Essential Requirements to Study Nursing in South Africa
Study Nursing In South Africa: Requirements, Courses & Universities
Nursing is one of the most respected and essential careers in the healthcare sector. If you’re passionate about helping others, pursuing a nursing qualification could be a life-changing step for you. South Africa offers a variety of nursing programmes at both public universities and colleges.
Why Choose Nursing?
Becoming a nurse is not only a noble profession, but it also provides job security and career growth. Nursing is in high demand in South Africa, particularly in public hospitals where there’s a critical shortage of healthcare workers.
Types of Nursing Qualifications
There are four main nursing qualifications you can pursue in South Africa:
Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (1 Year)
Diploma in Nursing (3 Years)
Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Science in Nursing (4 Years)
Baccalaureus Curationis (BCur) Degree (Alternative 4-year degree)
General Requirements To Study Nursing
1. Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
Minimum of 16 points
At least 40% in English or Home Language
50% in Life Science or Biology
2. Diploma in Nursing
National Senior Certificate
Subjects: Mathematics, English, Life Orientation, Life Science
Must be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
National Senior Certificate with Bachelor Pass
Subjects: Mathematics, English, Life Orientation, Life Science
Must register with SANC
APS score and subject percentage requirements vary by university
University Requirements For Nursing Degrees
Here’s a breakdown of Bachelor of Nursing degree requirements at top South African universities:
🏫 North-West University (NWU)
APS: 25
Subjects: English/Afrikaans, Physical Science/Mathematics/Life Sciences
Job shadowing (40 hours) recommended
Selection test required
🏫 University of Johannesburg (UJ)
APS: 28
60% in English
50% in Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Life Sciences
🏫 Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
APS: 27
50% in English, Physical/Technical Sciences, and Mathematics/Technical Maths
🏫 Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
NSC: 50% in Mathematics or 65% in Maths Literacy
60% in Life Sciences, 50% in Physical Sciences
🏫 Stellenbosch University
Write NBTs by 30 June
40% Mathematics, 50% Life Sciences
NSC aggregate of 50% excluding LO
🏫 University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
APS: 30
4 in English and LO
3 in Mathematics or Maths Literacy
4 in Life Sciences
🏫 University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
APS: 30
4 in English, LO and Life Sciences
School Subjects Required for Nursing
To understand nursing effectively, learners should take:
Life Sciences (Biology)
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
These subjects help students grasp core nursing content such as anatomy, physiology, and drug calculations.
Where Can You Study Nursing in South Africa?
You can study nursing at:
Public universities like UWC, UCT, NWU, UNISA, and more
Public nursing colleges such as Ga Rankuwa Nursing College, Thohoyandou Nursing School
Private nursing colleges like Netcare Education
UNISA also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science.
List of TVET Colleges That Offer Nursing
While False Bay College does not offer nursing, other TVET colleges do, including:
Buffalo City TVET College
Central Johannesburg TVET College
Coastal TVET College
Career Paths in Nursing
After qualifying and registering with SANC, you can work as:
Registered Nurse (Nursing Sister)
Enrolled Nurse
Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary
Nurses can work in hospitals, schools, private clinics, companies, and even in sports or occupational health settings.
Nursing Salary In South Africa
A nurse’s salary depends on:
Experience level
Qualifications
Role in the healthcare system
Experienced nurses in specialized fields earn significantly more than entry-level nurses.
What Does a Nurse Do?
Nurses:
Provide patient care and comfort
Administer medication
Educate patients and families
Support doctors during procedures
Final Thoughts
If you are dedicated, compassionate, and ready to face challenges to make a meaningful impact, nursing may be your calling. With diverse institutions offering quality training, South Africa is a great place to begin your journey in healthcare.