Which universities offer nursing in South Africa?

Many public universities offer the Bachelor of Nursing, like UWC, UP, UKZN, Stellenbosch, and others. They are all listed above.

Which university is best for nursing in South Africa?

There is no single best one. They all lead to the same SANC registration. The best for you depends on your marks, your money, and where you live.

Which colleges offer nursing?

Each province has a public college of nursing that offers the Diploma in Nursing. In Gauteng, the Gauteng College of Nursing includes campuses like Chris Hani Baragwanath and Ann Latsky. Other provinces have their own, like the Western Cape College of Nursing. Some private colleges also offer nursing, so check any one is registered with SANC first.

How do I apply to a nursing college?

You apply to a public college of nursing through your provincial Department of Health, often on an online intake portal. You need certified matric results and a small application fee. Applications open at set times, usually around September for the next year.

Can I study nursing online or by distance?

Not for your first qualification. Nursing needs clinical training with patients, so you must attend in person. Only some higher courses, for nurses who already work, are by distance.

Can I train to be a nurse at a hospital?

Yes. Some private hospital groups run their own SANC-accredited nursing schools, often with learnerships where you are employed and paid while you train. Public hospitals also train student nurses through the provincial colleges. Always check the school is registered with SANC.

Do TVET colleges offer nursing?

Some TVET and private colleges offer the one-year Higher Certificate in Nursing. The three-year Diploma is mostly at nursing colleges and universities. Always check it is registered with SANC.

Do all universities need the same points for nursing?

No. The marks change from one place to the next. Check each one, or use the APS calculator.

Where to study nursing in South Africa: universities and colleges

Where can you study nursing at university?

You can study nursing at 18 public universities in South Africa. Each one asks for a different mark to get in, and a few use their own points system instead of APS. Tap a university to open its page, or work out your APS to see which ones you can get into.

Work out your APS

Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyWestern Cape Durban University of TechnologyKwaZulu-Natal Nelson Mandela Metropolitan UniversityEastern Cape North West UniversityNorth West Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversityGauteng Stellenbosch UniversityWestern Cape Tshwane University of TechnologyGauteng University of Fort HareEastern Cape University of JohannesburgGauteng University of Kwazulu NatalKwaZulu-Natal University of LimpopoLimpopo University of PretoriaGauteng University of the Free StateFree State University of the Western CapeWestern Cape University of the WitwatersrandGauteng University of VendaLimpopo University of ZululandKwaZulu-Natal Walter Sisulu UniversityEastern Cape

Public nursing colleges, province by province

Every province has a public college of nursing. They teach the three-year Diploma in Nursing, and training is usually free. You apply through the provincial Department of Health, and each one has its own dates. Here is the college for every province, plus the military college. Tap a link to apply or to check this year's dates.

Gauteng

Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON)

Campuses: Ann Latsky, Bonalesedi, Chris Hani Baragwanath, Ga-Rankuwa, Rahima Moosa, SG Lourens

Visit website Apply online

Western Cape

Western Cape College of Nursing (WCCN)

Campuses across the Western Cape.

Visit website Apply online

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing (KZNCN)

Many campuses across KwaZulu-Natal. KZN residents only.

Visit website Apply online

Eastern Cape

Lilitha College of Nursing

Campuses across the Eastern Cape. Apply through the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

Visit website

Free State

Free State School of Nursing (FSSON)

Visit website

Limpopo

Limpopo College of Nursing

Apply through the Limpopo Department of Health.

Visit website

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga College of Nursing (MCON)

Visit website Apply online

North West

Excelsius and Mmabatho Colleges of Nursing

Campuses: Excelsius (Klerksdorp), Mmabatho (Mahikeng)

Apply through the North West Department of Health.

Visit website

Northern Cape

Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College (HSNC)

In Kimberley. Northern Cape residents only. Apply on the e-services portal.

Visit website Apply online

National (military)

SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) Nursing College

Trains nurses for the defence force. You join the military as well.

Visit website

Application dates change every year, and most open around the middle of the year. Always open the college link to check this year's dates and rules, and make sure the college is registered with SANC.

Private colleges

Private colleges also offer the Diploma in Nursing. They charge fees, so always check the college is properly registered and its course is accredited before you pay.

Do you run a private college that offers the Diploma in Nursing? List it on NavyBlue.