Mediclinic Higher Education offers a one-year Higher Certificate in Nursing and a three-year Diploma in Nursing, both accredited by the Council on Higher Education and the South African Nursing Council. Entry requires Grade 12 with English, a mathematics subject and a biological or natural science subject.
Applications open on 1 May each year and close at the end of June, and programmes are advertised on the Mediclinic Southern Africa website. That window is narrower than most institutions, so the date matters more than usual here.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Mediclinic assesses applications against the following.
- Grade 12 English, as a first or second language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Biology or Life Sciences, or Natural Science
- Computer literacy, which is recommended rather than required
- Proof of South African citizenship, where applicable
- Health screening and police clearance before clinical placement
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Two programmes are offered. The Higher Certificate in Nursing runs for one year and leads to registration in the corresponding nursing category. The Diploma in Nursing runs for three years and leads towards registration as a general nurse.
Both are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and the South African Nursing Council, which is what makes them count towards registration. This dual accreditation is worth verifying for any private provider.
Because Mediclinic is a private hospital group, its nursing education is closely tied to its own clinical facilities, which is how it supplies the placements the qualifications require.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mediclinic accepts either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, which makes its programmes more accessible than university nursing degrees that require Mathematics specifically.
A biological or natural science subject is required, reflecting the anatomy and physiology content. For the Diploma in Nursing, Mediclinic publishes minimum symbol requirements in Life Sciences or Physical Science and in Mathematics, expressed on the older higher and standard grade symbol scale.
Because those minimums are published per programme and per intake, confirm the current requirement in the programme advertisement rather than relying on figures quoted elsewhere.
Documents and Application Requirements
Mediclinic requires the following documents.
- A certified copy of your Grade 12 Umalusi certificate or Vocational certificate
- Your final Grade 11 results, if you are currently in Grade 12
- A certified copy of your South African identity document
- Proof of South African citizenship, where applicable
- A medical or health screening report
- A police clearance certificate
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Applications open on 1 May and close at the end of June each year. That is a two-month window, and missing it means waiting a full year, so diarise it well in advance.
Programmes are advertised on the Mediclinic Southern Africa website, and placement availability determines intake size as it does everywhere in nursing education.
Selection is competitive because private hospital group programmes are well regarded and intakes are limited. Apply as soon as the window opens rather than close to the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mediclinic accept Mathematical Literacy for nursing?
Yes. Mediclinic lists Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy as acceptable, which makes its programmes more accessible than university nursing degrees.
When do Mediclinic nursing applications open?
Applications open on 1 May each year and close at the end of June.
What nursing programmes does Mediclinic offer?
A one-year Higher Certificate in Nursing and a three-year Diploma in Nursing, both accredited by the Council on Higher Education and the South African Nursing Council.
Do I need Life Sciences?
A biological or natural science subject is required. Confirm the minimum level for the specific programme.
Source: Mediclinic Higher Education official programme and application pages, checked August 2026. Confirm the current subject minimums and application dates with Mediclinic directly. Confirm accreditation with the South African Nursing Council before paying anything, since only an accredited programme leads to registration and therefore to practice. See nursing requirements and browse all education requirements.