The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s top universities for health science degrees. Nursing at UP leads to a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNurs) degree.
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This qualification prepares graduates to become registered professional nurses and midwives with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
The programme includes both classroom learning and practical clinical training at approved healthcare facilities over four years of full-time study.
What are the minimum academic requirements for University of Pretoria Nursing?
To apply for the Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria for 2026, you must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.
You must meet the following minimum achievement levels:
- English Home Language or English First Additional Language at NSC level 4
- Mathematics at NSC level 4
- Life Sciences at NSC level 4
- Minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 28 (Life Orientation is excluded from APS)
Meeting these minimum requirements qualifies you to apply for the programme, but it does not guarantee admission.
Nursing is competitive and often has more applicants than available spaces.
When should I apply for the 2026 nursing intake?
For the 2026 academic year at UP, applications for South African applicants and international applicants close on 30 June 2025.
This is the official closing date for the general undergraduate intake. You should plan to submit all required documents before this date.
If you are currently in Grade 12, you may apply with your final Grade 11 results.
Once your final Grade 12 results are released, you must update your application with your final marks.
What subjects are recommended for nursing at UP?
At a minimum, you must have English, Mathematics, and Life Sciences at NSC level 4.
UP does not require Physical Sciences for admission to the BNurs programme, although some other universities do.
UP also does not accept Mathematical Literacy for this degree, so you must have core Mathematics.
Many nursing applicants choose subjects like Physical Sciences and additional science courses to strengthen their academic profile, but these are not part of the compulsory minimum entry criteria at UP.
How is selection decided for nursing at the University of Pretoria?
Selection into the nursing programme is competitive.
Even if you meet the minimum requirements and APS score, UP admits only a limited number of students (around 50 first-year students yearly).
Admission is based on academic performance and may include additional faculty criteria.
UP advises students that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Applicants are ranked, and only the top candidates are offered places.
You should aim for marks above the minimum to increase your chances.
Can I apply with international or non-South African qualifications?
Yes. If you completed schooling outside South Africa, your qualification must be evaluated by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) to confirm equivalence with the NSC.
Proof of English proficiency may also be required if English was not the language of instruction in your schooling.
International applicants are considered for limited spaces, and priority is given to SADC (Southern African Development Community) citizens after South Africans.
What is the duration and structure of the nursing programme?
The Bachelor of Nursing Science is a four-year, full-time degree.
It combines academic study with practical clinical training in health settings such as hospitals and community health facilities.
You must complete both the theoretical and clinical requirements successfully to graduate and register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
The degree includes modules in anatomy, physiology, psychology, pharmacology, and professional nursing practice.
Clinical training takes place throughout the four years, and you may need to sign training contracts with approved teaching hospitals.
What happens after I meet the entry requirements and apply?
After submitting your application before the closing date, UP will assess your academic results.
If you meet the requirements, you may receive either a conditional offer or a full offer depending on your final results.
It is important to check your application status regularly on the UP student portal.
If you do not receive admission to nursing, UP also recommends that applicants explore other programmes or consult with a student adviser for alternative study paths.
What else should I know about applying to nursing at UP?
- Life Orientation does not count towards your APS.
- If you are a transferring student from another university, your past academic performance will be considered.
- Always ensure your final results and documentation are up to date before deadlines.