What is an APS Score for Nursing at Wits? Minimum Requirements

If you aspire to be a nursing professional in South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand, also known as Wits, should be on your list of top institutions. Wits offers a comprehensive, four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree that is an honors’ equivalent program. This course prepares students for nursing and midwifery practice. However, unlike other courses, the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits doesn’t use the common Admission Point Score (APS). Instead, a unique matriculation score is calculated from five specific subjects: English, Maths, Physical Science/Life Sciences, and your two best other subjects. This score is percentage-based rather than symbol-based.

What are the Requirements to Study Nursing at Wits?

The Bachelor of Nursing at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is a four-year honors’ equivalent program. Unlike other faculties, the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits does not use the standard Admission Point Score (APS) for admissions. Instead, they calculate a unique matriculation score based on five subjects: English, Maths, Physical Science/Life Sciences, and the two best other subjects. This score is calculated using percentages rather than symbols. The minimum requirements for admission include a Level 4 (50%) in English, Mathematics, and Life Science and/or Physical Science according to the National Senior Certificate (NSC). Applications are done online for the upcoming academic year.

Unlike other faculties, the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits does not use the standard Admission Point Score (APS) for admissions. Instead, they calculate a unique matriculation score based on five subjects: English, Maths, Physical Science/Life Sciences, and the two best other subjects.

The Comprehensive Curriculum of the Nursing Course

From the first year, students embark on an integrative journey of learning, involving both theoretical and clinical training. The theoretical part takes place at the Braamfontein and medical school campuses. For the clinical aspect, students are placed in university-affiliated hospitals, community clinics, and special areas like specialist units in hospitals. Over four years, the course content becomes increasingly comprehensive, covering a range of subjects such as Anatomy for Nursing Sciences, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Midwifery.

How to Apply for the Bachelor of Nursing at Wits

Application for the Bachelor of Nursing program is straightforward and is conducted online. To be eligible, you must meet the minimum entry requirements, which include a Level 4 (50%) in English Home or First Additional Language, Mathematics, and Life Science and/or Physical Science as per your National Senior Certificate (NSC). If you fulfil these requirements and are passionate about a career in healthcare, you should consider applying for this esteemed program.

University Application Process


  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Gaining admission into the Wits Bachelor of Nursing program isn’t just about academic performance; it’s also about demonstrating a commitment to a rewarding healthcare career. If you meet these criteria, don’t hesitate to submit your application for the upcoming 2023 intake.



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