Requirements to Study Nursing at Stellenbosch University (SU) Compared to Other SA Universities

To meet the requirements to study nursing at Stellenbosch University (SU), applicants face a highly competitive selection process where only approximately 50 candidates are selected annually. Instead of a standard APS, SU requires a minimum NSC Aggregate of at least 60% (excluding Life Orientation). The compulsory subjects are Life Sciences at 50% (Level 4), and either Mathematics at 40% (Level 3) OR Mathematical Literacy at 70% (Level 6). Notably, Physical Sciences is not explicitly listed as mandatory.

Detailed Comparison of Requirements to Study Nursing at SU and Other Institutions

Stellenbosch University presents a unique “high demand” profile. While it is flexible regarding subject choices (accepting Maths Lit and omitting Physical Sciences), it demands exceptionally high marks in those specific subjects compared to other universities.

Below is a breakdown to help you determine what subjects are needed to study nursing at SU versus other major universities.

Comparison of Admission Criteria

Requirements to Study Nursing at Stellenbosch University (SU) Compared to Other SA Universities (2) — Requirements to Study Nursing at Stellenbosch University (SU) Compared to Other SA Universities Table

University	Min Score/Aggregate	Maths / Maths Lit Policy	Physical Sciences Required?
Stellenbosch	60% Aggregate	Maths Lit (70%) OR Maths (40%)	No
UWC	30 Points	Maths Lit (Code 6 / 70%)	No
NMU	385 (AS)	Maths Lit (65%) OR Maths (50%)	Yes (50%)
CPUT	30+ APS	Maths Lit (Level 5 / 60%)	Yes (Level 4)
UKZN	30 APS	Maths Lit (Level 3 / 40%)	No
UP	28 APS	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	No
UJ	30 APS	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	Yes (Level 4)
UNIVEN	36 APS	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	Yes (Level 4)

Note: SU’s requirement of a 60% aggregate applies to the overall average of your NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation.

Key Differences in University Requirements

When analysing the requirements to study nursing at Stellenbosch University, the institution is defined by its high standards for Mathematical Literacy and its focus on overall academic consistency.

1. The High Mathematical Literacy Threshold

Stellenbosch is one of the toughest universities to get into if you take Maths Lit.

The SU Rule: If you take Mathematical Literacy, you must achieve 70% (Level 6).
Comparison: This is matched only by UWC (which also requires 70%). It is significantly stricter than NMU (65%), CPUT (60%), and UKZN (40%).
The Core Maths Difference: Interestingly, if you take Core Mathematics, SU only requires 40% (Level 3). This is comparable to the lower requirement at UKZN.

2. Aggregate vs. APS

Most universities use the Admission Point Score (APS). SU uses an Aggregate percentage.

SU: Requires an overall average of 60%. This implies consistent high performance across all subjects.
Other Universities: UJ, UP, and CPUT use APS ranges (typically 28–30).
Comparison: SU’s 60% aggregate places it in a high-performance bracket similar to NMU (high Applicant Score) and UNIVEN (APS 36).

3. No Physical Sciences Required

SU joins the list of universities that do not force nursing applicants to take Physics.

SU: Does not list Physical Sciences as mandatory.
Similar Institutions: UP, UWC, and UKZN also omit Physical Sciences.
The Contrast: This is less demanding than UJ, SMU, NMU, CPUT, and UNIVEN, which all mandate Physical Sciences (usually at Level 4).

4. Grade 10 Subjects Requirements for Nursing

If you are currently in Grade 9 and aiming for Stellenbosch, your subject choice strategy is critical, especially regarding Maths.

Based on the requirements to study nursing at Stellenbosch University, the recommended grade 10 subjects requirements for nursing are:

Life Sciences (Mandatory – Aim for 50%+).
Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy:
- WARNING: If you choose Maths Lit, you must be a top achiever (aim for 75%+ to be safe).
- If you choose Core Maths, the entry bar is lower (40%), but the subject is harder.
Physical Sciences: Not required for SU, but recommended for keeping other university options open.
Other Subjects: Choose subjects where you can score high marks to ensure your overall aggregate stays above 60%.

Summary

Stellenbosch University offers a prestigious but limited nursing programme (approx. 50 candidates). It is a “high risk, high reward” option for Mathematical Literacy students, who must achieve a distinguished 70% to qualify. Conversely, it is quite accessible for Core Mathematics students (requiring only 40%) and does not require Physical Sciences. However, the overriding requirement is that your overall average must be at least 60%.