The subjects for a nursing course are set by each nursing institution, not nationally. In the programmes below, Life Sciences is required (at one college, Life Science or Physical Science), English is required, at level 4 for most, and you also need Mathematics or, for the college diplomas, Mathematical Literacy.
Which mathematics subject you took decides which routes are open: the university degrees below list Mathematics, while two provincial college diplomas accept Mathematical Literacy. Levels refer to your NSC achievement level, where level 4 is 50-59% and level 3 is 40-49%.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Life Sciences: required at the University of Pretoria (UP), Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the Free State School of Nursing; the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing accepts Life Science or Physical Science
- English: level 4 at UP, WSU and the Free State school; at the KZN college, level 4 for Home Language and level 3 for First Additional Language
- Mathematics: level 4 for the UP and WSU degrees
- Mathematical Literacy: accepted for the KZN diploma (level 5) and the Free State diploma (50-59% or better)
- Physical Sciences: required at WSU, not listed for UP, and preferred for the Free State diploma
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The national floor is lower than any of these programmes. A degree needs an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching and level 4 (50-59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects, and a diploma needs level 3 (40-49%) or better in four. The nursing regulations themselves ask only for an NSC or an equivalent qualification.
Each institution then adds its own subjects and points. Compare a programme only against its own published table, because points are calculated on different scales.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
These are the published figures for 2027 degrees and for the current college diplomas.
- UP, Bachelor of Nursing Science (2027 admission): level 4 in English, Mathematics and Life Sciences (not Physical Sciences), with a minimum APS of 28. It is a selection programme with additional criteria. See the UP 2027 requirements tables.
- WSU, Bachelor of Nursing (2027 intake): level 4 (50-59%) in English or an African language, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and one other subject, with a minimum APS of 24 on WSU’s own scale. See the WSU 2027 brochure.
- KZN College of Nursing, Diploma in Nursing: a minimum of 25 points, English, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5, Life Science or Physical Science at level 4, Life Orientation level 4, and any other two subjects. Admission is limited to KwaZulu-Natal residents. See the KZN College of Nursing criteria.
- Free State School of Nursing, Diploma in Nursing: an AP score of 25 or more, English level 4, Mathematical Literacy and Life Science at 50-59% or better; Physical Science is preferred. The Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing asks for 23 or more with English, Life Science and Mathematical Literacy at level 4. See the Free State School of Nursing page.
If you did not take Life Sciences, none of these programmes lists a substitute except the KZN diploma, which accepts Physical Science. Ask the institution you are interested in whether it can consider you before you apply.
Documents and Application Requirements
You prove your subjects and levels with your results. For the documents a specific institution asks for, use its own application instructions.
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results, showing subjects and achievement levels
- A certified copy of your identity document (WSU asks for this)
- A June Grade 12 report, which WSU lists for Medicine and Health Sciences applicants
WSU charges a non-refundable R100 application fee. Other institutions may differ, so confirm before you pay.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the subject levels does not guarantee a place. UP and WSU both apply additional selection criteria, and the KZN college shortlists candidates for a knowledge assessment and medical examination.
Closing dates matter for 2027: UP’s Health Sciences closing date was 30 June 2026 and has passed, while WSU’s general applications close on 31 October 2026. Apply to more than one institution, and check the next cycle’s tables when they are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects do I need for nursing?
English, Life Sciences (Physical Science is an alternative at the KZN college) and a mathematics subject are the core of the programmes listed above. WSU adds Physical Science and one more subject at level 4.
What are the nursing subjects requirements for a degree?
UP lists level 4 in English, Mathematics and Life Sciences, with an APS of 28. WSU lists level 4 in English or an African language, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and one other subject, with an APS of 24.
Can I do nursing with Mathematical Literacy?
Not for the UP and WSU degrees, which list Mathematics. The KZN College of Nursing diploma accepts Mathematical Literacy at level 5 and the Free State diploma accepts it at 50-59% or better, and both also require a science subject: Life Science, or at KZN Physical Science as an alternative.
Do I need Physical Sciences for nursing?
WSU requires it at level 4 for its degree. UP lists Life Sciences and states that Physical Sciences is not required. The Free State diploma prefers it and the KZN diploma accepts it in place of Life Science.
What if I did not take Life Sciences?
Life Sciences is required by the UP, WSU and Free State programmes. Only the KZN diploma accepts Physical Science instead, so contact the institutions before applying.
Confirm subject requirements and closing dates with each institution, and accreditation with the South African Nursing Council. See nursing requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.