Nursing at the University of the Western Cape requires a National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement, together with the subject requirements and points score published for the programme. UWC has a dedicated School of Nursing, which is one of its established faculties.
UWC nursing leads to registration with the South African Nursing Council as a professional nurse. The programme includes substantial supervised clinical practice across hospital and community settings.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement for degree study
- The points score the institution calculates for the programme
- Mathematics and Life Sciences at the levels required, and Physical Sciences at some institutions
- English at the level required
- Health screening and a police clearance certificate, because of clinical placement
- Accreditation of the programme with the South African Nursing Council
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Nursing at UWC is a four-year degree combining academic study with clinical practice. UWC also has a strong access mission, and extended or foundation routes may be available for applicants who meet the endorsement but fall below standard entry.
Programme requirements are revised between intake years. Confirm them against the current UWC faculty calendar for the year you are applying for.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics and Life Sciences are required, and Physical Sciences at the level UWC specifies. Mathematical Literacy is generally not accepted for the degree route.
English at a good level matters throughout, given the documentation and patient communication involved in nursing practice.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- A medical or health screening report
- A police clearance certificate
- Proof of immunisation, where the clinical facility requires it
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Nursing intakes are limited by the number of students an institution can place in accredited clinical facilities, not by classroom space. That is the fundamental constraint across the sector and the reason places are scarce relative to demand. UWC nursing is consistently oversubscribed.
Health screening, immunisation and police clearance are required before clinical placement. Arrange these once you have an offer rather than leaving them to registration. Confirm accreditation with the South African Nursing Council before enrolling anywhere, since only an accredited programme leads to registration and therefore to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UWC require for nursing?
A National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement, plus Mathematics, Life Sciences and the points score published for the programme.
Can I study nursing at UWC with Mathematical Literacy?
Generally not for the degree route. Mathematics is required.
Are there extended programmes?
UWC has a strong access mission and offers extended routes in some faculties. Confirm availability for nursing with the School of Nursing.
When should I arrange health screening?
Once you have an offer, since it is required before clinical placement rather than at application.
Confirm requirements against the current UWC faculty calendar and accreditation with the South African Nursing Council. See nursing requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.