Nursing colleges in South Africa are mainly public institutions run by provincial health departments, and they offer diploma and certificate level nursing qualifications rather than degrees. Entry requirements are generally lower than for university nursing degrees, but competition is severe because intakes are small.
The most important checks before applying to any nursing college are that it is accredited by the South African Nursing Council and that its intake is actually open. Provincial colleges do not necessarily recruit every year.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Nursing college applications are typically assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate at the level the specific programme requires
- Life Sciences and a language, commonly at a specified level
- A mathematics subject, with Mathematical Literacy more often accepted than at universities
- South African citizenship, which many provincial colleges require
- Residence in the province, which some provincial colleges apply
- Health screening and police clearance before clinical placement
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Public nursing colleges are funded and administered provincially, which shapes their admission rules. Several restrict intake to residents of the province, and most require South African citizenship, neither of which applies at universities in the same way.
The qualifications offered are typically diplomas and higher certificates leading to enrolled or auxiliary nursing registration, with some colleges now offering the diploma that leads to professional registration.
Because colleges are tied to provincial health budgets, intakes open and close with funding. A college that recruited last year may not recruit this year, so confirm before preparing an application.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Subject requirements are usually expressed as minimum percentages in named subjects rather than as an APS. Life Sciences and a language of teaching are the most commonly specified.
Mathematical Literacy is accepted at many nursing colleges, which makes them accessible to applicants excluded from university nursing degrees. Confirm this for the specific programme rather than assuming it.
Some colleges apply an age limit or a minimum age, and several require applicants to sit a selection test. Ask about both when you enquire.
Documents and Application Requirements
Nursing college 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, because students are placed in clinical settings
- Proof of immunisation, where the clinical facility requires it
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Intakes are small and heavily oversubscribed, and many colleges receive many times more applications than they have places. Meeting the minimum is common among applicants, so selection is competitive.
Applications are frequently paper-based or made through a provincial portal rather than through a national system, and closing dates are strictly enforced. Confirm the channel before the closing date approaches.
Some provincial colleges pay a stipend or offer bursaries in exchange for a service commitment after qualifying. Ask about the terms, since a service obligation is a genuine commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do nursing colleges accept Mathematical Literacy?
Many do, which makes them more accessible than university nursing degrees. Confirm for the specific programme.
Do I have to live in the province?
Some provincial nursing colleges restrict intake to residents of that province. Check before applying.
Are nursing college qualifications recognised?
Yes, provided the college is accredited by the South African Nursing Council. Confirm accreditation before enrolling.
Do nursing colleges recruit every year?
Not necessarily. Intakes depend on provincial funding and placement capacity, so confirm that applications are open.
Confirm programme accreditation with the South African Nursing Council before enrolling anywhere, since only an accredited programme leads to registration and therefore to practice. Confirm entry requirements and closing dates with each institution for your intake year. See nursing requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.