Requirements to Study Nursing at UWC Compared to Other SA Universities

To meet the requirements to study nursing at UWC (University of the Western Cape), applicants need a minimum of 30 UWC points. The compulsory subjects for the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery programme are English at Code 4 (50–59%), another language at Code 3, and Life Sciences at Code 4 (50–59%). A key feature of the UWC admission policy is that it accepts Mathematical Literacy at Code 6 (70–79%) as an alternative to Mathematics at Code 4 (50–59%).

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

While the nursing requirement standard is generally competitive across South Africa, UWC sits in a unique position. It is strict on Mathematical Literacy marks (requiring 70%+) but does not enforce the Physical Sciences requirement found at institutions like UJ or CPUT.

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

1. APS and Point Score Comparison

UWC requires 30 points, which places it in the middle of the competitive range.

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

University	Minimum APS/Points	Note
UNIVEN	36	Requires selection test & physical assessment.
NMU	385 (AS)	High score required for Maths Lit applicants.
UWC	30	Moderate entry level.
UJ	30	Same points load as UWC.
UKZN	30	Same points load as UWC.
UP	28	Slightly lower points requirement.
NWU	25	Lowest formal APS on this list.

2. Mathematics vs. Mathematical Literacy

UWC is distinct because it accepts Maths Lit, but demands a very high score (Code 6).

University	Maths / Maths Lit Policy
UWC	Accepts Maths Lit (Code 6 / 70%) OR Maths (Code 4 / 50%).
Stellenbosch	Accepts Maths Lit (70%) OR Maths (40%).
NMU	Accepts Maths Lit (65%) OR Maths (50%).
UKZN	Accepts Maths Lit (Level 3).
UJ / Wits	Core Maths Only. No Maths Lit accepted.
SMU / UNIVEN	Core Maths Only. No Maths Lit accepted.

3. The Physical Sciences Requirement

This is the biggest differentiator. UWC does not list Physical Sciences as mandatory, whereas many others do.

University	Physical Sciences Required?
UWC	No (Only Life Sciences required).
UP	No (Only Life Sciences required).
UKZN	No (Only Life Sciences required).
CPUT	Yes (Level 4 required).
UJ	Yes (Level 4 required).
Wits	Yes (Level 4 required).
UNIVEN	Yes (50–59% required).

Key Differences in University Requirements

When analysing the requirements to study nursing at UWC, three main factors stand out compared to the rest of the country.

1. High Standard for Mathematical Literacy

While UWC offers flexibility by accepting Maths Lit, it is not an “easy” route.

The UWC Rule: You need a Code 6 (70–79%) in Maths Lit. This indicates UWC wants strong numeracy skills regardless of the subject choice.
Comparison: This is similar to Stellenbosch University (70%) and NMU (65%). It contrasts sharply with UKZN or UNIZULU, which accept lower levels (Level 3 or 4), and UJ/SMU, which do not accept Maths Lit at all.

2. No Physical Sciences Required

If you excel in Biology but struggle with Physics, UWC is a strong option.

UWC, UP, and UKZN: These universities mandate Life Sciences at Code 4 (50–59%) but do not require Physical Sciences.
The Contrast: This differs from technology-focused or research-intensive universities like CPUT, UJ, Wits, and UNIVEN, which all strictly require Physical Sciences (often at Level 4 or 50%).

3. Language Requirements

UWC has a specific two-language policy.

UWC Requirement: You need English at Code 4 (50–59%) AND another language at Code 3.
Most other universities focus primarily on the language of instruction (English) at Level 4 or 5.

4. Grade 10 Subjects Requirements for Nursing

If you are currently in Grade 9 and aiming for UWC, your subject choices are slightly more flexible than for UJ.

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

English (Aim for Code 4/50%+).
Another Language (Aim for Code 3).
Life Sciences (Biology is non-negotiable; aim for 50%+).
Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy:
- If you choose Maths Lit, you must be confident you can score 70%+ (Code 6) in Matric.
- If you choose Core Maths, you only need 50% (Code 4).

Summary

UWC provides a balanced pathway for nursing applicants. It is less restrictive than UJ and Wits because it does not require Physical Sciences or Core Maths. However, it is stricter than UKZN or CPUT (ECP) regarding Mathematical Literacy marks. To meet the requirements to study nursing at UWC, you must be a strong performer in Life Sciences and achieve high marks if you are offering Maths Lit.