Nursing courses at UNISA: Full list with admission requirements
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the top institutions offering nursing programs in the country. The university has numerous nursing courses for those planning to pursue a career in the field. One of the key nursing courses at UNISA is the Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science. Explore more below and their requirements.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Nursing courses at UNISA
- What nursing courses are offered at UNISA?
- What medical courses does UNISA offer?
- What is the best course in nursing?
- What is the shortest nursing course?
- How much is the application fee for UNISA 2025?
Key takeaways
- Nursing courses at UNISA include undergraduate and postgraduate programs, each with specific admission requirements.
- All applications must be submitted online, along with required documents, within the set deadlines.
- A UNISA student number is needed before applying for any nursing program.
Nursing courses at UNISA
UNISA’s nursing programs give students the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to deliver quality care and services. With the right training, graduates can work independently or as part of a professional healthcare team.
The 2025 nursing courses at UNISA offer a practical, industry-focused education. They prepare students to begin their careers as Registered Nurses (RNs) across a wide range of clinical settings.
From the first year, students complete 1,000 hours of clinical placements through UNISA’s strong network of trusted industry partners. They also gain hands-on skills through 150 hours of simulated training at the clinician-led Horizon Hospital and Health Service.
Does UNISA offer nursing courses?
Yes, there are occupational health nursing courses at UNISA available at various levels. These include bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, higher certificates, and postgraduate advanced diplomas.
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By the end of the program, students are equipped with essential skills such as financial administration, organizational support, professionalism, and strong ethical values. Here are all the nursing courses at UNISA:
Undergraduate Programs
1. Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science (BA Cur-HHS)
- Focuses on health services management and education.
- Prepares students for leadership and management roles in healthcare.
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Covers both practical and theoretical nursing education.
- Prepares graduates to become registered nurses.
Postgraduate Programs
1. Master of Nursing
- Offers several specialization options, including:
- Decision-Making in Midwifery and Nursing Practice
- Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
- Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics, and Investigations
2. Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Provides training in specialized areas such as:
- Nurse Education
- Health and Ageing
- Critical Care Nursing
3. Master of Health Services Management
- Focuses on leadership and management within the healthcare sector.
4. Master of Research (Health Sciences)
- Ideal for those interested in conducting research in health-related fields.
5. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
- Designed for students aiming to pursue advanced research and academic careers in nursing.
What are the requirements for nursing at UNISA?
The University of South Africa offers various levels of nursing to prospective and qualified students. For instance, they offer a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing program.
This course is provided through distance learning mode, making it one of the most accessible online nursing courses at UNISA.
- Every registration requires a student to provide an annual practising certificate issued by the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
- Upon registration, you need to indicate midwife and general nurse.
What are the qualifications for a nursing course?
Other general qualifications and nursing requirements at UNISA are as follows:
| Qualification stream | Health Services Management, Education and Community Health |
| Qualification code | 0216X - HSM |
| NQF level | 6 |
| Total credits | 360 |
| SAQA ID | 5365 |
| APS/AS | 20 |
You can only apply for the BA (CUR)–HHS if you are not registered as a midwife. Applicants may proceed with course registration only after receiving official confirmation from UNISA that their application has been accepted.
However, the university reserves the right to process, cancel, or reject any registration if an applicant has been incorrectly admitted to the qualification.
Bridging courses at UNISA for nursing
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The South African university offers a bridging course where one can study for a Diploma in Nursing at UNISA. Successful completion of the diploma enables a prospective candidate to qualify for a Bachelor's degree in nursing. Requirements for the diploma course are:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- Minimum of 30% in the language of teaching and learning
How to apply for nursing at UNISA?
Earning a spot to study at the University of South Africa has never been this easy. To study nursing at UNISA, you need at least 360 credits.
To apply for a nursing program at UNISA, you must follow a few key steps. The entire process is done online.
1. Check if applications are open
- Visit the UNISA website to see if your chosen nursing program is currently open for applications.
- Some programs may close earlier, so check the deadlines carefully.
2. Get a student number
- If you are new to UNISA, apply for a student number first.
- This is done on the UNISA online application portal.
3. Apply online
- Complete your application on the UNISA website.
- Upload all required documents. You have 10 working days to do this.
4. Track your application
- You will get an email with the result of your application.
- Returning students should check their myLife email account.
5. Important things to note
- You can only register if your application is approved.
- Make sure you meet all deadlines.
If your application is incomplete or late, it may be rejected.
Can you study nursing with 21 points?
To qualify for nursing courses at UNISA, requirements include a minimum of 20 APS/AS and a SAQA ID of 5365. Once enrolled, students must complete a set number of modules and NQF-level credits within a specific timeframe to graduate. To stay in the program, they must pass enough modules or credits each year to re-register and continue with their qualification.
What nursing courses are offered at UNISA?
The institution offers bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, higher certificates, and postgraduate advanced diplomas. The higher certificate in nursing at UNISA is an auxiliary course.
Postgraduate nursing courses at UNISA include the Master of Clinical Nursing, which focuses on advanced clinical practice. Another option is the Master of Nursing (Education and Leadership), designed for roles in teaching and healthcare leadership.
Auxiliary nursing courses at UNISA
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While there is no dedicated auxiliary nursing course at UNISA 2025, the University of South Africa does offer a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work. This program builds essential skills to support social workers across different environments.
It focuses on foundational knowledge, practical support, basic intervention techniques, administration, and research within the field of social work.
Short nursing courses at UNISA
UNISA offers a range of short nursing courses tailored for flexibility. Many are available online and allow midyear entry. Options include:
- Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Nurse Education)
- Professional Certificate in Clinical Education
These programs are designed for working professionals looking to upskill or shift focus in their nursing careers.
What medical courses does UNISA offer?
The University of South Africa (UNISA) provides a wide selection of health-related programs. These include degrees and diplomas in Health Sciences, Public Health, and Laboratory Medicine. UNISA also provides specialized courses in areas such as Nutrition, Exercise, Community Health, and Healthy Ageing.
For advanced study, the university has postgraduate options, including Master's degrees and Graduate Diplomas in Health Services Management.
What is the best course in nursing?
The best nursing course depends on your goals. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a solid choice for most. It offers more job options and better pay than an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN).
For advanced roles, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can lead to careers like Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator.
What is the shortest nursing course?
UNISA’s shortest nursing course is a Short Learning Programme (SLP) under the Health Studies department. These are brief, practical courses focused on specific skills. They do not lead to a degree but cover areas like using health data or improving public health management.
How much is the application fee for UNISA 2025?
UNISA charges an application fee of R140.00 for 2025 online submissions. This fee is non-refundable, even if you are not accepted or choose not to study. It applies to first-time applicants needing a student number and to current students applying for a new course.
Nursing courses at UNISA will provide you with an opportunity to make your dreams come true. Pursue your career in the medical field by grabbing a chance to study at a prestigious university.
Briefly.co.za recently highlighted details about the UNISA application deadlines, requirements, and all you need to know. The University of South Africa (UNISA) is among the top-ranking higher learning institutions in the country and on the continent. It stands out as a focal centre of academic excellence for learners seeking world-class education.
Sending a UNISA application is relatively easy. Every year, the university receives thousands of applications. You can pursue multiple UNISA courses, depending on your passion and interests. These range from certificates to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Find out more here.
Source: Briefly News
Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for seven years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Adrianna finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
