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.