DUT nursing requirements for the 2027 intake: the nursing degree is the Bachelor of Nursing, and it needs a National Senior Certificate (NSC) bachelor pass with 28 or more points (excluding Life Orientation). You also need English 3, Life Sciences 4, and Mathematics 4, Mathematical Literacy 6 or Physical Sciences 4, as set out in the DUT Bachelor of Nursing leaflet.
The programme is offered at the Indumiso Site of DUT’s Midlands Campus in Pietermaritzburg, not in Durban. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place, because DUT also uses an assessment test and an interview.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Qualification: Bachelor of Nursing (NQF 8), codes BCHNSG (four-year mainstream) and BCHNSE (five-year extended)
- Campus: Indumiso Site, Midlands Campus, Pietermaritzburg
- NSC: bachelor pass with 28 or more points, excluding Life Orientation
- Subjects: English 3, Life Sciences 4, and Mathematics 4 or Mathematical Literacy 6 or Physical Sciences 4, plus two 20-credit subjects at 4
- Selection: a Standardized Assessment Test for Access and Placement (SATAP) and an interview complement your NSC results
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
For NSC degree entry, DUT considers applicants with 28 or more points, excluding Life Orientation, who hold a bachelor pass (exemption) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not have a recent matric, there is an alternative route by age and work experience. You must turn 23 in your first year of registration and have at least three years’ appropriate work experience and/or assessed capacity (through SATAP, AL and EAP). Apply at least four months before the academic year starts.
If you studied through the National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 4, the leaflet asks for 60% in English, 60% in Biology, 60% in Mathematics or Physical Science, and 70% in three compulsory vocational subjects.
The leaflet’s requirements are for the Bachelor of Nursing. If you are aiming for the five-year extended programme, confirm its specific requirements with DUT.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
The leaflet sets these NSC subject ratings.
- English: 3
- Life Sciences: 4
- Mathematics 4, or Mathematical Literacy 6, or Physical Sciences 4
- Two further 20-credit subjects at 4, only one of which may be an additional language
Mathematical Literacy is accepted, but only at rating 6. If your Mathematical Literacy mark is lower, you need Mathematics 4 or Physical Sciences 4 instead.
DUT’s 2026 course guide, written for the previous intake, lists English at 4 rather than 3. Because of this difference, check the English rating with DUT before you apply.
Documents and Application Requirements
First-time applicants apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The DUT How to Apply 2027 guide lists what you upload.
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your final Grade 11 results and your Grade 12 certificate, or your June or trial results if you have not yet written the finals
- The application fee: R250 for South African citizens or R300 for international applicants
If you have already studied at DUT or another university, you apply through DUT’s own online applications rather than the CAO.
The DUT leaflet and application guide do not list a police clearance, health screening or immunisation proof as application documents. Clinical placements take place in South African Nursing Council (SANC) accredited facilities, so ask DUT what is required before placement.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
DUT gives first priority to the latest matriculants and to applicants with no previous study history. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance, and SATAP and the interview form part of selection. Pregnant students, or those within six weeks after giving birth, must declare this to DUT.
The CAO closing date for the 2027 intake was 30 September 2026, so it has passed. Some programmes close earlier. Contact DUT or check the CAO for any late-application notice before you assume you cannot apply.
The leaflet shows 2026 fees only and says the 2027 fees are not final. For 2026, first-year module fees were R29 860 for the first semester and R31 400 for the second.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DUT require for nursing?
An NSC bachelor pass with 28 or more points excluding Life Orientation, English 3, Life Sciences 4, Mathematics 4 or Mathematical Literacy 6 or Physical Sciences 4, and two 20-credit subjects at 4. SATAP and an interview also apply.
Does DUT nursing accept Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, but only at rating 6. Otherwise you need Mathematics 4 or Physical Sciences 4.
Where is DUT nursing offered?
The Bachelor of Nursing is offered at the Indumiso Site of the Midlands Campus in Pietermaritzburg.
How much is the DUT application fee?
R250 for South African citizens and R300 for international applicants, paid when you submit your application.
Have applications for 2027 closed?
The CAO closing date was 30 September 2026. Check with DUT or the CAO whether late applications are being accepted.
Can I apply without a recent matric?
Possibly. DUT has an alternative route for applicants who turn 23 in their first year of registration and have at least three years’ appropriate work experience and/or assessed capacity. Apply at least four months before the academic year.
Why are nursing places so limited?
Clinical learning takes place in SANC accredited facilities, and selection is competitive, with priority for the latest matriculants and applicants with no previous study history.
Does the qualification lead to registration?
The programme trains in general nursing and midwifery over four years full-time. Confirm the registration category and your registration steps with the South African Nursing Council.
Confirm requirements with DUT and the CAO before you apply. See nursing requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.