Nursing courses and colleges in South Africa: How to become a nurse in South Africa

Nursing is considered one of the most significant professions in the world today. This is because it keeps the healthcare sector of a nation functional. Learn about some of the best nursing courses and colleges in South Africa, their qualifications and application process.

Key takeaways

• South Africa offers multiple nursing qualifications.
• All nursing courses and institutions must be accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
• The length of nursing courses depends on the qualification, ranging from 1-year Higher Certificate programs to 4-year Bachelor's Degrees.
• All nursing programs include a strong practical component.

Nursing courses and colleges in South Africa

To become a certified nurse, you have to go through two steps: you must get a qualification from an accredited school and then register with the ANC.

Private nursing colleges in South Africa and public institutions provide the same degrees and diplomas. To complete your qualification, simply pick a school that suits your needs.

How many years does it take to become a nurse in South Africa?

Well, just keep in mind that it depends on the type of degree or diploma that you want to complete. The programs available for students who want to pursue a career in this field are:

Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing — One year

In this course, you will learn all the basics of giving care to people. After the one-year course, you will be working under a registered nurse who has completed his/her degree or diploma qualification.

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Sciences — Four years

With this university degree, you will be able to work as a midwife, general, community, or psychiatry nurse. By the end of this degree, also, you will also be equipped with the theoretical and practical components of the field.

Public universities like the UCT (University of Cape Town) offer nursing courses in Cape Town, as well as the University of the Western Cape, University of KwaZulu-Natal, North-West University, and so on.

Diploma in Nursing — Three years

With this qualification, you will be equipped to work as an enrolled nurse or staff nurse. The significant difference between this course and the bachelor's degree is the duration. So, you should anticipate less detailed information. The diploma in nursing qualification can be found in Vaal University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, and other universities of technology.

Post-graduate Advanced Diploma in Nursing — One year

After completing your diploma and degree, you will be required to go for an advanced degree programme if you desire a career in nursing management. To apply for this advanced diploma programme, you must have a bachelor's degree or diploma in nursing. You also need at least two years of experience as a midwife or nurse.

What requirements are needed to become a nurse?

There are several steps one must take to become a registered nurse in South Africa:

1) Apply and enrol at a credited nursing school by the SA Nursing Council. To obtain an application form, contact your school of choice via email or in person to collect a form.

2) After completing the studies, new nurses must first complete a year of mandatory community service before entering the workforce.

3) After graduation, the school will send a Certificate of Completion to the SANC.

4) You will then be required to register with the SA Nursing Council.

To register, you will need to present the following documents:

• Proof of identity
• Certificate of good character and standing
• Proof of your qualifications
• Prescribed registration fee
• Further reports and information concerning your application, as may be required by the registrar
• Finally, you have to sit for the SANC-administered nursing exam that fits with the specific qualification you seek. There are exams for the different categories of nursing professions. To view the exam schedule, visit the SANC's website.

Nursing courses and colleges in South Africa requirements

There are several routes you to take to become a qualified nurse in South Africa.

1) A four-year bachelor's degree in nursing

Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification at exit level 4.

Subjects

Mathematics, Life Orientation, First additional or home language, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences,s; all with grades of (50-59%).

2) A three-year diploma

Requirements

National Senior Certificate (NSC) equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4.

Subjects

English, life orientation, first additional or home language, and four other Subjects; all with grades of (50-59%).

3) A one-year higher certificate in Auxiliary Nursing

Requirements

National Senior Certificate (NSC) equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4.

Subjects

English, Life Orientation, First additional or home language, and four other Subjects; all with grades of (50-59%).

4. A one-year postgraduate advanced diploma in nursing and midwifery on top of your degree or diploma (Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Nursing)

Requirements

• Must have completed A Diploma in Nursing or Midwifery or a Bachelor's in Nursing Sciences.
• Two years of experience as a professional nurse or midwife, including one year in the field of study interest in the last five years.

Nursing courses and colleges in South Africa fees

Whether you're fresh out of school or a working individual looking to switch careers, there are diverse learning pathways available—from in-person classes to online nursing courses and colleges in South Africa.

The fees for nursing courses in South Africa vary depending on the type of course and whether the institution is public or private.

What subjects are needed to become a nurse in South Africa?

For diploma and degree courses, the primary subject requirements to study nursing in South Africa include the following:

1. Mathematics;
2. English;
3. Life Science;
4. Life Orientation;
5. First or home language.

Kindly bear in mind that it is advisable to get at least an average score in each of the subjects above. Although it is good to include Mathematics, life, and physical sciences for your bachelor's degree, however, it is not necessary if you are applying for a diploma course.

What colleges offer nursing in South Africa?

The South African Nursing Council (SANC) is in charge of approving the courses and institutions in the country. That should be your first stop if you want to find out about nursing colleges in South Africa and application forms.

The SANC will not register any student with a qualification from an institution that is not recognised. Log on to their official website,sanc.co.za, to find out more. For example, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is one of the nursing colleges in Gauteng registered by the SANC. There are other nursing colleges.

Government nursing courses and colleges in South Africa

Listed below are the top 10 nursing colleges in South Africa, universities and satellite institutions that offer accredited nurse training programs in South Africa.

Government nursing colleges in Gauteng

Gauteng is the largest province by population in South Africa. There are several renowned nursing colleges in Gauteng, specifically in cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Colleges in Johannesburg

1. Baragwanath Nursing College

It is an on-site campus at the world’s 3rd biggest hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. The Baragwanath Nursing College can accommodate about 1,500 students, but it's limited by financial constraints to only 100 new intakes annually.

Government nursing colleges in Pretoria

• University of Pretoria
• Healthnicon S A– Pretoria main campus
• Life College – Pretoria Learning Centre

Other SANC-accredited institutions in Gauteng Province

• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of South Africa
• University of Witwatersrand
• Vaal University of Technology

Nursing colleges

• Ann Latsky Nursing College
• Rahima Moosa Campus
• Ga-Rankuwa Nursing College
• S G Lourens Nursing College
• SAMHS Nursing College

Colleges/universities in Western Cape Province

The Western Cape Department of Health offers annual bursaries for full-time study at the following accredited Western Cape nursing institutions:

Universities in Western Cape Province

• University of Cape Town
• University of the Western Cape
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• University of Stellenbosch

Nursing colleges in Cape Town

• Western Cape College of Nursing –Metro West Campus

Sub-Campuses:

• Boland Overberg
• Metro East Campus
• South Cape Karoo Campus

Nursing schools in Western Cape Province

• Beaufort West Hospital
• George Hospital
• Groote Schuur Hospital
• Tygerberg Academic Hospital
• Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre
• Worcester Nursing School

Colleges/universities in Eastern Cape Province

Recruitment and admission into the various colleges in the Eastern Cape Province are merit-based, and the emphasis is placed on diversity.

Universities in Eastern Cape Province

• Nelson Mandela University
• Walter Sisulu University
• University of Fort Hare

Colleges in Eastern Cape Province

• Lilitha College of Nursing (Main Campus)

Below are the five Lilitha College satellite campuses:

1. Port Elizabeth Campus
2. East London Campus
3. Queenstown Campus
4. Mthatha Campus
5. Lusikisiki Campus

Schools in Eastern Cape Province

1. All Saints Hospital
2. Fort Beaufort Hospital
3. Victoria Hospital
4. Butterworth Hospital
5. Andries Vosloo Hospital
6. St Lucy’s Hospital
7. Dora Nginza Hospital
8. Dr Malizo Mpehle Memorial Hospital
9. Elizabeth Donkin Hospital
10. Nessie Knight Hospital
11. Glen Grey Hospital
12. Madwaleni Hospital
13. Madzikane KaZulu Memorial Hospital
14. Midlands Hospital
15. Nompumelelo Hospital
16. Settler’s Hospital
17. St Barnabas Hospital, MS B Somhlahlo
18. Thafalofefe Hospital
19. St Patrick’s Hospital
20. Umlamli /Empilisweni Complex

Universities in Northern Cape Province

Even though the Northern Cape is the largest province, it has the smallest population. It is therefore unsurprising that there is currently only one recognised public school in the province, namely:

• Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College

Colleges in North West Province

There are several accredited schools in the North West province. They are grouped into either public or private institutions:

Public Nursing Universities in North West Province

• North-West University ( Mafikeng )

Tuition is primarily in English.

• North-West University (Potchefstroom)

Tuition here is mainly in Afrikaans.

Public nursing colleges in North West Province

• Xcelsius Nursing College
• Mmabatho Nursing College

Public nursing schools in North West Province

• Moses Kotane Nursing School
• Taung Community Hospital
• Thusong Hospital Nursing School
• Witrand Hospital

Private nursing schools in North West Province

Several private training schools have yet to be accredited by the SANC.

1) Caerus Nursing School

Although it has received accreditation by the Council of Higher Education, it is still in the process of being certified by the SA Nursing Council.

1) University of Free State

Its main campus is in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa and is one of the oldest South African higher learning institutions. There are many bursaries and other financial aid options offered here.

Colleges in Free State Province

• Free State School of Nursing –Northern Campus
• Free State School of Nursing –Eastern Campus
• Free State School of Nursing –Southern Campus

Schools in Free State Province

• Metsimaholo District Hospital
• Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Region Hospital
• National Universitas Hospital
• No. 3 Military Hospital (SAMHS)

Colleges/universities in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province

As the second largest province in South Africa, Kwa-Zulu Natal is home to some reputable nursing colleges in Durban and its environs.

Universities in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province

• Durban University of Technology
• University of Zululand
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal

Colleges in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province

• Kwa-Zulu Natal College of Nursing (Main Campus)
• ChatsMed Candlelight Nursing School –Durban Campus
• Michaelmas Nursing School – Durban Campus
• Netcare Education (Durban)

North Campuses

• Ngwelezana Campus
• Charles Johnson Memorial Campus
• Madadeni Campus
• Benedictine Campus

South Campuses

• Edendale Campus
• Grey’s Campus
• RK Khan Campus
• Addington Campus
• Port Shepstone Campus
• Prince Mshiyeni Memorial
• King Edward VII Campus

Schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province

• Bethesda Hospital School
• Rietvlei Hospital School
• Eshowe Hospital School
• St Aidan's Hospital School
• Manguzi Hospital School
• Nkonjeni Hospital School
• Nkandla Hospital School
• Iris Marwick Hospital School
• Church of Scotland Hospital School

Colleges/universities in Limpopo Province

• Limpopo College of Nursing
• Sub-Campuses:
• Giyani Campus
• Sekhukhune Campus
• Sovenga Campus
• Thohoyandou Campus
• Waterberg Campus

Schools in Limpopo Province

• Malamulele Hospital
• Warmbath Hospital
• Mokopane Hospital

Colleges/universities in Mpumalanga Province

Currently, there are no university-level nurse-training institutes.

• Barberton Hospital School
• Standerton Hospital School
• Middleburg Hospital School
• Sabie Hospital Nursing School
• Witbank Hospital School
• Piet Retief Hospital Nursing

This is a diverse field in which you can work not only in hospitals but in other healthcare facilities such as schools, correctional facilities, and even war zones. Before settling into any program, it is best to research different institutions to decide on the best package for you. Once you have decided on a specific training institute, visit the SA Nursing Council’s list of accredited Nursing Colleges in South Africa to verify its credibility, since many private schools have yet to be certified.

One of the vital nursing requirements is the SANC registration, which you can do once you get your qualification. From there, you can begin to enjoy your fulfilling nursing profession or choose to get a master's degree. This will further advance your profession as you will become a clinical nurse specialist or an advanced nurse practitioner.

The clinical nurse specialist works hand-in-hand with primary medical professionals, while the advanced nurse practitioners continue their function as midwives.

Which TVET colleges offer nursing?

In South Africa, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges primarily focus on practical skills and vocational training. However, most TVET colleges do not directly offer full professional nursing qualifications like a Diploma in Nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing.

Which university is best for nursing in South Africa?

Several universities consistently rank highly and offer strong nursing programs.

Free nursing courses in South Africa

Several South African organisations offer free online nursing courses. DENOSA, through its partnership with the World Continuing Education Alliance, provides free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to its members.

Alison offers various free online nursing courses, including diplomas and certificates, covering diverse topics like clinical skills and patient care.

Which college of nursing is open for a 2025 application?

As of April 2025, not many nursing colleges in South Africa have opened their applications for the 2025 academic year. Lilitha College of Nursing is still open for applications.

What is the 1-year nursing course in South Africa?

In South Africa, the one-year nursing course is typically the Higher Certificate in Nursing or Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA) program. This program prepares nurses to provide basic nursing care in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centres.

Upon successful completion, individuals can register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as auxiliary nurses.

What is the APS score for nursing in South Africa?

The minimum Admission Point Score (APS) required for nursing programs in South Africa varies by university. Generally, a minimum APS of 25-30 is expected for admission to a Bachelor of Nursing degree, according to a nursing website.

What are the 4 fields of nursing?

The four main fields of nursing are adult health, child health, mental health, and learning disability. These fields represent the different age groups and populations nurses may focus their practice on.

How much do nurses earn in South Africa?

South African nurses can earn between R13,000 and R38,000 monthly, which is very lucrative. Interestingly, you do not have to work in hospitals if such an idea scares you. Nursing South Africa schools, institutions, research laboratories, and other sectors are also possible.

The reason is that, according to a study from the SANC, the healthcare sector has recorded a 35% increase in the number of nurses in South Africa. So, jobs for people in this field are always available.

There are three categories of nurses in South Africa.

• Enrolled nursing auxiliaries take care of the patient’s primary and general needs;
• Enrolled nurses play a limited role in providing care for patients.
• Registered nurses, also known as nursing sisters, are in charge of supervising other nurses.

From diploma programs to university degrees, there are many accredited nursing courses and colleges in South Africa designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the healthcare sector. By choosing the right institution and qualification, you’re taking the first step toward a meaningful and fulfilling profession.

Briefly.co.za recently published information about the Majuba College application process. Majuba College is one of South Africa’s leading technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.

It offers a range of programs designed to equip students with practical skills for the workforce. Applications are open throughout the year, but it is advisable to apply early due to limited space.

Source: Briefly News