Requirements to Study Nursing at UNIVEN as Compared to Other Universities

To meet the requirements to study nursing at UNIVEN (University of Venda), applicants face some of the most stringent criteria in South Africa. For the Bachelor of Nursing (SHBBN), you need a minimum APS of 36 (excluding Life Orientation). The compulsory subjects are English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, all of which must be passed at Level 4 (50–59%) or higher. UNIVEN also mandates a Selection Test and a Physical Assessment.

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

The nursing requirement standards at UNIVEN are exceptionally high, positioning it as more competitive than many metropolitan universities. Unlike institutions that accept Mathematical Literacy or omit Physical Sciences, UNIVEN strictly requires the full suite of science subjects for its degree programme.

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

Comparison of Admission Criteria

Requirements to Study Nursing at UNIVEN as Compared to Other Universities (2) — Requirements to Study Nursing at UNIVEN as Compared to Other Universities Table

Note on SMU: While the APS is lower, individual subject requirements are very high (e.g., Level 5 for Life Sciences).

Key Differences in University Requirements

When analysing the requirements to study nursing at UNIVEN, three distinct factors make it one of the toughest entry points in the country.

1. The High Academic Point Score (APS)

UNIVEN demands the highest minimum APS on this list for a Bachelor’s degree.

UNIVEN (36 Points): You need an APS of 36. This is significantly higher than the university’s general bachelor’s degree requirement of 26.
The Contrast: Most other universities require an APS between 25 and 30. For example, UJ, UKZN, and UWC all require 30, while UP requires 28 and NWU requires 25.
Implication: You cannot just “scrape through” Matric; you need to be a top performer to qualify for UNIVEN.

2. Strict Subject “Trinity” (Maths + Physics + Life Sciences)

UNIVEN allows no flexibility regarding science subjects for its Bachelor’s degree.

The UNIVEN Rule: You must have Core Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences all at Level 4 (50–59%). Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for the degree.
Comparison:
- UP and UWC do not require Physical Sciences.
- UKZN accepts Mathematical Literacy and does not require Physical Sciences.
- NMU accepts Mathematical Literacy (if passed at 65%).

3. Specialized Selection Procedures

Meeting the marks is not the final step at UNIVEN.

UNIVEN: Is unique in mandating a Selection Test AND a Physical Assessment for all applicants.
Other Universities:
- CPUT requires a selection interview.
- NMU requires a medical report.
- UP selects based primarily on Grade 11 results.
- UNIVEN’s additional testing layers signal a selection process designed to test suitability beyond just academic grades.

4. Grade 10 Subjects Requirements for Nursing

If you are in Grade 9 and your goal is UNIVEN, you have zero room for error in your subject choices.

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

English (Must achieve 50%+).
Core Mathematics (Do not take Maths Lit if you want the UNIVEN Bachelor’s degree).
Physical Sciences (Physics/Chemistry is mandatory).
Life Sciences (Mandatory).

5. The Diploma Alternative

If you do not meet the strict requirements for the Bachelor’s degree (APS 36), UNIVEN offers a Diploma in Nursing (SHDPN).

APS Requirement: 28 (Lower than the degree).
Maths Requirement: Level 3 (40–49%).
Science Requirement: You still need Life Sciences and Physical Sciences at Level 4.

Summary

UNIVEN presents a high barrier to entry. With an APS requirement of 36 for the degree and a mandatory Selection Test and Physical Assessment, it targets high-achieving students. Unlike UKZN or UWC, which offer flexibility in Maths or Physical Sciences, UNIVEN strictly requires Core Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. If you are aiming for this institution, your academic focus must be broad and consistent across all science subjects.