To study nursing in South Africa you need at least a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification, a place at a nursing education institution accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), and a programme that leads to registration. The national regulations set only that NSC baseline. Subjects and points scores are set by each institution, so they differ from one programme to the next.
The main routes are the one-year Auxiliary Nurse programme (regulation R.169), the three-year Diploma in Nursing (R.171) and the four-year Bachelor of Nursing (R.174). Section 42 of the Nursing Act makes it illegal to offer nursing education unless both the institution and the programme are accredited, and SANC publishes the accredited lists on its education institutions page.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Auxiliary Nurse (R.169): one academic year of full-time study; NSC or equivalent
- Diploma in Nursing (R.171): three academic years; NSC or equivalent
- Bachelor of Nursing (R.174): four academic years; NSC or equivalent; universities add their own points and subject levels
- Accredited institution: confirm with SANC before you apply or pay anything
- Application: made directly to the institution, within its own window
For degrees, the national minimum for a Bachelor’s degree is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching and level 4 (50-59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects. For a diploma it is level 3 (40-49%) or better in four such subjects. Institutions may set more.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The regulations for all three routes say a person must hold at least an NSC or an equivalent educational qualification, and must apply to a nursing education institution accredited for the programme. Once admitted you are registered with SANC as a learner for the duration of the programme.
Beyond that floor the figures are institutional. Examples for the 2027 intake and current college criteria:
- Walter Sisulu University, Bachelor of Nursing: Bachelor’s endorsement and an APS of 24 on WSU’s own scale
- University of Pretoria, Bachelor of Nursing Science: APS of 28; a selection programme
- KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing, Diploma in Nursing: a minimum of 25 points, with Life Orientation not scored
- Free State School of Nursing, Diploma in Nursing: an AP score of 25 or more; Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing: 23 or more
Each institution scores points on its own scale, so compare a programme only against its own published table. The KZN criteria are on the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing page and the Free State criteria on the Free State Department of Health page.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
There is no single national subject list or APS for nursing. The examples show the pattern:
- University degrees: English, Mathematics and Life Sciences at level 4 (UP); WSU adds Physical Science and one more subject at level 4
- KZN college diploma: English level 4 for Home Language (level 3 for First Additional Language), Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5, and Life Science or Physical Science level 4
- Free State diploma: English level 4, Mathematical Literacy 50-59% or better and Life Science 50-59% or better; Physical Science is preferred
- Free State auxiliary programme: English, Life Science and Mathematical Literacy, each at level 4
Life Science is required in almost every example above (the KZN diploma accepts Physical Science instead), so check your subjects before choosing a level. A college diploma can accept Mathematical Literacy, but the degrees listed above require Mathematics.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications are made directly to the institution, so the document list depends on where you apply. WSU, for example, asks for a certified ID copy and your matric results, charges a R100 application fee, and lists a June Grade 12 report for Medicine and Health Sciences applicants.
College routes add their own steps. The Free State School of Nursing requires selected candidates to attach a police clearance certificate. The KZN College of Nursing runs a yearly advert, takes no hand-delivered applications, and puts shortlisted candidates through a knowledge assessment and medical examination. Follow the instructions in the advert you apply to.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Nursing places are limited and selection goes beyond the minimum points. UP and WSU both apply additional selection criteria. KZN college admission is open to people who meet the requirements and live in KwaZulu-Natal.
Windows are short and fixed. WSU’s 2027 applications close on 31 October 2026, and UP’s Health Sciences closing date for 2027 admission was 30 June 2026, so that cycle has closed. Apply to more than one institution, and note the next cycle’s dates as soon as they are published.
The older enrolled nurse and nursing auxiliary courses no longer take new students: SANC ended enrolment into them on 30 June 2015 and into other legacy nursing qualifications after 31 December 2019. Check that any course you consider is on SANC’s current accredited lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years does it take to study nursing in South Africa?
The Auxiliary Nurse programme takes one academic year, the Diploma in Nursing three, and the Bachelor of Nursing four, all full-time.
Where can I study a diploma in nursing?
Provincial colleges of nursing offer the Diploma in Nursing, for example the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing and the Free State School of Nursing. These are examples, not a complete list. SANC’s accredited lists on its education institutions page show every college and university.
Can I study nursing with NCV Level 4?
The nursing regulations require an NSC or an equivalent educational qualification and do not name the NC(V). Whether an institution treats NC(V) Level 4 as equivalent is its own decision, so ask the institution before you apply.
What if I do not qualify for the degree?
A college diploma is an alternative to the degree, and the KZN and Free State examples accept Mathematical Literacy. The Auxiliary Nurse programme is the shortest route at one year, and the Free State school asks for an AP score of 23 against 25 for its diploma.
Do I need Mathematics to study nursing?
For the university degrees above, yes. The KZN and Free State diplomas accept Mathematical Literacy, but they also require a science subject (Life Science, or Physical Science at KZN).
How do I check an institution is accredited?
Look the institution and programme up on SANC’s accredited lists before you pay or enrol. Both must be accredited.
Confirm requirements and closing dates with each institution, and accreditation with SANC. See nursing requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.