Current data regarding specific requirements to study nursing at UL (University of Limpopo) for the Bachelor of Nursing programme is not explicitly available. It is important to note that the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) was established following the separation of the Medunsa Campus from the University of Limpopo. Consequently, the specialised Health Sciences requirements previously associated with that region are now largely detailed under SMU.
Comparative Analysis of Requirements to Study Nursing at UL (Alternatives)
Since direct information for UL is limited, students looking for what subjects are needed to study nursing in the Limpopo region and across South Africa should look at comparative universities like UNIVEN (in Limpopo) and SMU (formerly part of UL).
The comparison below highlights the Admission Point Score (APS), Mathematics requirements, and Physical Sciences mandates for these alternative institutions.
Comparison of Admission Criteria (Alternatives to UL)
| University | Min APS (Excl. LO) | Core Maths Mandate? | Science Combination Required |
| UNIVEN | 36 | Yes (Level 4) | Phy Sci (L4) + Life Sci (L4) |
| SMU | 18 (Combined) | Yes (Level 4) | Phy Sci (L4) + Life Sci (L5) |
| UJ | 30 | Yes (Level 4) | Phy Sci (L4) + Life Sci (L4) |
| UP | 28 | Yes (Level 4) | No (Only Life Sci L4) |
| NMU | 370 / 385 (AS) | Flexible (Maths/Lit) | Phy Sci (L4) + Life Sci (L5) |
| UKZN | 30 | Flexible (Maths/Lit) | No (Only Life Sci L4) |
| UWC | 30 | Flexible (Maths/Lit) | No (Only Life Sci L4) |
| NWU | 28 | Flexible (One of 3) | Flexible (One of 3) |
> Note: UNIVEN (University of Venda) is the closest regional alternative in Limpopo and has the highest APS requirement (36).
Key Differences in University Requirements
When analysing the landscape of nursing admissions in South Africa, three distinct categories emerge based on academic strictness.
1. High Academic Standards (Limpopo & Gauteng)
Entry requirements are competitive.
- UNIVEN (Limpopo): Demands the highest APS of 36.
- Gauteng Universities (UJ, Wits, UP): Generally require an APS between 28 and 30.
- Implication: If you are looking to study in Limpopo (UNIVEN), you need significantly higher marks than for some universities in Gauteng or KZN.
2. The Science Subject Mandate
- Strict Science Group: Universities in Gauteng (UJ, Wits, SMU) and Limpopo (UNIVEN) generally require Core Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences (all at Level 4 or higher).
- Flexible Science Group: Universities like UP, UKZN, UWC, and Stellenbosch typically drop Physical Sciences as a mandatory requirement, focusing only on Life Sciences and Mathematics.
3. Mathematical Rigour
- Strict Core Maths: UJ, UP, Wits, UNIVEN, and SMU strictly require Core Mathematics (Level 4). They do not accept Mathematical Literacy.
- Flexible (High Demand): Stellenbosch and UWC accept Mathematical Literacy but demand extremely high marks (70% or Level 6).
- Flexible (Lower Demand): UKZN is the most lenient, accepting Maths Lit at Level 3 (40–49%).
4. Specialised Selection Criteria
Beyond academic grades, many institutions have unique “gatekeeping” methods.
- UNIVEN: Requires a Selection Test and a Physical Assessment.
- Wits: Mandates the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
- NMU: Requires registration with the SANC and a satisfactory medical report.
- NWU: Recommends 40 hours of job shadowing.1
Summary
While specific requirements to study nursing at UL are not available, the closest regional alternative, UNIVEN, sets a very high bar with an APS of 36 and mandatory Physical Sciences. Students who previously looked to Medunsa (now SMU) will face strict subject requirements (Level 5 in Life Sciences). For students with Mathematical Literacy or no Physical Sciences, looking further afield to UKZN or NWU may be necessary.
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)