Step-by-Step: Apply for Gauteng College of Nursing’s Diploma Programme

🩺 How To Apply for the Diploma in Nursing at Gauteng College of Nursing (GCoN)

Are you passionate about helping others and interested in pursuing a career in healthcare? The Diploma in Nursing at the Gauteng College of Nursing (GCoN) might be the perfect place to start your journey.

📍 Where You Can Study

The Diploma in Nursing is offered across four campuses in Gauteng:

• Ann Latsky Campus

• Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus

• SG Lourens Campus

• Bonalesedi Campus

📚 Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission into the programme, applicants must meet the following academic and general requirements:

✅ General Criteria:

• Must be a South African citizen residing in Gauteng Province

• Must have a school-leaving certificate:

  • Senior Certificate

  • National Senior Certificate

  • Currently in Grade 12

  • OR National Vocational Certificate in Primary Health

✅ Academic Requirements:

Senior Certificate:

• English HG D or SG C

• Biology HG D or SG C

• Mathematics HG D or SG C

• Minimum M-score of 17

National Senior Certificate (NSC):

• English Level 4

• Life Sciences Level 4

• Mathematics Level 4 or Mathematical Literacy Level 5

• APS of 27 or higher (Life Orientation counts half the score)

National Vocational Certificate:

• 50% in Fundamental Subjects:

  • English First Additional Language

  • Maths or Maths Literacy

  • Life Orientation

• 60% in Vocational Subjects:

  • South African Health Care System

  • Public Health

  • The Human Body and Mind

  • Community Oriented Primary Care

ℹ️ Note: Current Grade 12 learners must use their Grade 11 final results to apply.

If you do not meet the academic requirements, you may consider upgrading your marks before applying.

💡 Recommended Competencies & Personal Attributes

Although not mandatory, these skills and traits will greatly benefit aspiring nursing students:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

• Patience and compassion

• Good interpersonal and communication skills

• Leadership and organisational ability

• Emotional stability and calmness under pressure

• Study and computer literacy skills

• Flexibility and readiness to work long, irregular hours

🖥️ How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online only through the GPG Professional Job Centre system. Here’s how:

1. Register a profile on the GPG system

2. Complete your application online

3. Upload certified documents (you may be asked to bring these if shortlisted)

4. No hand-delivered or emailed applications will be accepted

📅 Applications usually open in February and close in July each year.

📘 What To Expect If You’re Accepted

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Sign a contract with the Gauteng Department of Health

• Attend theoretical lectures

• Participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at public hospitals and clinics — this includes weekends, night shifts, and public holidays

💸 Financial Support

Good news! The Gauteng Department of Health offers financial assistance in the form of a bursary to eligible and successful candidates enrolled in the programme.

❓ Why Are Subjects Like Biology, Maths, and Life Sciences Important?

Nursing is a science-based profession. Subjects like Biology, Mathematics, and Life Sciences lay the foundation for understanding:

• Anatomy and Physiology — how the human body is structured and functions

• Disease Processes — what happens when the body is affected by illness

• Medication Dosage Calculations — a crucial part of safe nursing practice

Without a solid grounding in these subjects, students may struggle with the demands of the curriculum.

🧭 Ready to Begin Your Nursing Journey?

If you’re passionate, determined, and meet the entry criteria, apply to the Gauteng College of Nursing and take the first step toward a meaningful career in healthcare.