Requirements

Nursing College Requirements

Nursing college requirements start with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent, which is the legal minimum for every undergraduate nursing programme in South Africa. Each public nursing college, run by a provincial health department, then sets its own subject levels, points score, dates and application route, so there is no single national standard.

As an example, the Western Cape College of Nursing asks for a minimum total score of 20 for the Higher Certificate in Nursing, 24 for the Diploma in Nursing and 27 for the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (see its 2026 brochure). Other provinces and private colleges publish different figures, and every figure applies to one intake year only.

Entry Requirements at a Glance

What nursing colleges typically assess:

Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements

The Nursing Council regulations set the floor. The auxiliary nurse programme (R.169), the diploma leading to registration as a staff nurse (R.171) and the professional nurse and midwife degree (R.174) each require at least an NSC or equivalent, and an application to a college that is accredited for that programme. The auxiliary programme runs for one academic year, the diploma for three and the degree for four.

Public nursing colleges are run by provincial health departments, so their rules differ. Western Cape accepts international applicants who submit SAQA proof of subjects aligned with the NSC, while Mpumalanga’s 2027 Diploma intake was limited to South African citizens aged 18 to 36 from Mpumalanga communities. Read the advert or portal of the province you are applying to rather than assuming either rule applies.

Nursing programmes must be accredited by the South African Nursing Council. Check the college and programme against the Council’s list of accredited nursing education institutions before you apply.

Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements

Nationally, the minimum for admission to a Diploma is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching and a rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised subjects. For a Bachelor’s degree it is a rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four subjects. Colleges add their own subject levels on top of this, and meeting the national minimum does not secure a place.

Western Cape College of Nursing requirements for NSC applicants (2026 brochure):

So Mathematical Literacy is accepted at this college at every level, at a higher code as the qualification rises. Private providers set their own levels: for example, the Mediclinic Higher Certificate in Nursing asks for English level 4, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences level 3 and a minimum of 19 points, or 20 with Mathematical Literacy.

Documents and Application Requirements

Western Cape’s online application, described on its how to apply page, needs certified copies (not older than three months) of:

Western Cape allows one programme at one campus at a time and says it charges no assistance fees. Other colleges ask for other documents: Limpopo’s 2027 R.171 intake required certified matric results, ID and proof of residence with an administration fee of R150, and private providers such as Ukwazi also list proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and police clearance. Use the checklist in the advert of the college you apply to.

Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations

Intakes are annual and the dates are enforced. Western Cape’s applications run from the first Monday in May to the second Friday in August, and the college states that applications for the 2027 academic year are closed. Mpumalanga’s 2027 Diploma intake closed on 2 October 2026. Limpopo’s 2027 R.171 intake closes on 30 November 2026 (see its advert), and the Gauteng student nurse portal had not yet opened 2027 applications when the portal was last read.

Selection steps vary. KwaZulu-Natal advertises nurse training posts once a year, then puts shortlisted candidates through a knowledge assessment and medical examination, and successful candidates receive a bursary (see its selection criteria). Western Cape says it has no financial aid for its students, so ask each college how funding works. Limpopo says applicants not contacted by the end of February 2027 should treat their applications as unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do nursing colleges accept Mathematical Literacy?

The Western Cape College of Nursing does, at every level: Mathematical Literacy code 3 for the Higher Certificate, code 4 for the Diploma and code 5 for the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery. Check the college you are applying to, because each sets its own subjects.

Do I have to live in the province?

It depends on the province. Mpumalanga’s 2027 Diploma intake was limited to Mpumalanga residents, and Limpopo asks for proof of residence. Read the current advert of the college before applying.

Are nursing college qualifications recognised?

Yes, if the college and programme are accredited by the South African Nursing Council, because nursing education may only be offered by accredited institutions. Check the Council’s accredited institutions list.

Do nursing colleges recruit every year?

Public colleges run one annual cycle with fixed dates, and a cycle can be closed or not yet open when you look. Western Cape and Mpumalanga have closed their 2027 intake, Limpopo was still open until 30 November 2026 and Gauteng had not opened.

Where can I apply for auxiliary nursing at a private college?

Mediclinic takes applications for its Higher Certificate in Nursing, the auxiliary nurse programme, through an online portal, with applications from 6 May to 30 June for a January start (see the Mediclinic programme page). Ukwazi School of Nursing, in Roodepoort and Potchefstroom, uses a downloadable application form, and its 2027 closing date was 30 June 2026. Confirm the dates for the next intake with the provider.

Confirm requirements, fees and closing dates with the college or provincial health department for your intake year. See nursing requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.