To meet the requirements to study nursing at NMU (Nelson Mandela University), applicants need a specific Applicant Score (AS) of 370 (if offering Mathematics) or 385 (if offering Mathematical Literacy). The compulsory subjects for the Mainstream Bachelor of Nursing are Life Sciences at Level 5 (60%), Physical Sciences at Level 4 (50%), and Mathematics at Level 4 (50%). While NMU accepts Mathematical Literacy, it demands a high achievement of 65%.
Detailed Comparison of Requirements to Study Nursing at NMU and Other Institutions
NMU’s admission criteria are rigorous. Unlike universities that use a standard APS of 30, NMU uses a specialized Applicant Score (AS). Furthermore, NMU is one of the few institutions that requires Level 5 (60%) for Life Sciences, making it more competitive than UJ or CPUT in that specific subject.
Below is a breakdown to help you determine what subjects are needed to study nursing at NMU versus other South African universities.
Comparison of Admission Criteria
| University | Min Score (APS/AS) | Maths / Maths Lit Policy | Life Sciences Req | Physical Sciences Req |
| NMU | 370 / 385 (AS) | Maths Lit (65%) OR Maths (50%) | Level 5 (60%) | Yes (50%) |
| SMU | 18 (Combined) | Core Maths Only (Level 4) | Level 5 (60%) | Yes (50%) |
| UJ | 30 APS | Core Maths Only (Level 4) | Level 4 (50%) | Yes (50%) |
| UNIVEN | 36 APS | Core Maths Only (Level 4) | Level 4 (50%) | Yes (50%) |
| CPUT | 30+ APS | Maths Lit (Level 5) OR Maths (L4) | Level 4 (50%) | Yes (50%) |
| UWC | 30 Points | Maths Lit (Code 6 / 70%) | Level 4 (50%) | No |
| UNIZULU | 30 APS | Maths Lit (Level 4) | Level 4 (50%) | No |
| UP | 28 APS | Core Maths Only (Level 4) | Level 4 (50%) | No |
- Note: Successful NMU applicants must also submit a satisfactory medical report and register with the SANC before finalisation.
Key Differences in University Requirements
When analysing the requirements to study nursing at NMU, strict standards regarding Life Sciences and Physical Sciences stand out.
1. High Standard for Life Sciences
NMU places a heavier emphasis on Life Sciences than most competitors.
- The NMU Rule: You must achieve Level 5 (60%) in Life Sciences for the Mainstream programme.
- Comparison: This aligns with SMU (which also requires Level 5). However, it is stricter than UJ, CPUT, UWC, UNIZULU, and UP, all of which only require Level 4 (50%).
2. Mathematics vs. Mathematical Literacy
NMU offers a middle ground between “Strict” and “Flexible.”
- NMU: Accepts Mathematical Literacy, but the bar is high (65%).
- Strict Universities: UJ, SMU, UNIVEN, and UP do not accept Maths Lit at all.
- Flexible Universities: UNIZULU accepts Maths Lit at Level 4 (50%), and UKZN accepts it at Level 3 (40%).
- Similar: UWC is even stricter than NMU, requiring Code 6 (70%) for Maths Lit students.
3. The Physical Sciences Requirement
- NMU: Mandates Physical Sciences at Level 4 (50%).
- The Contrast: This makes NMU harder to get into than UWC, UNIZULU, or UP, which do not require Physical Sciences. However, it aligns with the standards of UJ and CPUT.
4. Grade 10 Subjects Requirements for Nursing
If you are aiming for NMU, your subject choice must account for the Physical Sciences requirement.
Based on the requirements to study nursing at NMU, the recommended grade 10 subjects requirements for nursing are:
- Life Sciences (Must aim for 60%+).
- Physical Sciences (Mandatory).
- Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy:
- If you choose Maths Lit, you need to be a strong student (aim for 65%+).
- If you choose Core Maths, you need 50%.
5. The Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP)
If you miss the Mainstream targets, NMU offers an Extended Curriculum Programme (5 years).
- AS Requirement: 330 (Maths) or 345 (Maths Lit).
- Subject Requirements:
- Mathematics: Level 3 (35%).
- Physical Sciences: Level 3 (40%).
- Life Sciences: Level 4 (50%).
- Comparison: This is significantly more flexible than UJ or UNIVEN, which do not offer this specific lower-entry route for students with Level 3 Maths/Science.
Summary
NMU is a highly competitive option. Its mainstream programme combines the strictness of Physical Sciences (like UJ) with a high performance requirement in Life Sciences (like SMU). While it allows Mathematical Literacy, the 65% threshold means it is not an “easy” option. Applicants must also remember the additional requirement of a medical report.
Other Relevant Resources
- Universities That Accept Maths Literacy for Nursing in South Africa
- Requirements to Study Nursing at Wits (University of the Witwatersrand)
- Requirements to Study Nursing at UWC (University of the Western Cape)
- Requirements to Study Nursing at Stellenbosch University
- Requirements to Study Nursing at UP (University of Pretoria)
- Requirements to Study Nursing at NWU (North-West University)
- Requirements to Study Nursing at UKZN (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
- Requirements to Study Nursing at Univen (University of Venda)
- Requirements to Study Nursing at UL (University of Limpopo)
- Requirements to Study Nursing at Unizulu (University of Zululand)