Nursing training in Durban is available through the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing campuses, the Durban University of Technology, and private hospital group training providers. Entry requirements differ substantially between those three routes.
Deciding which route suits your results is the useful first step. Provincial college campuses have lower academic entry requirements but apply citizenship and residence conditions; the university route requires a bachelor pass with science subjects.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate at the level the specific route requires
- Life Sciences, a language and a mathematics subject at the levels specified
- South African citizenship, required by provincial college campuses
- Health screening, immunisation and a police clearance certificate
- Accreditation of the programme with the South African Nursing Council
- Application within the published window for that provider
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The provincial route runs through the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing, administered by the provincial Department of Health, offering certificate and diploma level qualifications.
The university route runs through the Durban University of Technology, offering nursing within its Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at diploma or degree level depending on the intake. Private hospital groups also train in the area.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Life Sciences appears across all routes. University degree routes commonly require Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy; provincial college and certificate routes are more likely to accept it.
English at a good level is assessed across all routes, given the documentation and patient communication involved.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- A medical or health screening report
- A police clearance certificate
- Proof of immunisation, where the clinical facility requires it
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Nursing intakes are limited by the number of students an institution can place in accredited clinical facilities, not by classroom space. That is the constraint across the sector. KwaZulu-Natal receives high application volumes relative to available places.
Apply to more than one route rather than relying on a single application, and confirm accreditation for any private provider. Confirm accreditation with the South African Nursing Council before enrolling anywhere, since only an accredited programme leads to registration and therefore to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I study nursing in Durban?
Through KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing campuses, the Durban University of Technology, and private hospital group training providers.
Which route has the lowest entry requirement?
Provincial college certificate routes generally, though they apply citizenship and often residence conditions.
Does the university route require Mathematics?
Degree routes commonly do. Provincial college and certificate routes are more likely to accept Mathematical Literacy.
Should I apply to more than one?
Yes. Nursing is competitive across every route, and single applications frequently fail.
Confirm requirements with each provider directly. Confirm accreditation with the South African Nursing Council before enrolling anywhere, since only an accredited programme leads to registration and therefore to practice. See nursing school requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.