Nursing courses in South Africa are offered at four undergraduate levels, and each leads to a different registration category with the South African Nursing Council (SANC): the one-year Higher Certificate in Nursing (auxiliary nurse), the three-year Diploma in Nursing (staff nurse or general nurse) and the four-year Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (professional nurse and midwife). Postgraduate courses follow once you are registered.
The legal minimum for every undergraduate nursing course is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent. Each institution then sets its own subjects and points score, so the nursing course requirements below are examples for the 2026/27 cycle and must be checked with the institution you choose.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Higher Certificate in Nursing (regulation R.169): one academic year, leads to registration as an auxiliary nurse
- Diploma in Nursing (R.171): three academic years, leads to registration as a staff nurse (general nurse)
- Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (R.174): four academic years, leads to registration as a professional nurse and midwife, after community service
- Postgraduate courses, for example the Advanced Diploma in Midwifery and postgraduate diplomas in fields such as critical care, perioperative or primary care nursing, entered after general nurse registration
Enrolled nursing is no longer a current registration category. The Nursing Act lists professional nurse, midwife, staff nurse, auxiliary nurse and auxiliary midwife, and SANC closed enrolment into the old enrolled nurse and nursing auxiliary courses on 30 June 2015.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Regulations R.169, R.171 and R.174 each require an NSC or equivalent and an application to an accredited nursing education institution. Nationally, a Diploma needs at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching and a rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised subjects, and a Bachelor’s degree needs a rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four subjects. Institutions add their own subject levels.
The Western Cape College of Nursing sets a minimum total score of 20 for the Higher Certificate, 24 for the Diploma (Diploma endorsement or better) and 27 for the Bachelor, which requires a Bachelor endorsement (2026 brochure). Universities score differently: the University of the Western Cape’s 2027 Bachelor of Nursing asks for 30 UWC points, and CPUT’s four-year Bachelor of Nursing asks for a Bachelor’s pass with an APS of at least 30.
Moving up is possible. The Western Cape college accepts holders of the Higher Certificate in Nursing (R169), and of the older Nursing Auxiliary (R2176) or Enrolled Nurse (R2175) certificates, with matric as an alternative route into its Diploma, with proof of SANC enrolment or registration. SANC’s legacy enrolled nurse bridging course closed to new enrolment on 31 December 2019, so ask the institution which bridging options are open now.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Across providers the subjects that matter are English, your home language, Life Sciences (sometimes Physical Sciences) and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. Examples of the 2026/27 requirements:
- Western Cape College of Nursing, Higher Certificate: English First Additional Language and Home Language code 3, Mathematics code 2 or Mathematical Literacy code 3, Life Sciences code 3 or Physical Sciences code 2
- Western Cape College of Nursing, Diploma: English and Home Language code 4, Mathematics code 3 or Mathematical Literacy code 4, Life Sciences code 4
- Western Cape College of Nursing, Bachelor: English and Home Language code 4, Mathematics code 4 or Mathematical Literacy code 5, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences code 4
- University of the Western Cape, Bachelor of Nursing (2027): Mathematics code 3 or Mathematical Literacy code 4, and English code 4 (Home Language) or code 5 (First Additional Language)
- CPUT, four-year Bachelor of Nursing: Home Language and English or Afrikaans First Additional Language code 4, Mathematics code 4 or Mathematical Literacy code 5, Life Sciences code 4. Its five-year extended programme asks for Mathematics code 3 or Mathematical Literacy code 4
- Mediclinic Higher Certificate in Nursing (private): English level 4, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences level 3, and at least 19 points, or 20 with Mathematical Literacy
So Mathematics is not compulsory in these examples: Mathematical Literacy is accepted at every level, at a higher code as the qualification rises. Check each institution, because requirements change every cycle.
Documents and Application Requirements
At the Western Cape College of Nursing you apply online with certified copies, not older than three months, of your ID, your National Senior Certificate (a statement of results is not accepted), a marriage certificate if applicable and proof of payment of the R250 non-refundable application fee. See its how to apply page. CPUT also lists proof of vaccination, SANC forms and indemnity proof, and Ukwazi, a private provider, lists Hepatitis B proof, a declaration of good health and police clearance. Documents differ by provider, so use the list of the institution you apply to.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Intakes are annual. The Western Cape College of Nursing accepts applications from the first Monday in May to the second Friday in August, and the 2027 applications are now closed. Mediclinic takes applications from 6 May to 30 June for a January start. Apply as soon as the next cycle opens.
Costs differ widely. The Western Cape college’s 2027 tuition is R28 899.60 for the Higher Certificate, from R31 155.60 a year for the Diploma and from R51 740.40 a year for the Bachelor, with a R2 500 registration fee credited to tuition. It says it offers no financial aid, whereas KwaZulu-Natal advertises nurse training posts once a year with a bursary for successful candidates.
Only SANC-accredited programmes lead to registration. Check the institution and programme against the Council’s list of accredited nursing education institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing courses are available in South Africa?
The Higher Certificate in Nursing (auxiliary nurse), the Diploma in Nursing (staff nurse) and the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (professional nurse and midwife), followed by an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery and postgraduate diplomas for registered nurses.
Which nursing course has the lowest entry requirement?
The one-year Higher Certificate in Nursing. The regulation requires only an NSC or equivalent, and the Western Cape College of Nursing asks for a total score of 20 against 24 for the Diploma and 27 for the Bachelor.
Do all nursing courses require Mathematics?
No, not in these examples. The Western Cape college, UWC and CPUT all accept Mathematical Literacy as an alternative to Mathematics, at a higher code than the Mathematics requirement.
Can I move up from a lower nursing qualification?
Yes, in some cases. The Western Cape College of Nursing accepts Higher Certificate in Nursing holders with matric as an alternative route into its Diploma, with proof of SANC enrolment or registration. Ask the institution about credit and entry before relying on it.
Confirm requirements and closing dates with the institution for your intake year. See nursing requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.