Nursing courses at UNISA: Full list with admission requirements
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the top open distance e-learning 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. The course concentrates heavily on Health Services Management, Education, and Community Health.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Nursing courses at UNISA
- Does UNISA offer nursing for 2026?
- Can you study nursing with 21 points?
- What nursing courses are offered at UNISA?
- Auxiliary nursing courses 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 2026?
- Does UNISA have a higher certificate in nursing course?
- How much is a nursing degree at UNISA?
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.
- Active students must submit their Annual Practising Certificate upon every single semester registration cycle. The certificate is issued by South African Nursing Council (SANC).
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 2026 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.
Does UNISA offer nursing for 2026?
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, organisational 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.
Postgraduate programs
1. Master of Nursing
- Offers several specialisation 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 specialised 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 whether you are a midwife or a 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. These include the Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science and Diploma in Nursing Administration.
Postgraduate nursing courses at UNISA include the Master of Arts in Nursing Science and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Science.
Auxiliary nursing courses at UNISA
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While there is no dedicated auxiliary nursing course at UNISA in 2026, 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
The South African institution does not offer short courses to become a qualified nurse. It also does not offer any entry-level "basic" nursing short courses. However, it has Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) in health to help professionals upskill. These include:
- Short Learning Programme in Health Care and Routine Health Information Systems (requires a prior health-related diploma or degree)
- Short Course in Managing Health and Nutrition in Adverse Conditions
- Short Course in the Orientation and Background to HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling
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 specialised 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 Arts in Nursing Science or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a solid choice for most. They offer 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 2026?
UNISA charges an application fee of R160.00 for 2026 online submissions for undergraduate and post-graduates. This fee is non-refundable, even if you are not accepted or choose not to study.
Does UNISA have a higher certificate in nursing course?
Yes. It offers a higher certificate in nursing as an auxiliary course.
How much is a nursing degree at UNISA?
An undergraduate nursing qualification at the University of South Africa (UNISA) costs approximately R21,300 to R41,350 per year, or roughly R2,130 to R4,135 per standard undergraduate module.
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
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