Emergency medical care at the University of Johannesburg requires a National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement, together with the APS and subject requirements UJ publishes for the programme. UJ health sciences programmes are taught at the Doornfontein campus.
The qualification leads to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa in the emergency care category matching the level of the qualification. Your registration category determines your scope of practice.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass, since it is a degree
- Mathematics at the level required, with Mathematical Literacy not accepted
- Physical Sciences at the level required
- Life Sciences at the level required
- The institution points score for the programme
- Health screening and a police clearance certificate
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The degree route in emergency medical care runs four years and leads to registration at the highest practitioner level, permitting the widest scope of practice including advanced life support.
UJ programme requirements are published per programme and revised between intake years. Confirm the current APS and subject levels on the UJ programme page for your intake.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences are required. UJ commonly states explicitly that Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science are not accepted for health sciences programmes.
Physical fitness testing and a valid driving licence are practical requirements for emergency care, since the work involves lifting patients and operating emergency vehicles.
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
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A medical or health screening report and a police clearance certificate, required before clinical placement
- A valid driving licence, and a professional driving permit where required
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Intakes are limited by clinical and operational placement capacity. Selection commonly includes physical testing and an interview alongside academic results.
Applications for the 2027 intake open on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 October 2026 for most UJ programmes. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required before you may practise, and only a qualification from an accredited programme leads to registration. Confirm accreditation with the council before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UJ accept Mathematical Literacy for emergency medical care?
UJ commonly states explicitly that Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science are not accepted for health sciences programmes.
Where is it taught?
At the Doornfontein campus, where UJ health sciences programmes are based.
Is there a fitness test?
Physical testing forms part of selection at many institutions offering emergency medical care.
What registration does it lead to?
Registration with the HPCSA in the emergency care category matching the qualification level, which determines your scope of practice.
Source: University of Johannesburg official programme pages, checked August 2026. Confirm current requirements on the UJ programme page. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required before you may practise, and only a qualification from an accredited programme leads to registration. Confirm accreditation with the council before enrolling. See paramedic courses requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.