Nursing training in Cape Town is available through the Western Cape College of Nursing, the University of the Western Cape, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and private hospital group training providers. Entry requirements differ substantially between those routes.
The Western Cape College of Nursing is the provincial route, with lower academic entry requirements but citizenship and often residence conditions. University routes require 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 the provincial college
- 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 Western Cape College of Nursing, administered by the Western Cape Department of Health, offering certificate and diploma level qualifications.
University routes run through UWC, which has a dedicated School of Nursing, and CPUT within its Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences. 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; provincial and certificate routes are more likely to accept Mathematical Literacy.
English at a good level is assessed across all routes, given clinical documentation and patient communication demands.
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. The Western Cape receives high application volumes relative to available places.
Apply to more than one route, and confirm accreditation for any private provider before paying. 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 Cape Town?
Through the Western Cape College of Nursing, UWC, CPUT, and private hospital group training providers.
Which is the provincial route?
The Western Cape College of Nursing, administered by the Western Cape Department of Health.
Do university routes require Mathematics?
Degree routes commonly do. Provincial and certificate routes are more likely to accept Mathematical Literacy.
How do I check a private provider?
Confirm accreditation with the South African Nursing Council before paying anything.
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.