Requirements to Study Nursing at UKZN Compared to Other SA Universities

To meet the requirements to study nursing at UKZN (University of KwaZulu-Natal), applicants need a minimum APS of 30 (excluding Life Orientation). The compulsory subjects for the Bachelor of Nursing degree [KN-H-BN1] are English at Level 4 (50–59%) and Life Sciences at Level 4 (50–59%). UKZN is notable for its flexibility, accepting Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy at Level 3 (40–49%), and not requiring Physical Sciences.

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

When determining what subjects are needed to study nursing, UKZN stands out as one of the most accessible universities regarding science prerequisites. Unlike institutions in Gauteng that often demand Core Maths and Physics, UKZN focuses heavily on Life Sciences and overall academic performance.

Below is a breakdown comparing UKZN’s admission criteria against other major universities.

Comparison of Admission Criteria

Requirements to Study Nursing at UKZN Compared to Other SA Universities (2) — Requirements to Study Nursing at UKZN Compared to Other SA Universities Table

University	Min APS/Score	Maths / Maths Lit Policy	Physical Sciences Required?
UKZN	30	Maths OR Lit (Level 3 / 40%)	No
UNIZULU	30	Maths Lit (Level 4) OR Maths (Level 3)	No
UWC	30	Maths Lit (Code 6 / 70%) OR Maths (Code 4)	No
UP	28	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	No
NMU	385 (AS)	Maths Lit (65%) OR Maths (50%)	Yes (50%)
CPUT	30+	Maths Lit (Level 5) OR Maths (Level 4)	Yes (50%)
UJ	30	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	Yes (Level 4)
SMU	18*	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	Yes (Level 4)

Note on UKZN Selection: Only first choice applications are considered. Selection is based on academic ranking, starting from the highest APS (48) downwards.

Key Differences in University Requirements

When analysing the requirements to study nursing at UKZN, the institution’s lenient approach to Mathematics and Physical Sciences makes it a unique option compared to the stricter requirements of UJ or Wits.

1. Mathematical Flexibility (The Lowest Entry Requirement)

UKZN offers the most accessible mathematical entry point among the degree programmes listed.

The UKZN Rule: You only need Level 3 (40–49%) in either Core Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy.
The Contrast:
- Strict: UJ, SMU, UNIVEN, and UP strictly require Core Mathematics (Level 4+) and do not accept Maths Lit.
- High Maths Lit: UWC (70%), NMU (65%), and CPUT (60%) accept Maths Lit but require significantly higher marks than UKZN.
- Similar: UNIZULU is the closest match, requiring Maths Lit at Level 4 or Core Maths at Level 3.

2. No Physical Sciences Required

UKZN aligns with universities that prioritise Biology/Life Sciences over Physics.

UKZN, UP, and UWC: These universities do not list Physical Sciences as a compulsory subject.
UJ, NMU, CPUT, and UNIVEN: These institutions strictly require Physical Sciences, usually at Level 4 (50%). If you did not take Physics, UKZN is a safer option than UJ.

3. Academic Point Score (APS)

While the subject marks are flexible, the overall APS requirement remains competitive.

UKZN (APS 30): This is the standard requirement, identical to UJ, UWC, and UNIZULU.
Comparison: It is higher than UP (28) but lower than UNIVEN (36).
Selection Strategy: Because UKZN accepts lower subject marks (Level 3), many students apply. This means you should aim well above 30 APS to be safe, as selection is based on ranking.

4. Grade 10 Subjects Requirements for Nursing

If you are currently in Grade 9 and aiming for UKZN, you have flexibility.

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

English (Home or First Additional).
Life Sciences (Mandatory – Aim for Level 4 minimum).
Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy:
- You can choose either.
- You only need to pass with 40% (Level 3), but higher marks boost your APS.
Physical Sciences: Not required for UKZN, but recommended if you want to keep other universities (like UJ) open as options.

Summary

UKZN offers a notably accessible route to a Bachelor of Nursing degree. By requiring only Level 3 (40%) in Maths/Maths Lit and omitting Physical Sciences, it removes two of the biggest barriers students face. However, because the entry requirements are lower, competition is high. To meet the requirements to study nursing at UKZN, you must ensure it is your first choice on the CAO application and aim for a high APS to survive the selection ranking.