How many points are needed for nursing?

An AP-score Grade 11(25) and Grade 12(24) is required.

Mathematics, Physical Science, Biology or Physiology are recommended subjects. Selection is based on academic merit. An AP-score Grade 11(25) and Grade 12(24) is required. A personal interview is conducted with every applicant. An NSC for degree purposes is required with the following minimum subject requirements and AP-score per subject, indicated in brackets:

  • English (4);
  • Additional Language (4);
  • Four other subjects (4);
  • Life Orientation (4) – Life Orientation is excluded from the APS-calculation.

Admission to the course is subject to Departmental selection, and applications close on 31 May of the preceding year. Selection also includes writing the University’s admission test.

Bachelor Degree in Nursing Sciences Entry Requirements:

  • English (50-59%)
  • First additional or home language (50-59%)
  • Life Sciences (50-59%)
  • Maths Literacy (50-59%)

Diploma in Nursing Entry Requirements:

  • You will need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at a level 3 or 4, depending on the institution, to qualify to study the course. However, it is not as important that you have taken mathematics and or physical sciences as it is for BCur. You will need:
  • English (50-59%)
  • First additional or home language (50-59%)
  • Four other subjects (50-59%)
  • Life Orientation (50-59%)

Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing Entry requirements:

  • You will need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4, depending on the institution, to qualify to study this course, however, it is not as important that you have taken mathematics, physical sciences or life sciences as it is for the BCur. You will also need:
  • English (50-59%)
  • First additional or home language (50-59%)
  • Four other subjects (50-59%)
  • Life orientation (50-59%)

Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Nursing Entry Requirements:

  • Bachelor in Nursing Sciences or equivalent or a degree and comprehensive diploma
  • Diplomas in nursing and midwifery
  • Advanced Diploma in midwifery, staff nurse and advance diploma

Take a look at our Subject Guide to find the value of specific subjects as well as suitable subject packages for various career fields.

Institution and APS

Faculties of Health Sciences do not usually follow an APS.  Instead, they use your collective subject choices and their respective percentages.

Look left to see the entry requirements for a Nursing degree or diploma.

According to the Western Cape College of Nursing, the minimum entry requirements for a diploma in Nursing is:

  • Grade 12 (Std 10) – Minimum 28 APS points

Some of the most reputable institutions which over studies in nursing include:

  • University of Johannesburg (UJ)
  • University of Pretoria (UP)
  • Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
  • University of Cape Town (UCT)

There are also a variety of smaller nursing colleges that focus solely on nurse training which ensures that the practical element of the education and training is covered. 

Required Qualification/s

To qualify as a nurse, there are four options for you to pursue:

  • A four-year bachelor degree in nursing
  • A three-year diploma
  • A one-year higher certificate in auxiliary nursing
  • One-year postgraduate advanced diploma in nursing and midwifery on top of your degree or diploma.

After you get your qualification, you have to register with the SANCA (South Africa Nursing Council).

Undergraduate nursing degree


What types of undergraduate nursing degrees can you study?


There are hundreds of nursing degree courses available in the UK. To narrow down your choices, first consider what area of nursing interests you. Different types of nursing degrees include:

  • Adult nursing
  • Children and young people nursing
  • Learning disabilities nursing
  • Mental health nursing
  • Midwifery

Nursing degrees attained in the UK are transferable to many countries – perfect if you have dreams of living and working abroad.

What universities offer nursing degrees?


Over 80 universities across the UK offer nursing degrees. According to the Complete University Guide’s 2027 nursing league tables, the best universities for nursing include:

  • University of Glasgow (ranked 1st for overall)
  • Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (ranked 1st for student satisfaction)
  • Abertay University (ranked 1st equal for graduate prospects)

Others in the top 10 include: University of Edinburgh, Cardiff University, University of Manchester, University of Surrey and University of Southampton.

Rankings aren’t everything though. Being happy at uni is key, so consider things like the quality of student support, local life and facilities.

How do you apply for a nursing degree?


Once you have decided which nursing degrees you’re interested in, head over to the UCAS website to apply. You can choose to apply for up to five different courses, so have your preferred firm choice, insurance choice and some back-up options just in case.

You may need to attend an interview as part of the application process for a nursing course. Make sure you are prepared by doing plenty of research into the course and really think about how your skills and experience make you great for it.

What are the entry requirements for nursing?


The entry requirements for nursing will vary depending on course and university. The UCAS points needed for a nursing degree range from 96 points to 144 points, with foundation year degrees being as low as 72 points.

What GCSEs do you need to be a nurse?


Most universities will require you to have at least 2 GCSEs (or other equivalent Level 2 qualifications) with a grade C or higher. Two of these will need to be in English and maths, to prove you have the numeracy and literacy skills needed to be a nurse.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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