South Africa has a long history of producing skilled nurses. Additionally, most educational institutions in South Africa have well-equipped facilities that Offer quality education to aspiring nurses. Studying nursing in South Africa is a great decision for a fulfilling healthcare career. However, studying nursing in South Africa can be a blend of challenges and opportunities. The screening techniques for candidates can be really strict. Therefore, one must prepare ahead to stand a chance of getting admitted.

In this piece, I will walk you through the requirements that are needed for studying Nursing in South Africa.

Nursing Programs available in South Africa

1. Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing

   This is a one-year program in which you will be trained in all aspects of patient care. After graduation, you can also look for work as a Registered Nurse in a healthcare delivery facility.

2. Diploma in Nursing

   The Diploma in Nursing is a three-year program that prepares you to work as a staff nurse. Furthermore, this program furnishes aspiring nurses with the comprehensive understanding required to enter the healthcare field and become staff nurses.

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science

   Students pursuing this four-year degree program will receive training in nursing science. The extensive and in-depth nursing science curriculum offered by the bachelor’s degree in nursing science equips students with a thorough understanding of patient care. Additionally, you will be able to handle both the academic and practical aspects of nursing with this degree, which will grant you the title of Registered Nurse.

4. Advanced Diploma in Nursing

   This is a one-year program that provides nurses with advanced training in patient care. Additionally, it provides the further knowledge needed to take on a leading role in nursing.

Requirements for studying Nursing in South Africa

1. Age

   The minimum age that is required for most nursing schools in South Africa is 18. However, this can vary for different universities. Therefore, you need to verify your school of interest before making an application.

2. Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing

   You must have a minimum of a pass in your National Senior Certificate. You must have at least 40% in English or a home language. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 50% in a life science subject such as Biology. Generally, you should have a minimum of 16 points as your National Senior Certificate score.

3. Diploma in Nursing

   You must have completed a grade 12 education or an equivalent. You need to have a minimum of a pass in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Biology, or a Home Language. Additionally, you must enroll as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council.

4. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science

   You must have completed a grade 12 education or an equivalent. You need to have a minimum of a pass in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Biology, or a Home Language. Additionally, you must enroll as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council.

5. Advanced Diploma in Nursing

   You must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or at least a Diploma in Nursing. Additionally, you must have at least two years of hands-on experience as a nurse or a midwife. Furthermore, you must enroll as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council.

6. Admission Point Score(APS)

   This is a score that is used to determine a candidate’s admission. It is calculated based on your National Senior Certificate results. However, different schools have different criteria to determine this score. Therefore, you should pay attention to the specific APS guidelines for your preferred institution.

7. Interview

   Some nursing schools can decide to conduct personal interviews for applicants. Therefore, you need to follow up with your application to know the date and time for your interview.

How to apply

You can apply to your preferred program and choice through the school’s website. Additionally, you should submit all the required documents and qualifications that are needed by the school.

Duration

The duration of studying nursing in South Africa depends on the program to choose to enroll in. The higher certificate in Auxiliary Nursing takes one(1) year to complete. However, the diploma in Nursing program takes three(3) years to complete. The Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science takes four(4) years to complete while the advanced diploma takes one(1) year.

Tuition fee

The tuition fee for studying nursing in South Africa varies based on the program and school you are applying to. Therefore, you need to check the school’s website and program that you wish to apply for.

Nursing Institutions in South Africa

Public nursing colleges

1. Lilitha College of Nursing, Eastern Cape
2. Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College, Gauteng
3. Northwest Nursing College Mafikeng Campus, North West
4. Klerksdorp Campus, North West
5. Western Cape College of Nursing
6. Boland Overberg Campus
7. Metro West Campus
8. Southern Cape Karoo Campus
9. South African Military Health Service, South Africa
10. Mpumalanga College of Nursing, Mpumalanga
11. Rob Ferreira Nursing Campus
12. Free State School of Nursing, Free State
13. Gauteng College of Nursing, Gauteng
14. Limpopo College of Nursing, Limpopo
15. South African Military Health Service Nursing College, Gauteng
16. Kwazulu-Natal College of Nursing, KwaZulu-Natal
17. Charles Johnson Memorial Campus
18. Edendale Campus
19. Grey’s Campus

Universities

1. Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
2. University of Forte Hare, Alice and East London, Eastern Cape
3. Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
4. University of Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State
5. Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, Gauteng
6. University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng
7. University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng
8. Sefako Makgatho Health Services University, Pretoria, Gauteng
9. University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng
10. University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban and Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
11. Durban University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
12. University of Zululand, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
13. University of Limpopo, Polokwane, Limpopo
14. University of Venda, Thohoyandou, Limpopo
15. Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, North West
16. Mafikeng Campus, Mafikeng, North West
17. Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
18. Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, Western Cape
19. University of Western Cape, Cape Town, Western Cape
20. University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape

Private Nursing Colleges

1. Life College – Midmed Learning Center
2. Nelspruit Medi-Clinic
3. African Healthcare Learning College (Pty) Ltd
4. Keobakile Nursing School
5. Shekinah Nursing School
6. St Mary’s Marianhill Nursing School
7. Letjhabile-Libalele Nursing School
8. Thuto Bofelo Nursing School
9. ABH Nursing School
10. Midlands School of Nursing
11. Mpumalanga Institute of Nursing
12. Ndumiso Training Institute Nursing
13. Arwyp Training Institute (Pty) Ltd
14. Ukwazi School of Nursing
15. Khanyisa Nursing School
16. Future Nurses Nursing School (Pty) Ltd
17. Bronberg Nurse Education and Training Academy
18. Lenmed Nursing College
19. Bloemfontein Medi Clinic
20. Life College of Learning

In Conclusion, studying nursing in South Africa can be exciting yet demanding. You need to ensure that you are well-prepared before you embark on this journey. However, the reward you get after studying is immeasurable. Additionally, you need to make sure that you verify the requirements from the schools before applying. You can reach out to us for further inquiries and assistance.

Good luck!

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