathematics, Science and Biology. If you are applying for Science your A Levels, AS Levels or O Levels should include Mathematics, Science and Biology
With at least 1 subject from each of the following groups:
Group I | English |
Group II | Afrikaans, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Nederlands, Portuguese or
any other language approved by HESA |
Group III | Biology, Botany, Chemistry, General Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Physics & Chemistry, Zoology or any of the following if not offered under Group II – Afrikaans, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Nederlands or any other language approved by HESA |
Please note that Psychology, Sociology, Physical Education, General Paper and Thinking Skills are not recognised subjects for entry to a South African University.
If you have 2 A Level passes but do not have a second language, application should be made to HESA (through your University after registration) for a Foreign Conditional Exemption. The onus is on you to acquire this certificate.
Can i please send my IGCSE results so that i see if i do qualify in the nursing university.