Nursing colleges in South Africa offer SANC-accredited diplomas and degrees with NSFAS funding, one intake per year, and application windows that typically open between August and October for the following academic year.
Prospective students must verify accreditation through the South African Nursing Council (SANC), confirm NSFAS eligibility, and submit certified documents, including ID, Matric results, and proof of residence through college or provincial portals.
South Africa has 152 accredited nursing education institutions registered with the South African Nursing Council as of October 2025. These institutions include 24 universities, 51 public nursing colleges, and 77 private nursing education institutions offering diploma and degree programmes.
Each institution operates under SANC regulations and offers programs leading to registration as an Auxiliary Nurse (NQF Level 5), General Nurse (NQF Level 6), or Professional Nurse (NQF Level 8).
Table of Contents
Top Nursing Colleges in South Africa
University nursing faculties lead in research output and graduate employment rates, with the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, and University of KwaZulu-Natal consistently producing the highest SANC registration pass rates (92-96%) and research publications (15-25 peer-reviewed articles annually per department).
Public colleges demonstrate high clinical competency development through extensive hospital partnerships, while private institutions offer structured pathways with guaranteed clinical placements and often faster processing times.
| Institution Name | Type | Province / City | Qualifications Offered | SANC Accreditation | NSFAS / Government Funding | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilitha College of Nursing | Public Nursing College | Eastern Cape | Diploma in Nursing (GNR171) | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Largest public nursing college in SA |
| KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing | Public Nursing College | KwaZulu-Natal | Diploma in Nursing, Post-basic | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Multiple campuses across KZN |
| Gauteng College of Nursing | Public Nursing College | Gauteng | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Campuses in JHB & Pretoria |
| Western Cape College of Nursing | Public Nursing College | Western Cape | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Linked to provincial hospitals |
| Mpumalanga College of Nursing | Public Nursing College | Mpumalanga | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Central provincial intake |
| Limpopo College of Nursing | Public Nursing College | Limpopo | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Campuses in Polokwane & regions |
| North West College of Nursing | Public Nursing College | North West | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Provincial intake system |
| Free State School of Nursing | Public Nursing College | Free State | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Includes Motheo region |
| Northern Cape College of Nursing | Public Nursing College | Northern Cape | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Limited intake capacity |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | University | Western Cape | Bachelor of Nursing | Yes | Yes (NSFAS) | Degree-level nursing education |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | University | Gauteng | Bachelor of Nursing | Yes | Yes (NSFAS) | Research-focused nursing degree |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | University | KwaZulu-Natal | Bachelor of Nursing | Yes | Yes (NSFAS) | Large clinical training network |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | University | Gauteng | Bachelor of Nursing | Yes | Yes (NSFAS) | Academic nursing programmes |
| Stellenbosch University | University | Western Cape | Bachelor of Nursing | Yes | Yes (NSFAS) | Afrikaans & English instruction |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | University | Gauteng | Bachelor of Nursing | Yes | Yes (NSFAS) | Health-science focused |
| Netcare Education | Private Nursing College | Nationwide | Higher Certificate, Diploma | Yes (Selected programmes) | No | Private hospital-based training |
| Life College of Learning | Private Nursing College | Nationwide | Nursing Certificates & Diplomas | Yes (Selected programmes) | No | Linked to Life Healthcare |
| Mediclinic Learning Centre | Private Nursing College | Nationwide | Nursing Certificates | Yes (Selected programmes) | No | Employer-linked programmes |
| Future Nurses Nursing School | Private Nursing College | Gauteng | Auxiliary Nursing | Yes | No | Entry-level nursing training |
| Gold Fields Nursing College | Private Nursing College | Gauteng | Auxiliary Nursing | Yes | No | Focus on auxiliary level |
| Thuto Bophelo Nursing Academy | Private Nursing College | Limpopo | Auxiliary Nursing | Yes | No | Regional private provider |
| Khanyisa Nursing School | Private Nursing College | Gauteng | Auxiliary Nursing | Yes | No | Private SANC-accredited |
| Ann Latsky Nursing College | Public Nursing College | Gauteng | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Part of Gauteng College |
| King Edward VIII Nursing Campus | Public Nursing College | KwaZulu-Natal | Diploma in Nursing | Yes | Yes (Provincial) | Major KZN training hospital |
Public/Government Nursing Colleges in South Africa
Eastern Cape Province
| Nursing College / Campus | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilitha College of Nursing (All Campuses) | Higher Certificate; Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diploma Mental Health | 1 | 15–60 | 043 700 9704 · echealth.gov.za |
| East London Main Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diploma Mental Health | 1 | 28–60 | 043 742 0684 · nontobekomhlahlo@gmail.com |
| Lusikisiki Main Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery | 1 | 15–60 | 039 253 1892 · madikizelazoe@gmail.com |
| Mthatha Main Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diploma Mental Health | 1 | 27–60 | 047 502 4066 · nomboniselongqele3@gmail.com |
| Port Elizabeth Main Campus | Diploma in Nursing | 1 | 56 | 083 460 9284 · thandonyangeni@gmail.com |
| Queenstown Main Campus | Diploma in Nursing | 1 | 40 | 045 839 2482 · zonkel97@yahoo.com |
Free State Province
| Nursing College / Campus | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free State School of Nursing (All Campuses) | Higher Certificate; Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diploma Perioperative | 1 | 20–65 | 051 403 9873 · fshealth.gov.za |
| Northern Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery | 1 | 30–65 | 057 396 3710 · mokhomoM@fshealth.gov.za |
| Southern Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diploma Perioperative | 1 | 20–60 | 051 403 9886 · vandyke@fshealth.gov.za |
| Pelonomi Sub-Campus | Higher Certificate | 1 | 30 | 051 403 9812 · mofahlamc@fshealth.gov.za |
Gauteng Province
| Nursing College / Campus | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng College of Nursing (All Campuses) | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diplomas (Primary Care, Mental Health, Critical Care) | 1 | 35–150 | 083 352 7713 · gauteng.gov.za |
| Ann Latsky Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diplomas | 1 | 50–150 | 011 644 8900 · lindiwe.mohoaduba@gauteng.gov.za |
| Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery | 1 | 150 | 011 983 3000 · cordelia.sithole@gauteng.gov.za |
| SG Lourens Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Primary Care | 1 | 40–150 | 012 319 5600 · mmatlhodi.poo@gauteng.gov.za |
| Ga-Rankuwa Campus | Advanced & PG Diplomas (Midwifery, Child, Critical Care) | 1 | 40–50 | 012 560 0450 · senamela.seabelo@gauteng.gov.za |
KwaZulu-Natal Province
| Nursing College / Campus | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing (All Campuses) | Higher Certificate; Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; Bachelor of Nursing; PG Diplomas | 1 | 15–40 | 033 940 4901 · kznhealth.gov.za |
| Addington Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Oncology | 1 | 15–40 | 031 327 2999 · thabisile.chiliza@kznhealth.gov.za |
| Grey’s Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Nephrology; Critical Care | 1 | 30–40 | 033 897 3508 · busi.shezi@kznhealth.gov.za |
| Prince Mshiyeni Campus | Diploma; Bachelor of Nursing; Advanced Diploma Midwifery | 1 | 30 | 031 907 8314 · rozana.bridgemohan@kznhealth.gov.za |
Limpopo Province
| Nursing College / Campus | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limpopo College of Nursing (All Campuses) | Higher Certificate; Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diplomas | 1 | 15–80 | 015 964 1516 · dhsd.limpopo.gov.za |
| Sovenga Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Ophthalmic | 1 | 26–80 | 015 267 1114 · tjgwangwa@yahoo.com |
| Thohoyandou Campus | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Primary Care | 1 | 15–80 | 015 964 1516 · tshiswaisemelly@gmail.com |
Mpumalanga Province
| Nursing College / Campus | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mpumalanga College of Nursing | Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery | 1 | 20–50 | 013 796 1352 · principalmcon5@gmail.com |
| Rob Ferreira Campus | Diploma in Nursing | 1 | 20 | 013 741 6351 · mpuhealth.gov.za |
Northern Cape Province
| Nursing College | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College | Higher Certificate; Diploma in Nursing | 1 | 30 | 053 807 5351 · ncpg.gov.za |
North West Province
| Nursing College / Campus | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North West Nursing College | Higher Certificate; Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery; PG Diplomas | 1 | 40–50 | 018 391 4284 · nwpg.gov.za |
| Mafikeng Campus | Diploma; Higher Certificate; Advanced Diploma Midwifery | 1 | 40–50 | 018 391 4284 · batyit@nwpg.gov.za |
| Klerksdorp Campus | Diploma; PG Diplomas | 1 | 25–50 | 018 406 8600 · nsedumedi@nwpg.gov.za |
Western Cape Province
| Nursing College / Campus | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Cape College of Nursing (All Campuses) | Higher Certificate; Diploma; Bachelor of Nursing; Advanced & PG Diplomas | 1 | 20–50 | 021 831 5833 · westerncape.gov.za |
| Metro West Campus | Diploma; Bachelor; PG Diplomas | 1 | 20–50 | 021 684 1211 · theresa.bock@westerncape.gov.za |
| Southern Cape Karoo Campus | Higher Certificate; Diploma; Advanced Diploma Midwifery | 1 | 30–50 | 044 803 1771 · sundira.mottian@westerncape.gov.za |
Public nursing colleges train approximately 3,500 new nurses annually across 64 campuses. Top-performing public institutions based on SANC registration rates and graduate placement:
Gauteng Province:
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus: Largest nursing college in Africa, 150 Diploma students per year, 95% clinical pass rate, partnerships with 8 tertiary hospitals
- Ann Latsky Campus: 150 annual intake, strong primary care focus, 12 community health centers for placements
- SG Lourens Campus: 150 annual intake, Tshwane Academic Hospital partnership, postgraduate programs in nephrology and critical care
KwaZulu-Natal Province:
- Grey’s Campus: 40 Diploma students, 30 Advanced Diploma Midwifery students, partnerships with Grey’s Hospital and Edendale Hospital
- Harry Gwala (Edendale) Campus: 40 Diploma students, postgraduate programs in primary care, emergency nursing, and ophthalmic nursing
- Addington Campus: Durban metro location, 40 Diploma places, oncology specialization available
Eastern Cape Province:
- Lilitha College East London Campus: 60 Diploma students, 28 Advanced Diploma Midwifery students, mental health postgraduate program
- Lusikisiki Campus: 60 Diploma students, rural clinical placements, community health focus
- Port Elizabeth Campus: 56 Diploma students, partnerships with Dora Nginza and Livingstone hospitals
Private Nursing Colleges in South Africa
Private nursing colleges train approximately 1,200 students annually with smaller class sizes (15-70 per campus) and individualized support. Top private providers:
Gauteng Province
| Nursing College | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
| Arwyp Training Institute (Pty) Ltd | Higher Certificate in Nursing; Diploma in Nursing | 1 | 40 / 30 | 011 922 1195 · annelize.devilliers@arwyp.com |
| Ukwazi School of Nursing – Roodepoort | Higher Certificate; Diploma in Nursing | 1 | 30 | 011 760 3098 · ria@ukwazi.co.za |
| Mediclinic Learning Centre – Tshwane | Higher Certificate; Diploma; PG Diploma Emergency Nursing | 1 | 25 / 30 / 10 | 012 421 9100 · frances.hutchinson@mediclinic.co.za |
| Mediclinic Learning Centre – Northern | Higher Certificate; Diploma; PG Diploma Emergency Nursing | 1 | 25 / 30 / 10 | 011 709 2366 · elize.powell@mediclinic.co.za |
| Netcare Education – Gauteng Northeast | Higher Certificate; Diploma; PG Diploma Critical Care | 1 | 30 / 50 / 31 | 012 644 4900 · andile.mafilika@netcare.co.za |
| Netcare Education – Gauteng Southwest | Higher Certificate; Diploma; PG Diploma Critical Care | 1 | 70 / 60 / 60 | 011 628 7614 · janis.johnson@netcare.co.za |
| Life Healthcare – East Rand | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 50 / 30 | 011 812 3960 · lehlohonolo.tsatsane@lifehealthcare.co.za |
| Khanyisa Nursing School | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 15 | 011 683 1479 · khanyisanursingschool@gmail.com |
| ESDA Nursing College | Higher Certificate | 1 | 20 | 011 817 2395 · info@esdanursing.co.za |
| Life Healthcare – West Rand | Higher Certificate; Diploma; PG Diploma Peri-operative | 1 | 30 | 087 352 2741 · hetty.smit@lifehealthcare.co.za |
| Life Healthcare – Pretoria | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 30 | 011 219 9152 · adel.geldenhuys@lifehealthcare.co.za |
| Future Nurses Nursing School | Higher Certificate | 1 | 20 | 082 623 4526 · info@futurenursesnursingschool.co.za |
| Bronberg Nurse Education Academy | Higher Certificate | 1 | 25 | 082 885 0879 · info@bronbergnursing.co.za |
| Lenmed Nursing College | Higher Certificate | 1 | 15 | 076 618 4527 · info@lenmed.co.za |
| Emmanuel Verpleegskool – Pretoria | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 24 | 012 361 8628 · infopta@emmanuel.ac.za |
| Clinix Health Academy | Higher Certificate | 1 | 25 | 011 491 4146 · bcampbell@clinix.co.za |
| Lillian Spengane Memorial Nursing School | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 30 | 011 969 5539 · info@spengane.com |
Western Cape
| Nursing College | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
| Emmanuel Verpleegskool – Oudtshoorn | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 40 / 15 | 044 272 8884 · principal@emmanuel.ac.za |
| Netcare Education – Western Cape | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 40 | 021 949 5271 · ilse.craffprd@netcare.co.za |
| Life Healthcare – Cape Town | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 30 | 021 506 5340 · yashmin.samlal@lifehealthcare.co.za |
| Mediclinic – Cape Region | Higher Certificate; Diploma; PG Diploma Emergency | 1 | 35 / 15 | 021 943 6500 · johann.olivier@mediclinic.co.za |
KwaZulu-Natal
| Nursing College | Programmes Offered | Intakes / Year | Students per Intake | Contact |
| Netcare Education – KZN | Higher Certificate; Diploma; PG Diploma Critical Care | 1 | 40 / 20 / 30 | 031 581 8200 · drvanitha.ramiah@netcare.co.za |
| Life Healthcare – KZN | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 37 / 21 | 031 270 2206 · lorraine.govender@lifehealthcare.co.za |
| Chatsmed Candlelight – Durban | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 40 | 031 305 307 · info@chatsmedcandlelightschool.co.za |
| Chatsmed Candlelight – Eshowe | Higher Certificate | 1 | 20 | 035 474 4250 · info@chatsmedcandlelightschool.co.za |
| Chatsmed Candlelight – Stanger | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 1 | 20 / 21 | 032 551 6184 · info@chatsmedcandlelightschool.co.za |
Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West
(All listed institutions in these provinces are private and therefore not NSFAS-funded unless otherwise stated by DHET.)
| Province | Nursing College | Programmes | Contact |
| Eastern Cape | Netcare Education – EC | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 041 363 2138 · ronell.dejager@netcare.co.za |
| Eastern Cape | Life Healthcare – East London | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 043 704 3200 · cecile.breytenbach@lifehealthcare.co.za |
| Limpopo | Mediclinic – Limpopo | Higher Certificate; Diploma | 015 290 3600 · magdeline.rapudi@mediclinic.co.za |
| Free State | Mediclinic – Central Region | Higher Certificate; Diploma; PG Diploma Emergency | 051 430 2620 · doreen.bredenkamp@mediclinic.co.za |
| Mpumalanga | Khanyisa Nursing School (All Campuses) | Higher Certificate; Diploma | knsbushbucksubcampus@gmail.com |
| North West | Ukwazi – Potchefstroom | Higher Certificate; Diploma | info.potch@ukwazi.co.za |
Netcare Education (5 campuses):
| Campus | Annual Intake | Programs Offered | Clinical Partners | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng Northeast | 50 Diploma, 30 Higher Cert | Diploma, Higher Certificate, PG Critical Care | Netcare Sunninghill, Netcare Jakaranda | Modern simulation lab, 1:8 clinical supervision ratio |
| Gauteng Southwest | 60 Diploma, 70 Higher Cert | Diploma, Higher Certificate, PG Critical Care | Netcare Milpark, Netcare Linkwood | Largest private nursing campus |
| Western Cape | 40 Diploma, 40 Higher Cert | Diploma, Higher Certificate | Netcare Christiaan Barnard, Netcare Blaauwberg | Cape Town metro location |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 20 Diploma, 40 Higher Cert | Diploma, Higher Certificate, PG Critical Care | Netcare St Augustine’s, Netcare Umhlanga | Postgraduate critical care specialization |
| Eastern Cape | 30 Higher Cert, 40 Diploma | Diploma, Higher Certificate | Netcare Greenacres | Port Elizabeth location |
Life Healthcare Group (7 learning centres):
- Operates in Gauteng (East Rand, West Rand, Pretoria), Western Cape (Cape Town), Eastern Cape (East London, Port Elizabeth), and KwaZulu-Natal
- Intake: 20-37 students per campus per year
- Programs: Higher Certificate, Diploma, Perioperative specialization
- Employment pathway: 70% of graduates employed by Life Healthcare hospitals
Mediclinic Learning Centres (6 locations):
- Gauteng Tshwane Region, Gauteng Northern Region, Mpumalanga Nelspruit, Limpopo Polokwane, Free State Bloemfontein, Western Cape Tygerberg
- Intake: 10-35 students per campus
- Programs: Higher Certificate, Diploma, Emergency Nursing postgraduate
- High-technology simulation facilities, international accreditation partnerships
Universities Accredited to Offer Nursing Programmes in South Africa
Eastern Cape Province
| University | Accredited Nursing Programmes | Students per Intake | Intakes / Year | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela University | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Primary Care Nursing; PG Dip Nursing Education | 75 (BNurs); 10–20 (PG) | 1 | 041 504 2960 · Nolundi.Radana@mandela.ac.za |
| University of Fort Hare | Bachelor of Nursing | 60 | 1 | 043 704 7594 · nrala@ufh.ac.za |
| Walter Sisulu University | Bachelor of Nursing | 50 | 1 | 047 502 2746 · nmooi@wsu.ac.za |
Free State Province
| University | Accredited Nursing Programmes | Students per Intake | Intakes / Year | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Free State | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Nursing Education; PG Dip Health Services Management; PG Dip Primary Care; PG Dip Occupational Health; PG Dip Child Nursing; PG Dip Midwifery | 75 (BNurs); 20–55 (PG) | 1 | 051 401 2246 · SebaengJM@ufs.ac.za |
Gauteng Province
| University | Accredited Nursing Programmes | Students per Intake | Intakes / Year | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tshwane University of Technology | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Oncology & Palliative Nursing; PG Dip Occupational Health | 60; 30 (PG) | 1 | 012 382 5197 · havengay@tut.ac.za |
| University of Pretoria | Bachelor of Nursing | 60 | 1 | 012 356 3179 · Shirley.mogale@up.ac.za |
| University of Johannesburg | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Midwifery; PG Dip Adult Critical Care; PG Dip Nursing Education; PG Dip Primary Care; PG Dip Health Services Management; PG Dip Occupational Health | 50 (BNurs); 10–80 (PG) | 1 | 011 559 6922 · mngunyulu@uj.ac.za |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Health Services Management; PG Dip Nursing Education; PG Dip Mental Health; PG Dip Midwifery; PG Dip Occupational Health | 60 (BNurs); 15–40 (PG) | 1 | 012 521 4305 · Deliwe.Phetlhu@smu.ac.za |
| University of the Witwatersrand | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Infection Prevention & Control; PG Dip Nursing Education | 60; 15 (PG) | 1 | 011 488 4270 · thandisizwe.mavundla@wits.ac.za |
KwaZulu-Natal Province
| University | Accredited Nursing Programmes | Students per Intake | Intakes / Year | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Adult Critical Care; PG Dip Midwifery; PG Dip Nursing Education; PG Dip Health Services Management; PG Dip Nephrology; PG Dip Primary Care | 80 (BNurs); 15–35 (PG) | 1 | 031 260 1543 · mhlongoem@ukzn.ac.za |
| Durban University of Technology | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Occupational Health; PG Dip Primary Care; PG Dip Health Services Management | 50; 15 (PG) | 1 | 031 373 2606 · thembelihlen@dut.ac.za |
| University of Zululand | Bachelor of Nursing | 55 | 1 | 035 902 6509 |
Limpopo Province
| University | Accredited Nursing Programmes | Students per Intake | Intakes / Year | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Limpopo | Bachelor of Nursing | 80 | 1 | 015 268 2387 · Mamare.bopape@ul.ac.za |
| University of Venda | Bachelor of Nursing; Diploma in Nursing | 60 (BNurs); 30 (Diploma) | 1 | 015 962 8510 · Dora.ramathuba@univen.ac.za |
North West Province
| University / Campus | Accredited Nursing Programmes | Students per Intake | Intakes / Year | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North-West University – Potchefstroom | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Nursing Education; PG Dip Health Services Management; PG Dip Primary Care; PG Dip Adult Critical Care; PG Dip Midwifery | 80 (BNurs); 20–240 (PG) | 1 | 018 299 1717 · Khumo.Shopo@nwu.ac.za |
| North-West University – Mafikeng | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Nursing Education; PG Dip Health Services Management; PG Dip Primary Care; PG Dip Adult Critical Care; PG Dip Midwifery | 80 (BNurs); 20–160 (PG) | 1 | 018 398 2364 · Rorisang.Machailo@nwu.ac.za |
Western Cape Province
| University | Accredited Nursing Programmes | Students per Intake | Intakes / Year | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stellenbosch University | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Perioperative; Primary Care; Midwifery; Adult Critical Care; Nursing Education; Mental Health; Emergency Nursing; Health Services Management | 50 (BNurs); 15–80 (PG) | 1 | 021 938 9760 · pjordan@sun.ac.za |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Health Services Management; Occupational Health; Primary Care; Oncology & Palliative Nursing; Nursing Education | 60 (BNurs); 20–80 (PG) | 1 | 021 953 8426 · sehumeo@cput.ac.za |
| University of the Western Cape | Bachelor of Nursing; PG Dip Nursing Education; Midwifery; Health Services Management; Mental Health; Primary Care | 150 (BNurs); 30–80 (PG) | 1 | 021 959 3445 · pmartin@uwc.ac.za |
| University of Cape Town | PG Dip Midwifery; PG Dip Nephrology Nursing; PG Dip Child Critical Care Nursing | 15–16 | 1 | 021 406 6401 · tania.devilliers@uct.ac.za |
Research output and academic excellence (2023-2025 data):
- University of Cape Town: 96% SANC registration pass rate, 25 peer-reviewed publications annually, postgraduate programs in critical care, child nursing, nephrology, ophthalmic nursing
- University of the Witwatersrand: 94% pass rate, 22 publications, specializations in critical care, oncology, trauma emergency
- University of KwaZulu-Natal: 93% pass rate, 18 publications, 80 Bachelor’s places, comprehensive postgraduate offerings
- Stellenbosch University: 95% pass rate, strong primary care focus, 20 publications, rural health emphasis
- University of Pretoria: 94% pass rate, partnerships with Steve Biko Academic Hospital, research focus on HIV/TB nursing
SANC-Accredited Nursing Colleges in South Africa: Verification and Registration
SANC maintains three official lists of accredited nursing education institutions: public colleges, private institutions, and universities authorized to offer new nursing programs under Government Notice R.169 (Higher Certificate), R.171 (Diploma), and R.174 (Bachelor) regulations.
Students must verify each institution’s SANC reference number before applying to ensure the qualification leads to professional registration upon completion.
How to Verify SANC Accreditation
The verification process requires three steps: access the SANC website at sanc.co.za/education-institutions, download the relevant PDF (Public Colleges, Private NEIs, or Universities), and search for the institution by name or SANC reference number. Each accredited institution receives a unique S-file number (e.g., S1546, S177, S1755) that appears on all official documentation.
As of October 2025, SANC lists include:
- Public institutions: 64 campuses across Eastern Cape (22), Free State (6), Gauteng (8), KwaZulu-Natal (12), Limpopo (6), Mpumalanga (5), Northern Cape (1), North West (2), and Western Cape (5)
- Private providers: 44 institutions, including Netcare Education (5 campuses), Life Healthcare Group (7 campuses), Mediclinic (6 campuses), and Khanyisa Nursing School (4 campuses)
- Universities: 15 institutions offering Bachelor of Nursing and postgraduate diplomas
SANC Reference Numbers and Program Codes
| Institution Type | SANC Reference Format | Program Code Examples | Verification Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public college | S1778 (East London) | GNR171 (Diploma), R169 (Higher Certificate) | Public-Colleges-Oct2025.pdf |
| Private institution | S1588 (Netcare Gauteng NE) | GNR171, R169, R635 (Postgraduate) | Private-NEIs-Oct2025.pdf |
| University | S95 (UKZN) | R174 (Bachelor), R635 (Postgraduate) | Universities-Mar2024.pdf |
| Legacy programs | Same S-file number | R.683 (Bridging), R.254 (Midwifery) | Legacy-programs-list.pdf |
Students should record the SANC reference number during research because it serves as the primary identifier for accreditation verification, NSFAS funding confirmation, and professional registration after graduation.
Choosing the Right Nursing College: Five Selection Criteria
Select nursing colleges by evaluating SANC accreditation status, program duration (36 months for diplomas, 48 months for degrees), clinical placement partnerships, NSFAS eligibility, and geographic proximity to clinical training facilities. These five criteria determine program quality, affordability, and career outcomes.
Accreditation and Program Length
SANC accreditation ensures the program meets minimum requirements for professional registration. The Higher Certificate in Nursing requires 120 credits at NQF Level 5, the Diploma in Nursing requires 360 credits at NQF Level 6, and the Bachelor of Nursing requires 480 credits at NQF Level 8. Program duration varies:
- Higher Certificate: 12 months full-time
- Diploma in General Nursing: 36 months with compulsory clinical practice
- Bachelor of Nursing: 48 months including research components
- Advanced Diploma in Midwifery: 12 months post-registration
- Postgraduate Diplomas: 12 months in specialized fields (Critical Care, Primary Care, Emergency Nursing)
Clinical Placement Hours and Hospital Partnerships
Clinical placements constitute 50-60% of nursing education. Public colleges partner with provincial hospitals (e.g., Chris Hani Baragwanath, Groote Schuur, Inkosi Albert Luthuli), while private institutions use network facilities. Lilitha College of Nursing in the Eastern Cape partners with 22 facilities, including East London Hospital Complex and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital. Netcare Education places students in 5 Netcare hospitals across Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape.
Students should verify:
- Number of clinical placement sites (minimum 3 for adequate exposure)
- Distance from campus to clinical facilities (affects transport costs and time)
- Clinical supervision ratios (1 clinical instructor per 8-10 students recommended)
- Availability of specialized units (ICU, theatre, pediatrics, maternity) for required rotations
NSFAS Eligibility and Coverage
NSFAS funds eligible programs at approved institutions listed on nsfas.org.za/content/institutions.html. Coverage includes tuition fees, accommodation allowances (up to R33,000 per year), transport allowances (up to R7,500 per year), and book allowances (R5,460 per year) for students from households earning below R350,000 annually.
| Institution Category | NSFAS Coverage | Application Process | Additional Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public colleges | Full tuition + allowances | Apply via NSFAS portal | Bursaries from provincial health departments |
| Universities | Full tuition + allowances | Apply via NSFAS portal | Research council grants available |
| Private institutions | Varies by institution | Confirm with college first | Some offer payment plans |
| TVET colleges with nursing | Selected programs only | Check NSFAS list annually | Skills development grants |
Students must confirm program-level NSFAS coverage because some institutions appear on the NSFAS list, but only specific programs qualify. For example, a private college may offer both NSFAS-funded diplomas and self-funded short courses.
Location and Student Intake Numbers
Geographic location affects daily transport costs, clinical site accessibility, and accommodation expenses. Gauteng nursing colleges (Ann Latsky, Chris Hani Baragwanath, SG Lourens) have the highest intake numbers (100-150 students per year) due to the concentration of tertiary hospitals. Rural campuses like Madwaleni (Eastern Cape) and Thafalofefe (Eastern Cape) accept 15-30 students annually but offer closer community engagement.
Comparison of intake capacity by province (2025-2026):
- Gauteng: 750 public college places, 480 private institution places
- KwaZulu-Natal: 520 public college places, 350 private institution places
- Western Cape: 350 public college places, 285 private institution places
- Eastern Cape: 580 public college places across 22 campuses
- Limpopo: 465 public college places across 6 campuses
Application Process for Nursing Colleges in South Africa
Apply to nursing colleges through institutional portals (e.g., netcare.co.za, mediclinic.co.za) or provincial systems (e.g., kzncn.kznhealth.gov.za for KwaZulu-Natal) between August and October annually, uploading certified copies of ID, Matric results, and proof of residence in PDF format under 5MB per file.
Applications submitted after the closing dates receive no consideration for the following year’s intake.
Creating an Account and Completing the Application Form
Step 1: Navigate to the college admissions page (public colleges use provincial portals; private institutions use individual websites; universities use centralized application services). Step 2: Create an account using a valid email address and cellphone number (receive OTP verification). Step 3: Complete personal information sections, including full names as per ID, date of birth, South African ID or passport number, home address, and emergency contact details.
Step 4: Enter academic information, including Matric year, school name, subjects passed, and final results. Minimum entry requirements for nursing programs:
- Higher Certificate in Nursing: Matric certificate or equivalent, English pass, and health assessment
- Diploma in General Nursing: Matric with English (40%+), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (40%+), Life Sciences or Physical Sciences (50%+)
- Bachelor of Nursing: Matric with minimum APS of 28-32 points, English (50%+), Life Sciences (60%+), Mathematics (50%+)
Required Documents and File Specifications
Upload six certified documents within 30 days of account creation:
- Certified ID or passport copy: Color scan, both sides, certified within 3 months by a Commissioner of Oaths, police officer, or designated official
- Certified Matric certificate or latest results: Original signatures visible, school stamp clear, certification stamp legible
- Proof of residence: Utility bill, municipal account, or affidavit dated within 3 months
- Health assessment certificate: Medical practitioner signature, TB screening results, HIV status declaration (optional but recommended)
- Police clearance certificate: Required by some institutions (e.g., private hospitals)
- Previous qualification certificates: If applicable (prior diplomas, certificates)
File naming convention: [IDnumber]_[DocumentType].pdf (example: 0001015001087_ID.pdf, 0001015001087_Matric.pdf). Accepted formats: PDF (preferred), JPG, PNG. Maximum file size: 5MB per document (scan at 300 DPI for clarity without exceeding limits).
Application Tracking and Status Updates
After submission, the system generates a reference number (format varies: NET2026001234 for Netcare, LC2026-EL-0567 for Lilitha College). Log in to the admissions dashboard weekly to check status progression:
- Submitted: Application received, no review started
- Under Review: Admissions committee evaluating documents (5-10 working days)
- Missing Documents: Portal indicates required items and reupload deadline (usually 7-14 days)
- Shortlisted: Invited for interview, psychometric assessment, or medical screening
- Conditional Offer: Acceptance pending final Matric results or document verification
- Final Offer: Admission confirmed, registration instructions provided
- Declined: Application unsuccessful (reasons provided, reapplication possible next year)
Students should respond to “Missing Documents” requests within the specified timeframe because failure to reupload results in automatic application rejection. Keep email confirmations, reference numbers, and screenshots of all submissions until registration completes.
NSFAS Funding for Nursing Colleges: Eligibility, Application, and Coverage
NSFAS funds nursing programs at 104 approved institutions, including 57 public colleges, 32 universities, and 15 TVET colleges, with applications opening annually in September and closing in January for the following academic year.
Students from households earning below R350,000 per year qualify for full tuition coverage plus living allowances.
Checking NSFAS Eligibility for Nursing Programs
Access nsfas.org.za/content/institutions.html and search for the institution name. The directory shows institution type (university, college, TVET), province, and contact details. Confirm program-level eligibility by contacting the college admissions office directly because NSFAS may fund specific qualifications (e.g., Diploma in General Nursing) but not short courses or non-accredited programs.
NSFAS eligibility requirements for 2026:
- South African citizen with a valid ID or birth certificate
- SASSA grant recipient, or household income below R350,000 annually
- Registered for SANC-accredited program at NSFAS-approved institution
- Academically eligible (Matric pass or equivalent, meeting program minimum requirements)
- First-time NSFAS applicant or continuing student in good academic standing
NSFAS Application Process for Nursing Students
Complete the NSFAS application at nsfas.org.za following these steps:
- Step 1: Create myNSFAS account using ID number, cellphone number, and email address. Verify account via OTP sent to phone.
- Step 2: Complete the online application form with personal details, household information, and institution/program selection. Select a nursing college from the dropdown menu (institution codes provided).
- Step 3: Upload supporting documents, including certified ID, Matric certificate, proof of household income (IRP5, payslips, unemployment letter, or SASSA confirmation), and proof of residence. File limit: 5MB per document.
- Step 4: Submit consent forms allowing NSFAS to verify information with SARS, Department of Home Affairs, and SASSA.
- Step 5: Track application status via the myNSFAS portal. Statuses include: Submitted, Missing Information, Verification in Progress, Eligibility Confirmed, Registration Pending, Funded, Rejected.
NSFAS Allowance Breakdown for Nursing Students
NSFAS provides comprehensive funding beyond tuition fees:
| Allowance Type | Annual Amount | Payment Schedule | Usage Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Paid directly to institution | Per semester/term | No student action required |
| Accommodation | Up to R33,000 (off-campus) | Monthly installments | Lease agreement required |
| Transport | Up to R7,500 | Monthly installments | Based on distance from campus |
| Book allowances | R5,460 | Beginning of academic year | Purchase prescribed textbooks |
| Personal care | R2,900 | Monthly installments | General living expenses |
| Clinical placement allowance | Varies by program | During placement periods | Transport to clinical sites |
Private nursing colleges may have partial NSFAS coverage or institutional bursaries. Netcare Education offers bursaries covering 50-100% of fees for top performers.
Life Healthcare Group provides work-back agreements where the institution funds studies in exchange for employment commitment (typically 1 year service per year of study).
Nursing Colleges Open for Applications in 2026: Provincial Intake Windows
Nursing college applications for the 2026 intake open between August and October 2025 for most institutions, with closing dates ranging from September 30, 2025 (early closers) to November 30, 2025 (late closers), though some campuses extend to January 31, 2026, for unfilled positions. Public colleges typically follow provincial application calendars while private institutions set independent deadlines.
Gauteng Nursing Colleges Application Dates
Gauteng College of Nursing (8 campuses) opens applications through the provincial portal annually in August. The 2026 intake closing dates:
- Ann Latsky Campus: September 30, 2025 (150 Diploma places, 50 Advanced Diploma places)
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus: September 30, 2025 (150 Diploma places, 50 Advanced Diploma places)
- SG Lourens Campus: September 30, 2025 (150 Diploma places, 50 Advanced Diploma places)
- Bonalesedi Campus: October 31, 2025 (100 Diploma places)
- Ga-Rankuwa Campus: October 31, 2025 (postgraduate programs only)
Private institutions in Gauteng operate rolling admissions:
- Netcare Education Gauteng: Opens July 1, 2025, closes October 31, 2025 (50-70 places per campus)
- Life Healthcare Group: Opens August 1, 2025, and closes November 15, 2025
- Mediclinic Learning Centres: Opens August 15, 2025, and closes November 30, 2025
KwaZulu-Natal Nursing Colleges Application Windows
KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing uses a centralized application portal at kzncn.kznhealth.gov.za. The 2026 intake dates:
- Application opening: Monday, August 4, 2025
- Application closing: Monday, September 30, 2025
- Shortlisting complete: Friday, November 15, 2025
- Interviews conducted: December 2-20, 2025
- Final offers issued: Friday, January 10, 2026
- Registration period: January 20-31, 2026
KwaZulu-Natal has 12 public campuses, including Addington (40 places), Benedictine (30 places), Harry Gwala Edendale (40 places), and Grey’s (40 places). Private institutions, including Netcare Durban, Life Healthcare KZN, and Chatsmed Candlelight, accept applications from August through November.
Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Other Provinces
Eastern Cape (Lilitha College of Nursing): Centralized application opens September 1, 2025, closes October 31, 2025 for 22 campuses including East London (60 Diploma places), Lusikisiki (60 Diploma places), Mthatha (60 Diploma places), and Port Elizabeth (56 Diploma places).
Western Cape (Western Cape College of Nursing): Provincial portal opens August 15, 2025, closes October 15, 2025 for Metro West (50 places), Boland Overberg (50 places), and Southern Cape Karoo (50 places) campuses.
Limpopo (Limpopo College of Nursing): Applications open September 1, 2025, close November 30, 2025 for Giyani (70 places), Sovenga (80 places), and Thohoyandou (80 places) campuses.
Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West: Most provincial colleges follow August-October application windows with November closures. Mpumalanga College of Nursing accepts 50 Diploma applications annually at Rob Ferreira Campus.
Programs and Qualifications Offered at Nursing Colleges in South Africa
Nursing colleges offer three primary qualifications: Higher Certificate in Nursing (12 months, NQF Level 5) leading to Auxiliary Nurse registration, Diploma in General Nursing (36 months, NQF Level 6) leading to General Nurse registration, and Advanced Diplomas in specialized fields (12 months, NQF Level 7-8), including Midwifery, Primary Care, and Critical Care. Universities additionally offer a Bachelor of Nursing (48 months, NQF Level 8), combining Professional Nurse and Midwife registration.
Higher Certificate in Nursing (R.169/2013)
The Higher Certificate requires 120 credits at NQF Level 5 over 12 months full-time study. Graduates register with SANC as Auxiliary Nurses (previously Enrolled Nursing Assistants) and work under the supervision of General or Professional Nurses. The curriculum includes:
- Basic nursing care and patient hygiene (30 credits)
- Health promotion and disease prevention (25 credits)
- Clinical nursing practice (40 credits)
- Professional ethics and legal aspects (15 credits)
- Clinical placements in general wards (minimum 1,200 hours)
Entry requirements: Matric certificate or equivalent, English pass, health assessment, and police clearance. As of October 2025, 89 institutions offer this program with intake numbers ranging from 15 (small rural campuses) to 70 (large urban colleges like Netcare Gauteng Southwest).
Diploma in General Nursing (R.171/2013)
The Diploma in Nursing requires 360 credits at NQF Level 6 over 36 months. This program replaced the legacy R.425 qualification and trains students to register as General Nurses (previously Staff Nurses). Graduates provide comprehensive nursing care, administer medications, perform clinical procedures, and supervise Auxiliary Nurses.
Curriculum structure across 6 semesters:
| Semester | Theory Credits | Clinical Credits | Key Learning Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 60 | 60 | Fundamentals of nursing, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology basics |
| 3-4 | 60 | 60 | Medical-surgical nursing, maternal health, child health, mental health |
| 5-6 | 60 | 60 | Community health, primary health care, management, research |
Clinical placements rotate through general wards, surgical units, maternity, pediatrics, mental health, and community health centers. Total clinical hours: minimum 2,400 across all disciplines. Entry requirements: Matric with English (40%+), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (40%+), Life Sciences (50%+), and APS of 26-28 points.
Bachelor of Nursing (R.174/2013)
Universities offer the Bachelor of Nursing over 48 months (480 credits, NQF Level 8). This qualification combines Professional Nurse and Midwife registration, includes research methodology and leadership modules, and prepares graduates for autonomous practice and managerial roles.
Universities offering Bachelor of Nursing in 2026:
- Gauteng: University of Pretoria (60 places), University of Johannesburg (50 places), Tshwane University of Technology (60 places), Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (60 places), University of Witwatersrand (60 places)
- KwaZulu-Natal: University of KwaZulu-Natal (80 places), Durban University of Technology (50 places), University of Zululand (55 places)
- Western Cape: University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch (50 places), University of the Western Cape (150 places), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (60 places)
- Other provinces: University of Free State (75 places), University of Limpopo (80 places), North-West University Potchefstroom and Mafikeng campuses (80 places each)
Entry requirements: Matric with minimum APS 28-32, English (50%+), Life Sciences (60%+), Mathematics (50%+). Some universities conduct additional selection assessments, including written tests, interviews, and psychometric evaluations.
Postgraduate Diplomas and Specializations
Advanced and Postgraduate Diplomas (120 credits, NQF Level 7-8) allow registered nurses to specialize. As of October 2025, SANC accredits programs in:
- Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (R.1497/2019): 12 months, 42 institutions offer, leads to Midwife registration
- Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing (R.635/2020): Community health focus, 18 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing: ICU specialization, 15 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing: Trauma and emergency care, 12 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Perioperative Nursing: Theatre nursing, 10 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing: Psychiatric care, 8 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Child Nursing: Pediatric specialization, 7 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology Nursing: Dialysis and renal care, 6 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology and Palliative Nursing: Cancer care, 5 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing: Workplace health, 11 institutions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education: Teaching qualification, 9 institutions
Entry requirements: Current SANC registration as a General or Professional Nurse, minimum 1 year post-registration experience, and employment in a relevant clinical area for some programs.
Top Nursing Colleges in South Africa: Rankings and Comparisons
University nursing faculties lead in research output and graduate employment rates, with the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal consistently producing the highest SANC registration pass rates (92-96%) and research publications (15-25 peer-reviewed articles annually per department).
Public colleges demonstrate high clinical competency development through extensive hospital partnerships, while private institutions offer structured pathways with guaranteed clinical placements and often faster processing times.
Public Nursing College Performance Indicators
Public nursing colleges train approximately 3,500 new nurses annually across 64 campuses. Top-performing public institutions based on SANC registration rates and graduate placement:
Gauteng Province:
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus: Largest nursing college in Africa, 150 Diploma students per year, 95% clinical pass rate, partnerships with 8 tertiary hospitals
- Ann Latsky Campus: 150 annual intake, strong primary care focus, 12 community health centers for placements
- SG Lourens Campus: 150 annual intake, Tshwane Academic Hospital partnership, postgraduate programs in nephrology and critical care
KwaZulu-Natal Province:
- Grey’s Campus: 40 Diploma students, 30 Advanced Diploma Midwifery students, partnerships with Grey’s Hospital and Edendale Hospital
- Harry Gwala (Edendale) Campus: 40 Diploma students, postgraduate programs in primary care, emergency nursing, and ophthalmic nursing
- Addington Campus: Durban metro location, 40 Diploma places, oncology specialization available
Eastern Cape Province:
- Lilitha College East London Campus: 60 Diploma students, 28 Advanced Diploma Midwifery students, mental health postgraduate program
- Lusikisiki Campus: 60 Diploma students, rural clinical placements, community health focus
- Port Elizabeth Campus: 56 Diploma students, partnerships with Dora Nginza and Livingstone hospitals
Private Nursing Institution Comparison
Private nursing colleges train approximately 1,200 students annually with smaller class sizes (15-70 per campus) and individualized support. Top private providers:
Netcare Education (5 campuses):
| Campus | Annual Intake | Programs Offered | Clinical Partners | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng Northeast | 50 Diploma, 30 Higher Cert | Diploma, Higher Certificate, PG Critical Care | Netcare Sunninghill, Netcare Jakaranda | Modern simulation lab, 1:8 clinical supervision ratio |
| Gauteng Southwest | 60 Diploma, 70 Higher Cert | Diploma, Higher Certificate, PG Critical Care | Netcare Milpark, Netcare Linkwood | Largest private nursing campus |
| Western Cape | 40 Diploma, 40 Higher Cert | Diploma, Higher Certificate | Netcare Christiaan Barnard, Netcare Blaauwberg | Cape Town metro location |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 20 Diploma, 40 Higher Cert | Diploma, Higher Certificate, PG Critical Care | Netcare St Augustine’s, Netcare Umhlanga | Postgraduate critical care specialization |
| Eastern Cape | 30 Higher Cert, 40 Diploma | Diploma, Higher Certificate | Netcare Greenacres | Port Elizabeth location |
Life Healthcare Group (7 learning centres):
- Operates in Gauteng (East Rand, West Rand, Pretoria), Western Cape (Cape Town), Eastern Cape (East London, Port Elizabeth), and KwaZulu-Natal
- Intake: 20-37 students per campus per year
- Programs: Higher Certificate, Diploma, Perioperative specialization
- Employment pathway: 70% of graduates employed by Life Healthcare hospitals
Mediclinic Learning Centres (6 locations):
- Gauteng Tshwane Region, Gauteng Northern Region, Mpumalanga Nelspruit, Limpopo Polokwane, Free State Bloemfontein, Western Cape Tygerberg
- Intake: 10-35 students per campus
- Programs: Higher Certificate, Diploma, Emergency Nursing postgraduate
- High-technology simulation facilities, international accreditation partnerships
University Nursing Faculty Performance
Research output and academic excellence (2023-2025 data):
- University of Cape Town: 96% SANC registration pass rate, 25 peer-reviewed publications annually, postgraduate programs in critical care, child nursing, nephrology, ophthalmic nursing
- University of the Witwatersrand: 94% pass rate, 22 publications, specializations in critical care, oncology, trauma emergency
- University of KwaZulu-Natal: 93% pass rate, 18 publications, 80 Bachelor’s places, comprehensive postgraduate offerings
- Stellenbosch University: 95% pass rate, strong primary care focus, 20 publications, rural health emphasis
- University of Pretoria: 94% pass rate, partnerships with Steve Biko Academic Hospital, research focus on HIV/TB nursing
Application Problems and Solutions for Nursing Colleges in South Africa
Common application issues include rejected document uploads (40% of applicants), duplicate ID registrations (15% of cases), incorrect file formats or sizes (25% of uploads), and missing certified stamps (30% of document rejections).
Resolution requires resubmission of properly certified documents within 7-14 days, submission of support tickets with reference numbers, and direct contact with admissions offices using official channels.
Document Upload Failures and Fixes
Problem 1: “Document rejected – certification not visible”
This error occurs when scans do not show the Commissioner of Oaths stamp clearly. Solution: Return to the certifying official and request a darker stamp or additional stamp. Scan at 300 DPI ensuring the certification stamp, official’s signature, and date appear clearly. For documents certified by SAPS, ensure the station stamp and officer badge number are visible.
Problem 2: “File size too large – upload failed”
Files exceeding 5MB cause upload failures. Solution: Use PDF compression tools (Adobe Acrobat, online compressors like smallpdf.com, ilovepdf.com) to reduce file size without losing readability. Alternatively, scan in black-and-white mode instead of color (reduces size by 60-70%). Verify each page is legible after compression before uploading.
Problem 3: “Invalid file format”
Some systems reject HEIC (iPhone default), TIFF, or BMP formats. Solution: Convert all files to PDF (preferred) or JPG before uploading. Use free conversion tools or phone settings: iPhone users must change camera settings to “Most Compatible” (Settings > Camera > Formats) to save as JPG instead of HEIC.
Duplicate ID Registration Issues
Problem: “This ID number is already registered.”
This occurs when students previously created accounts at the same institution or when data entry errors cause conflicts. Solution pathway:
- Step 1: Check all email accounts for previous registration confirmations. If an old account exists, use the password reset function to regain access.
- Step 2: If password reset fails, submit a support ticket including full name, ID number, date of birth, and cellphone number. Attach a certified ID copy to prove identity.
- Step 3: Wait 48-72 hours for the admissions office review. Staff will merge duplicate accounts or reset the system to allow new registration.
- Step 4: If no response after 72 hours, call the admissions office directly using contact numbers from the official college website (not social media or third-party sites).
Support Ticket Template for Application Issues
Use this format when contacting admissions offices:
Email Subject: Application Support – [Your ID Number] – [Issue Type]
Email Body:
Dear Admissions Office,
I am [Full Name], ID number [0000000000000], applying for [Program Name] for the 2026 intake. I submitted my application on [Day, Month Date, 2025] and received reference number [REF123456].
Issue: [Describe problem clearly: document rejected, duplicate ID, upload error]
Steps already taken: [List what you’ve tried: resubmitted documents, attempted password reset]
Attached documents: Certified ID copy [filename.pdf], certified Matric certificate [filename.pdf]
Please advise on next steps to resolve this issue before the application deadline of [Closing Date].
Contact details: [Cellphone] / [Email Address]
Thank you, [Full Name]
Attach relevant screenshots showing error messages, certification stamps clearly visible on documents, and confirmation of previous submission attempts.
Application Status Delays
Expected timelines for each stage:
- Document verification: 3-5 working days after upload
- Shortlisting decisions: 10-15 working days after the closing date
- Interview invitations: 20-30 working days after the closing date
- Final offers: 40-50 working days after the closing date
If status remains “Under Review” beyond expected timeframes, contact the admissions office using the support ticket template. Include the application reference number, submission date, and program name. Avoid calling repeatedly; instead submit one written query and wait 3-5 working days for a response.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Colleges in South Africa
Which nursing colleges in South Africa accept applications for 2026?
All 123 SANC-accredited institutions accept applications for the 2026 intake between August 2025 and January 2026, with most closing dates between September 30 and November 30, 2025. Public colleges use provincial portals while private institutions use individual application systems.
Does NSFAS fund nursing college tuition?
Yes, NSFAS funds nursing programs at 104 approved institutions, including 57 public nursing colleges, 32 universities, and 15 TVET colleges, covering full tuition plus accommodation (R33,000), transport (R7,500), and book allowances (R5,460) for students from households earning below R350,000 annually.
How long is the nursing diploma in South Africa?
The Diploma in General Nursing runs 36 months full-time with 360 credits, including 2,400 clinical practice hours across general wards, surgical units, maternity, pediatrics, mental health, and community health settings.
What documents do I need to apply for nursing college?
Submit certified copies of South African ID or passport (both sides), Matric certificate with final results, proof of residence dated within 3 months, health assessment certificate, and police clearance if required. Certification must be completed by Commissioner of Oaths within 3 months of application.
Are private nursing colleges accredited by SANC?
44 private nursing education institutions hold SANC accreditation as of October 2025, including Netcare Education (5 campuses), Life Healthcare Group (7 campuses), Mediclinic (6 campuses), and Chatsmed Candlelight (4 campuses). Verify each institution on the SANC PDF before applying.
What are the entry requirements for nursing colleges in Gauteng?
Gauteng nursing colleges require Matric with English (40% minimum), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (40% minimum), and Life Sciences (50% minimum) for Diploma programs. Higher Certificate requires a Matric pass and English only. Bachelor’s programs require APS 28-32 points.
When do nursing college applications close for 2026?
Most nursing colleges close applications between September 30, 2025, and November 30, 2025, though some institutions extend deadlines to January 31, 2026, for unfilled positions. KwaZulu-Natal College closes Monday, September 30, 2025, while Gauteng College closes September 30, 2025, for main campuses.
Can I apply if I failed Mathematics in Matric?
Yes, if you passed Mathematical Literacy with 40% or higher. The Diploma in General Nursing accepts either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. For the Bachelor of Nursing at universities, pure Mathematics with 50% minimum is required at most institutions.
How do I check if my nursing college is legitimate?
Verify the SANC reference number (S-file number) by downloading the official SANC PDF from sanc.co.za/education-institutions. Check that the institution appears in the Public Colleges, Private NEIs, or Universities list. Contact SANC directly at 012-420-1000 to confirm accreditation status.
What is the difference between an Auxiliary Nurse and a General Nurse?
Auxiliary Nurses complete a 12-month Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5, 120 credits) and work under supervision, providing basic patient care. General Nurses complete a 36-month Diploma (NQF Level 6, 360 credits) and work independently, administer medications, perform clinical procedures, and supervise Auxiliary Nurses.
Resources and Next Steps for Nursing College Applications
Verify all information through official sources: SANC website (sanc.co.za) for accreditation, NSFAS portal (nsfas.org.za) for funding, and institutional websites for application deadlines.
Save application reference numbers, confirmation emails, and support ticket numbers until registration completes in January 2026.
Official Contact Information
South African Nursing Council (SANC):
- Physical address: Cecilia Makiwane Building, 602 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
- Postal address: Private Bag X132, Pretoria, 0001
- Telephone: 012-420-1000
- Email: registrar@sanc.co.za
- Website: www.sanc.co.za
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS):
- Online portal: www.nsfas.org.za
- Institutions directory: www.nsfas.org.za/content/institutions.html
- Contact centre: 0800 067 327 (toll-free)
Provincial Nursing College Portals:
- KwaZulu-Natal: kzncn.kznhealth.gov.za
- Gauteng: Contact individual campuses directly (no centralized portal)
- Eastern Cape: Contact Lilitha College at lilithacollege.co.za
- Western Cape: Contact Western Cape College at individual campus emails
Application Checklist for 2026 Intake
Complete these tasks before the closing date:
- Verify SANC accreditation using the SANC reference number from official PDFs
- Confirm NSFAS eligibility by checking the institution’s directory
- Obtain certified copies of all documents (ID, Matric, residence proof) within 3 months of application
- Create an application account and verify your email address within 24 hours
- Complete personal and academic information sections accurately
- Upload all documents in PDF format under 5MB each with a correct naming convention
- Submit the application and save the reference number in multiple locations
- Apply to NSFAS separately if eligible (applications open September 2025)
- Check application status weekly via the admissions dashboard
- Respond immediately to “Missing Documents” requests with corrected files
Important Dates for 2026 Nursing College Intake
- August 1-15, 2025: Most applications open across provinces
- September 30, 2025: First wave of closing dates (Gauteng, KZN public colleges)
- October 15-31, 2025: Second wave of closing dates (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, private institutions)
- November 30, 2025: Final closing date for most institutions
- December 2025: Shortlisting and interview period
- January 10-15, 2026: Final offers issued
- January 20-31, 2026: Registration period for successful applicants
- February 3-10, 2026: Orientation and program commencement
Keep records of all application materials, confirmation numbers, and correspondence with admissions offices.
Prepare for interviews by researching the nursing profession, understanding patient care principles, and articulating motivation for choosing nursing as a career.
Confirm clinical placement arrangements, vaccination requirements (hepatitis B, tetanus, flu), and uniform specifications with the admissions office before registration.