Nursing in South Africa is regulated by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). You can study a four-year Bachelor of Nursing at a university, or a nursing diploma at a public nursing college or university. Degrees usually ask for higher marks than diplomas.
School subjects you'll usually need
| Subject | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| English | You'll study, write reports and speak to patients in English, so a solid pass is expected. |
| Life Sciences | The most important subject for nursing. Anatomy and physiology build directly on it. |
| Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy | Some accept Maths Literacy (for example UKZN and nursing colleges); others, such as UJ and Wits, require Mathematics. Dosage calculations are part of the job. |
| Physical Sciences | Not always required, but it helps with pharmacology and can make your application stronger. |
Requirements at selected universities
Minimums published on each university's website, checked 26 September 2026. Meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee a place, and competitive programmes usually select above it.
| University and programme | Minimum APS | Key subject requirements | Maths Literacy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Johannesburg (UJ), Bachelor of Nursing | 30 | English 5 (60%), Mathematics 4 (50%), Physical Sciences 4 (50%) and Life Sciences | No |
| Wits, Bachelor of Nursing | Not used. Wits ranks applicants on five subject percentages plus NBT results | English 4, Mathematics 4, Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences 4. All applicants write the NBT | No |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Bachelor of Nursing | Degree pass | English 4, Life Orientation 4, Life Sciences 4, Mathematics or Maths Literacy 3 | Yes |
| Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College (Northern Cape), Diploma in Nursing | 24 | English 4 and Life Sciences 4. Maths or Maths Literacy and Physical Sciences at Level 3 are an advantage | Yes |
The pattern: university degrees in Gauteng tend to want Mathematics and a science, while nursing colleges and some universities accept Maths Literacy. If you're taking Maths Literacy, plan to apply to the ones that accept it.
Your route from Grade 9 to nurse
- Grade 9: choose Life Sciences. If you can, take Mathematics and Physical Sciences too, because that keeps every nursing degree open.
- Grade 11: your final Grade 11 marks are what universities and colleges use to make early offers, so this is the year to push your marks up.
- Grade 12, first half: apply to universities and to your province's nursing college. Many close between June and September.
- Grade 12, alongside applications: apply for NSFAS and nursing bursaries.
- After matric: study for four years (degree) or three years (diploma), then register with the South African Nursing Council.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying only to universities that don't accept Maths Literacy when that's the subject you take.
- Missing provincial nursing college deadlines. They're often earlier than university deadlines and only open to residents of that province.
- Assuming the minimum APS is enough. Nursing is oversubscribed, so apply to several institutions.
Related careers
- Midwife, community health nurse and nurse educator, through further study after nursing.
- Other health careers: see careers with Life Sciences and subjects needed for medicine.
Degree or diploma?
A degree takes four years and opens doors to specialisation and management later. A diploma is shorter and is a good route if your marks or APS are lower. Both lead to registration with SANC.
Always check the latest rules. Each university sets its own subject minimums and APS, and they can change every year. Use this page as a guide, then confirm on the university's prospectus before you choose subjects or apply.
Check your APS
Your subjects get you in the door; your APS decides how competitive you are. Work out your APS in one minute, then see which courses you qualify for in the EduRance app.
Three checks before applying for nursing
- Confirm the Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Life Sciences requirements for the exact diploma or degree.
- Check that the programme and nursing education institution are recognised by the South African Nursing Council.
- Read any clinical placement, health, residence or provincial intake requirements before applying.
Requirements differ between university nursing degrees and public nursing college diplomas. Use the programme's current prospectus as the final source.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study nursing with Maths Literacy?
Yes, at some universities, such as UKZN, and at provincial nursing colleges. Others, including UJ and Wits, require Mathematics, so check before you apply.
Do I need Physical Sciences for nursing?
Usually not, but it helps. Life Sciences matters more.
Are there bursaries for nursing?
Yes. Provincial health departments, public nursing colleges and some private hospital groups fund nursing students, often with a work-back agreement. See our nursing bursaries guide.