University Of Witwatersrand Nursing

University Of Witwatersrand Nursing

Nursing

Nurses work collaboratively with physicians, therapists, the patient and the patient’s family, and focus on treating illness to improve quality of life. This course prepares professionals for general nursing and midwifery practice.

Qualification: BNurs
School: Therapeutic Sciences
Faculty: Health Sciences
Duration: 4 years

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) degree is a 4 year, full-time course.
The degree programme includes theoretical study at the Braamfontein and medical school campuses and clinical training at university affiliate hospitals, community clinics and special areas such as specialist units in hospitals and the health care train.
The curriculum includes a core of knowledge in the biological, natural, physical and social sciences as well as the theory and practice of nursing science. A strong emphasis on the sciences is a characteristic of a Wits Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
Nursing courses commence in the first year with correlated periods of community based learning activities and in the second semester, hospital-based clinical practice. These become incremental over the next four years of the degree.

Entry Requirements

Health Sciences – View the Wits University Revised Health Sciences Admissions Policy 
Programme Minimum Admission Requirements Selection procedures
APS Subjects & achieved scale
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Health Sciences BHSc (Biomedical Sciences and Biokinetics)
(3 years)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MB BCh (6 years)
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
BSc(Physiotherapy)
(4 years)
Bachelor of Pharmacy BPharm
(4 years)

The Faculty of Health Sciences does not calculate an APS score. Several criteria are considered for selection (e.g. Academic performance and National Benchmark scores).There are two points of entry into the MBBCh degree:

  • 1st year MBBCh for applicants currently completing Matric
  • 3rd year MBBCh (i.e. the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) for applicants who have completed a prerequisite degree. Click here for more info.

English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5
Mathematics – 5
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science – 5If you are applying to the Faculty of Health Sciences, you will not be selected solely on your school leaving results, although they are very important. A composite index is calculated, taking into consideration
(1) your academic results for FIVE subjects and (2) National Benchmark Test scores. Only five subjects are used to derive a matriculation score, which is calculated according to the percentages obtained, NOT symbols. These are English, Mathematics, Physical Science/ Life Sciences and
the best two other subjects.
(Dentistry requires Physical Science and Life Sciences and the best other subject).

ALL applicants (excluding applicants who are applying to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme – GEMP only) are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
GEMP applicants may be invited to the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT) and all applicants are advised to prepare in the event that they are invited. For more information on the WAPT please refer to:
www.wits.ac.za/health/gemp
• ALL GEMP applicants who are invited to the WAPT will be expected to complete a Biographical Questionnaire on the day of the test.
• ALL applicants to BSc in Occupational Therapy (OT) must spend time with an Occupational Therapist and complete a 2024 Occupational Therapy Certificate of Attendance.

Bachelor of Dental Science
BDS (5 years)English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5
Mathematics – 5
Life Sciences and 
Physical Science – 5Bachelor of Nursing BNurs
(4 years)Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy- BSc(OT) (4 years)English HL or 1st Add Lang – 4
Mathematics – 4
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science – 4Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) (3 years)Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences (BOHS) (3 years)English HL or 1st Add Lang – 4
Mathematics – 4 or
Mathematical Literacy – 7
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science – 4

Application Process

Your application

  • You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
  • Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).

Documentation / Checklist

  • Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
  • If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.

Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
More about submitting applications

Career Opportunities

  • Nurse
  • Midwife
  • Paramedic
  • Health service manager

Apply now

Closing Dates

30 June
Faculty of Health Sciences (All programmes)
Bachelor of Architecture
B Audiology and B Speech-Language Pathology
30 September
All other University programmes
Residence applications

Online applications
  • Complete an online application to study at Wits
  • Complete an online application for financial aid or residential accommodation
  • Download an application
Course Costs

The average course costs range from R38728 to R48550, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered.

  • Detailed fee structure
  • Fees and funding

Related courses

Oral Health Sciences

This course provides a holistic approach to dentistry, primary dental care and give students the skills they need to register as a dental therapist or dental hygienist.

Physiotherapy

Be trained to assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury and disease. Students are often members of medical teams that treat sports injuries and ill persons, and help disabled people to lead lives with as much independence as possible.

Occupational Therapy

The degree aims to skill students in helping clients who are temporarily or permanently impaired by illness, accident, disability, environmental limitations or developmental delay.