Requirements to Study Nursing at UP Compared to Other SA Universities

To meet the requirements to study nursing at UP (University of Pretoria), applicants need a minimum APS of 28 (excluding Life Orientation). The compulsory subjects for the Bachelor of Nursing Science programme are English at Level 4 (50–59%), Core Mathematics at Level 4 (50–59%), and Life Sciences at Level 4 (50–59%). A unique feature of UP’s admission criteria is that Physical Sciences is not required, although Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.

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

UP offers a “balanced” approach compared to other universities. It is stricter than institutions like UKZN because it demands Core Mathematics, but it is more flexible than UJ or Wits because it drops the Physical Sciences requirement.

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

Comparison of Admission Criteria

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

University	Min APS/Score	Maths / Maths Lit Policy	Physical Sciences Required?
UP	28	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	No
UJ	30	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	Yes (Level 4)
SMU	18*	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	Yes (Level 4)
UNIVEN	36	Core Maths Only (Level 4)	Yes (Level 4)
UKZN	30	Maths OR Lit (Level 3)	No
UWC	30	Maths Lit (Code 6 / 70%)	No
NMU	385 (AS)	Maths Lit (65%) OR Maths (50%)	Yes (50%)
CPUT	30+	Maths Lit (Level 5) OR Maths (L4)	Yes (Level 4)

Note on UP Selection: Selection for the Bachelor of Nursing Science is based on your final Grade 11 examination results.

Key Differences in University Requirements

When analysing the requirements to study nursing at UP, the institution stands out for creating a specific niche: it is perfect for students who are strong in Mathematics but do not wish to continue with Physical Sciences.

1. The “No Physical Sciences” Advantage

This is UP’s most notable distinguishing feature in the Gauteng region.

UP: Does not require Physical Sciences. You only need Life Sciences and Mathematics.
The Contrast: This makes UP distinct from UJ, Wits, SMU, CPUT, and UNIVEN, all of which mandate Physical Sciences (often at Level 4).
Similar Institutions: UKZN and UWC also omit the Physical Sciences requirement, but they are located in different provinces.

2. Strict Core Mathematics Requirement

While UP is lenient on Physics, it is strict on Maths.

The UP Rule: You must have Core Mathematics at Level 4 (50–59%). Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Comparison:
- This aligns UP with research-intensive universities like UJ, Wits, and UNIVEN.
- It contrasts with UKZN, UWC, NMU, and CPUT, all of which offer pathways for students with Mathematical Literacy.

3. Admission Point Score (APS)

UP allows for entry with a slightly lower APS than some of its competitors.

UP (APS 28): This is accessible compared to the standard APS of 30 required by UJ, UKZN, and UWC.
High Barrier: It is significantly lower than UNIVEN (36) or the high Applicant Scores required by NMU.

4. Selection Criteria

How you get in differs from other universities.

UP: Uses final Grade 11 results for conditional admission. This is a standard academic selection process.
Other Universities:
- Wits: Requires the National Benchmark Tests (NBT).
- UNIVEN: Mandates a Selection Test and Physical Assessment.
- CPUT: Requires a selection interview.
- UP’s process is straightforward: achieve the marks in Grade 11 and Matric, and you qualify for selection based on merit.

5. Grade 10 Subjects Requirements for Nursing

If you are currently in Grade 9 and aiming for UP, your subject choice is very specific.

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

English (Home Language or FAL – Aim for Level 4).
Core Mathematics (Crucial. Do not take Maths Lit if UP is your goal).
Life Sciences (Mandatory).
Physical Sciences: Optional. You do not need it for UP, but it is safer to take it if you want to apply to UJ or Wits as a backup plan.

Summary

The University of Pretoria provides a balanced gateway to nursing. It avoids the “double hurdle” of requiring both Maths and Physics found at UJ or UNIVEN. However, it maintains high academic standards by rejecting Mathematical Literacy. If you are a student who excels in Core Mathematics and Life Sciences but struggles with Physical Sciences, UP is likely your best option in the Gauteng region.