UJ offers the Bachelor of Nursing (B9N02Q), a full-time four-year degree on the Doornfontein Campus. For the 2027 intake the programme page lists a minimum APS of 30, English at level 5 (60%+), and Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at level 4 (50%+) each. Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science are not accepted.
Selection is not on marks alone. UJ selects on academic merit, a structured personal interview and English proficiency. Applications for the 2027 intake are open until 31 October 2026 at 12:00, and UJ accepts no late applications.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
For nursing requirements at UJ, use this checklist for the 2027 intake.
- A National Senior Certificate with a minimum APS of 30, calculated without Life Orientation
- English at level 5 (60%+)
- Mathematics at level 4 (50%+)
- Physical Sciences at level 4 (50%+)
- Life Sciences at level 4 (50%+)
- No Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics or Technical Science in place of the pure subjects
- A structured personal interview and English proficiency as part of selection
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Nursing is a full-time professional degree at NQF level 8 with 480 credits. It takes a minimum of four years, and UJ allows a maximum of six. Graduates can register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a professional nurse and midwife. The Department of Nursing undergraduate page sets out the rules that apply once you are enrolled.
Those rules include being registered as a student nurse with SANC, 100% attendance of classes and clinical practicals, and passing at least 60% of the first-year modules to proceed to the next level. Meeting the APS minimum does not guarantee a place, because selection includes the interview and nursing places are limited.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
The subject rules are where most applicants fall short. UJ requires English at level 5, and Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at level 4. It does not accept Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics or Technical Science. If you took Mathematical Literacy, you are not eligible for this programme whatever your APS.
UJ calculates the APS from your six best school subjects, excluding Life Orientation. The six subjects must include the programme’s required subjects, so a high mark in an unrelated subject cannot replace a missing requirement.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply online through the UJ undergraduate admission page. Applying to UJ is free, and you can make only two study choices per academic year. You cannot change them once you submit. South African applicants with no previous studies do not have to upload supporting documents. Transfer applicants must submit their academic record, and international applicants must submit a certified passport and school results. UJ also asks applicants to declare any previous studies.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Nursing places are limited, and UJ selects on academic merit, a structured interview and English proficiency. Being invited to interview does not mean you have a place. UJ processes applications within about 15 working days of submission, and you can follow your status on its check-your-status page.
Apply with your final Grade 11 results if you are still in Grade 12. UJ does not consider Grade 12 mid-term results, and it ranks applicants again in January on final Grade 12 results, by total APS and available places. Check the closing date on the UJ undergraduate admissions page: it is 31 October 2026 at 12:00 for the 2027 intake. Apply to more than one institution rather than relying on a single application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need for nursing at UJ?
A minimum APS of 30 for the Bachelor of Nursing, as listed on the UJ programme page for the 2027 intake. Because selection includes an interview, meeting the minimum is not a guarantee.
Does UJ require nursing students to take Maths?
Yes. Mathematics at level 4 (50%+) is required, together with Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at level 4 and English at level 5. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Can I study nursing at UJ with Mathematical Literacy?
No. UJ does not accept Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics or Technical Science for the Bachelor of Nursing.
Do I have to register with a nursing council?
Yes. Students must be registered as student nurses with the South African Nursing Council, and graduates register with SANC as professional nurses and midwives.
How long is the nursing degree at UJ?
Four years full-time. UJ allows a maximum of six years to complete the qualification.
When do applications open and close, and what does it cost?
Undergraduate applications opened on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00 for the 2027 intake. There is no application fee, and UJ accepts no late applications.
Confirm the current requirements with the University of Johannesburg on the UJ undergraduate admission page. See nursing requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.