To meet the requirements to study nursing at CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology), applicants need a minimum APS of 30 for the Mainstream programme. The compulsory subjects are English at Level 4 (50–59%), Life Sciences at Level 4 (50–59%), and Physical Sciences at Level 4 (50–59%). A key advantage is that CPUT accepts Mathematical Literacy (Level 5) as an alternative to Core Mathematics. For students with slightly lower marks, CPUT offers an Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) requiring an APS of 27–29.
Detailed Comparison of Requirements to Study Nursing at CPUT and Other SA Universities
Admission into nursing is highly competitive. While CPUT offers flexibility regarding Mathematics, it remains strict on Physical Sciences compared to institutions like UKZN or UP.
Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you determine what subjects are needed to study nursing at CPUT versus other major South African universities.
Comparison of Admission Criteria (2025/2026)
| University | Programme | Min APS | Maths (Core) Requirement | Maths Lit Accepted? | Physical Sciences Required? |
| CPUT | Mainstream BN | 30+ | Level 4 (50%) | Yes (Level 5 / 60%) | Yes (Level 4) |
| CPUT | Extended (ECP) | 27–29 | Level 3 (40%) | Yes (Level 4 / 50%) | Yes (Level 4) |
| UWC | BN Nursing | 30 (UWC pts) | Level 4 (50%) | Yes (Level 6 / 70%) | Level 4 (Life Sci also req) |
| NMU | Mainstream BN | 370 (AS Score) | 50% | Yes (65%) | 50% |
| Stellenbosch | Bachelor of Nursing | 60% Agg. | 40% | Yes (70%) | No (Life Sci req) |
| UKZN | Bachelor of Nursing | 30 | Level 3 (40%) | Yes (Level 3 / 40%) | No |
| UP | B Nursing Science | 28 | Level 4 (50%) | No | No |
| UJ | Bachelor of Nursing | 30 | Level 4 (50%) | No | Yes (Level 4) |
> Note on CPUT Selection: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee placement; candidates must also pass a selection interview.2
Key Differences in University Requirements
When analysing the requirements to study nursing at CPUT against other institutions, distinct “checkpoints” emerge. CPUT sits in the middle: it is more flexible than UJ (accepts Maths Lit) but stricter than UKZN (requires Physical Sciences).
1. The Mathematical Literacy Pathway
One of the most common questions is regarding Maths Lit.
- CPUT: Is very accommodating. They accept Maths Lit at Level 5 (60%) for the Mainstream course and Level 4 (50%) for the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP).
- UWC and Stellenbosch: While they accept Maths Lit, the requirement is significantly higher—you generally need 70% (Level 6) or higher to apply.
- UJ, UP, and SMU: These universities are strict; they do not accept Maths Lit for their Bachelor of Nursing degrees.
2. The Physical Sciences Factor
- CPUT: Mandates Physical Sciences at Level 4 (50–59%) for both Mainstream and ECP. If you did not take Physics/Chemistry, you cannot apply here.
- UP and UKZN: These institutions differ significantly by not listing Physical Sciences as a compulsory requirement, focusing instead on Life Sciences and Mathematics.
- NWU: Offers the most flexibility, requiring only one “hard” science (Maths, Physics, OR Life Sciences) at Level 4.
3. Admission Point Score (APS) Sensitivity
- CPUT: The APS requirement is standard (30 for Mainstream), but the ECP option (APS 27–29) provides a vital safety net for students who narrowly miss the Mainstream cut-off.
- NMU and UNIVEN: Tend to have higher entry thresholds (NMU uses a specific Applicant Score of 385 for Maths Lit students; UNIVEN requires an APS of 36).
- SMU: Has a low nominal APS (18 for core subjects), but creates a “bottleneck” by requiring very high individual subject marks (Level 5 for Life Sciences).
4. Grade 10 Subjects Requirements for Nursing
If you are currently in Grade 9 and aiming for CPUT, your subject choice is critical.
Based on the requirements to study nursing at CPUT, the recommended grade 10 subjects are:
- English Home Language or FAL (Aim for Level 4 minimum).
- Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy (If choosing Lit, you must aim for 60%+).
- Life Sciences (Biology – Non-negotiable).
- Physical Sciences (Physics/Chemistry – Mandatory for CPUT).
5. Additional Selection Criteria
Your matric results are only the first step.
- CPUT: Applicants who meet the minimum criteria are invited to a selection interview.
- NMU: Requires medical reports and registration with the SA Nursing Council as a student nurse.
- UNIVEN: Includes a selection test and a physical assessment.
- NWU: Advises a 40-hour job shadowing programme to strengthen your application.
Summary
Navigating the application process depends on your subject strengths. CPUT is an excellent option if you have Mathematical Literacy and Physical Sciences, offering a balanced entry requirement with an extended programme option. However, if you have Life Sciences but did not take Physical Sciences, you may need to look at universities like UP or UKZN instead.