WSU Faculty of Health Science Admission Requirements 2027: Complete Guide
WSU Faculty of Health Science Admission Requirements 2027. Choosing a health science programme is an important step for students who want to build a career in healthcare. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) offers several health-related undergraduate programmes through its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Mthatha Campus. Before applying, students should understand the WSU Faculty of Health Science Admission Requirements, including the required subjects, APS score, NSC results, and other selection conditions.
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences includes programmes such as Bachelor of Medical Sciences, Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. WSU’s current 2027 undergraduate brochure lists these programmes at the Mthatha Campus.
In this guide, you will learn about the main WSU Faculty of Health Science Admission Requirements, subject requirements, APS scores, programme details, application steps, and other important information students should know before applying.
What Are the WSU Faculty of Health Science Admission Requirements?
The WSU Faculty of Health Science Admission Requirements depend on the programme you want to study. For most health science programmes, students need a strong background in important school subjects such as:
- English
- Another African language
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Life Sciences
- Another recognised subject
These subjects are important because health science programmes require students to understand areas such as the human body, basic medical science, chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. WSU’s 2027 brochure states that the broad subject combination for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences should include a Home Language, English, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
General WSU Admission Requirements for Health Science
Before looking at individual programmes, students should understand the general degree admission rule. For a bachelor’s degree at WSU, the general minimum requirement is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching and an achievement rating of 4 (50–59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Degree applicants must also have a Bachelor’s endorsement on the NSC.
However, health science programmes have their own subject and APS requirements. This means simply having a Bachelor’s endorsement is not enough for every health programme.
Why Are Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Biology Important?
Health science students need a good science foundation before studying advanced medical subjects. Chemistry helps students understand substances and chemical processes in the body. Physics can help with understanding movement, energy, pressure, and other physical processes. Mathematics supports calculations and scientific work, while Biology or Life Sciences helps students understand living organisms and the human body.
Students who are planning to apply for a health science programme should therefore focus on these subjects from an early stage. A strong science background can make it easier to understand subjects taught during university study.
WSU Health Science Programmes and APS Scores
The current WSU 2027 undergraduate brochure lists five undergraduate qualifications under the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. The programmes are offered at the Mthatha Campus.
| Programme | Qualification Code | NQF | Credits | Duration | Minimum APS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medical Sciences | W65001 | 7 | 360 | 3 years | 24 |
| Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice | W65002 | 7 | 360 | 3 years | 24 |
| Bachelor of Nursing | W65004 | 8 | 480 | 4 years | 24 |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics | W65005 | 8 | 480 | 4 years | 24 |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | W65006 | 8 | 720 | 6 years | 30 |
These programme details and minimum APS scores are taken from WSU’s current 2027 undergraduate admission brochure.
Bachelor of Medical Sciences Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Medical Sciences has a minimum APS requirement of 24. Students need the following subject levels:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Any other African Language: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Life Science: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Another recognised subject: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Life Orientation is excluded from this subject requirement
WSU states that additional selection criteria may apply when final selections are made. The programme takes three years and provides knowledge and skills in general pre-medical or basic sciences. Students can later choose an area such as Physiology or Biochemistry.
Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice Requirements
The Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice has a minimum APS requirement of 24. The required subjects are:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Any other African Language: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Life Science: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Another recognised subject: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Life Orientation is excluded from the requirement
The programme takes three years and is designed to train students to work as Clinical Associates. The role includes working within a defined scope of clinical procedures and assisting district hospital doctors under supervision. Students interested in this programme should pay close attention to both the academic requirements and any additional selection requirements mentioned by the Faculty.
Bachelor of Nursing Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Nursing requires a minimum APS of 24 under the current 2027 WSU brochure. The subject requirements are:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Any other African Language: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Life Science: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Another recognised subject: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Life Orientation is excluded
The Bachelor of Nursing is a four-year programme with 480 credits and is offered at the Mthatha Campus. The programme prepares students for professional nursing work in different health service settings.
Important: Some older WSU information may show different Mathematics requirements for Nursing. For applicants using the current 2027 admission information, the WSU brochure lists Mathematics at Level 4 (50–59%).
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics
This programme also has a minimum APS requirement of 24. Students need:
- English: Level 4
- Any other African Language: Level 4
- Mathematics: Level 4
- Physical Science: Level 4
- Life Science: Level 4
- Another recognised subject: Level 4
- Life Orientation is excluded
All Level 4 requirements represent 50–59%. The programme takes four years and prepares students for work as orthotic and prosthetic clinicians. Medical prosthetics focuses on replacing missing body parts, while orthotics deals with supporting and treating weak parts of the body.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Requirements
The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, commonly known as MBChB, has a higher minimum APS requirement. The current WSU 2027 brochure lists a minimum APS of 30. Students need:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Any other African Language: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Mathematics: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Physical Science: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Life Science: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Another recognised subject: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Life Orientation is excluded
WSU also notes that additional selection criteria may apply during final selection. The current brochure lists the MBChB as a six-year programme with 720 credits.
How Does WSU Calculate the APS Score?
The APS, or Admission Point Score, is an important part of the WSU admission process. WSU converts students’ percentage results into APS points. For the current system:
| Percentage | NSC Level | WSU APS |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100% | 7 | 8 |
| 80–89% | 7 | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 | 1 |
WSU says the APS is calculated using the best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation. The six-subject calculation includes English and another language, plus four other subjects. The four additional subjects must include subjects specifically required for the chosen qualification.
Example of APS Calculation Suppose a student has the following results:
- English: 55%
- Another language: 60%
- Mathematics: 65%
- Physical Science: 58%
- Life Science: 62%
- Another subject: 70%
The WSU APS points are based on the relevant percentage bands. Students should check their complete results carefully because the way the APS is calculated depends on the qualification and the subjects that are required.
Is Meeting the Minimum APS Enough for Admission?
No. Meeting the minimum APS should not be treated as a guaranteed admission. This is one of the most important things students should understand before applying. WSU states that meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance or registration. Admission can depend on academic eligibility, available space, and faculty-specific selection criteria.
Therefore, students should not wait until the last minute to prepare their applications. It is better to check the requirements early and make sure all supporting documents and academic information are correct.
WSU Faculty of Health Science Application Requirements
Students applying to WSU should prepare their documents before starting the online application. For the current 2027 application process, WSU lists documents such as:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of passport for international applicants
- Matric results or academic results
- June Grade 12 report for Medicine and Health Sciences applicants
- Working email address
- Working cellphone number
- Other documents requested by WSU during the application process
WSU states that supporting documents can be uploaded in PDF, PNG, or JPEG format, with a maximum size of 5 MB per document.
How to Apply for WSU Health Science Programmes
Students can follow these simple steps when applying.
Step 1: Check Your Programme
First, decide which health science programme you want to study. Check the programme’s:
- APS requirement
- Subject requirements
- Duration
- Qualification code
- Other selection requirements
Step 2: Check Your Matric Results
Compare your Grade 12 or current Grade 12 results with the WSU requirements. Make sure you have the required levels in:
- English
- Another language
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Life Science
- Other required subjects
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Keep all required documents ready before starting your application. Your documents should be clear and in the required file format.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
WSU’s official application information says undergraduate applications are submitted through its online application system. For the 2027 intake, applications opened on 1 June 2026.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
WSU currently lists a R100 non-refundable application fee.
Applicants should use only the official WSU application instructions and should not pay the fee into an individual’s personal bank account.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete all required sections and upload the supporting documents. Before submitting, check your information carefully.
Step 7: Keep Your Confirmation
After submission, keep your student number and confirmation email safely. You may need these details later when checking your application status.
WSU Health Science Application Closing Dates
For the 2027 intake, WSU’s current application page states:
- Applications opened: 1 June 2026
- International applications close: 30 September 2026
- General applications close: 31 October 2026
Medicine and Health Sciences applicants should also note that WSU requires a June Grade 12 report as part of the supporting documents. Students should always check the official WSU application page before submitting because dates and requirements can change.
WSU Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Campus
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is based at the Mthatha Campus. WSU’s current brochure states that the faculty includes the School of Medicine as well as departments covering Nursing, Public Health and Rehabilitation Medicine. The faculty’s new medical school faculty and administrative buildings are located at Sissons Street, Fort Gale, next to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.
Important Tips Before Applying
Students can avoid many application problems by checking everything before submission. Here are some useful tips:
- Check the latest WSU admission brochure.
- Confirm the APS requirement for your exact programme.
- Check every required school subject.
- Do not calculate APS using the wrong subjects.
- Make sure your NSC has the required Bachelor’s endorsement for a degree.
- Prepare certified documents where required.
- Keep your email address active.
- Keep your application confirmation safely.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
- Do not assume that meeting the minimum APS guarantees admission.
- Check for additional faculty selection requirements.
- Use the official WSU application platform only.
FAQs About WSU Faculty of Health Science Admission Requirements
What APS score is needed for WSU Health Sciences?
Most of the undergraduate programmes listed in the current WSU Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences brochure require a minimum APS of 24. The MBChB requires a minimum APS of 30.
What subjects are required for WSU Health Science?
The main subjects include English, another African language, Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Science. A further recognised subject is also included in the programme requirements. Exact levels depend on the qualification.
What is the APS for WSU MBChB?
The current WSU 2027 brochure lists a minimum APS of 30 for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. The required core subjects are listed at Level 5, which is 60–69%.
What is the APS for WSU Bachelor of Medical Sciences?
The minimum APS listed for Bachelor of Medical Sciences is 24. Students need Level 4 in the required subjects, including English, another African language, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science.
What is the APS for WSU Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice?
The current requirement is a minimum APS of 24, with Level 4 requirements for the listed core subjects.
What is the APS for WSU Nursing?
The current 2027 WSU brochure lists 24 APS for the Bachelor of Nursing. It lists Level 4 for English, another African language, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and another recognised subject.
Does WSU guarantee admission if I meet the APS requirement?
No. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission. WSU states that admission can depend on academic eligibility, available space and faculty-specific selection criteria.
Where is the WSU Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences located?
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is located at the Mthatha Campus of Walter Sisulu University.
What documents do Medicine and Health Sciences applicants need?
WSU lists a certified South African ID or passport for international applicants, matric or academic results, and a June Grade 12 report for Medicine and Health Sciences applicants. Other supporting documents may also be required during the application process.
Conclusion
Understanding the WSU Faculty of Health Science Admission Requirements is the first step toward making a successful application. Students should carefully check their APS score, subject levels, NSC status, and programme-specific requirements before applying. The current WSU 2027 information shows that Bachelor of Medical Sciences, Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice, Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics require a minimum APS of 24, while Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery requires an APS of 30.
