How to Get Into Midwifery School in South Africa: Requirements & Best Programs for 2025
Are you passionate about supporting women through pregnancy and childbirth, eager to join South Africa’s vital healthcare workforce? Becoming a midwife offers a rewarding career with a chance to make a profound impact—South Africa has only 1 midwife per 1,000 births (SANC, 2023), underscoring the urgent need for skilled professionals.
Why Study Midwifery in South Africa?
Midwifery is a cornerstone of maternal healthcare, addressing SA’s high maternal mortality rate—119 deaths per 100,000 live births (Stats SA, 2023)—and supporting families during life’s most transformative moments. Midwives earn R420,000–R640,000 annually (ZaR, 2024), with experienced specialists reaching R1M+, blending financial reward with purpose. Here’s how to break into this field.
Requirements to Get Into Midwifery School
Entry into midwifery school in South Africa hinges on meeting academic, professional, and application criteria. Below are the essentials.
High School Prerequisites
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): Achieve a Bachelor’s Degree pass.
- Key Subjects:
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: Minimum 50–60% (varies by program).
- Physical Sciences: 50–60% for science-based understanding.
- Life Sciences: 60%+ to grasp human biology.
- English: 50%+ for communication skills.
- Admission Point Score (APS): Aim for 28–35+, depending on the institution (e.g., UJ requires 30+).
- Why It Matters: Competitive programs prioritize strong science and math foundations.
Undergraduate Pathways
Midwifery in SA requires a nursing foundation. You can’t enter midwifery school directly from high school; you must first qualify as a nurse via:
- Diploma in Nursing (R171): 3 years, offered by nursing colleges like Netcare Education.
- Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs/R174): 4 years, available at universities like UCT or UNISA.
- Key Courses: Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and basic nursing practice.
- Certification: Register as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) post-graduation.
Experience Requirements
For advanced midwifery programs (e.g., Postgraduate Diploma):
- Minimum Experience: 2 years as a Professional Nurse, including 1 year in midwifery or maternal care (excludes community service year).
- Proof: Submit employment records and SANC registration certificate.
Additional Application Musts
- SANC Registration: Mandatory for all nursing-based midwifery programs.
- Health Clearance: Pass an occupational health screening.
- References: Two professional referees (e.g., Nursing Service Manager).
- Motivation Letter: Explain your passion for midwifery.
- Interviews: Some programs (e.g., UJ) require selection interviews.
Steps to Get Into Midwifery School
Step 1: Excel in High School
- Focus on science subjects and aim for an APS of 30+.
- Volunteer at clinics or shadow midwives to build experience.
Step 2: Complete a Nursing Qualification
- Choose a Diploma in Nursing (faster, 3 years) or BNurs (broader scope, 4 years).
- Register with SANC as a Professional Nurse.
Step 3: Gain Clinical Experience
- Work as a nurse for 2+ years, ideally in maternity wards or obstetric units.
- Document your experience for applications.
Step 4: Apply to Midwifery Programs
- Select a program (see below), submit your NSC, nursing qualification, SANC registration, and experience proof.
- Prepare for interviews or entrance tests if required.
Step 5: Complete Midwifery Training
- Enroll in a 1–2 year midwifery program (e.g., Postgraduate Diploma or Advanced Diploma).
- Pass practical and theoretical assessments to register as a Midwife with SANC.
Best Midwifery Programs in South Africa for 2025
These programs stand out for their accreditation, practical training, and reputation. All are SANC-approved, ensuring eligibility for registration.
1. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery
- Duration: 1 year (part-time).
- Why It’s Top-Tier: UJ’s Faculty of Health Sciences offers a research-driven curriculum, focusing on advanced midwifery skills and public health.
- Requirements: BNurs or Diploma in Nursing, 2 years’ experience, SANC registration.
- Cost: ~R25,000/year.
- Standout Feature: Partnerships with Midwifery Obstetric Units for hands-on training.
- How to Apply: uj.ac.za.
2. University of Cape Town (UCT) – Division of Nursing & Midwifery
- Duration: 1–2 years (Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s pathway).
- Why It’s Top-Tier: Celebrating 85 years of excellence, UCT offers innovative, evidence-based training at Groote Schuur Hospital.
- Requirements: BNurs, 2 years’ experience, SANC registration.
- Cost: ~R30,000–R40,000/year.
- Standout Feature: Emphasis on Primary Health Care (PHC) and multicultural care.
- How to Apply: health.uct.ac.za.
3. University of South Africa (UNISA) – Advanced Diploma in Midwifery
- Duration: 1–2 years (distance learning).
- Why It’s Top-Tier: UNISA’s fully online format suits working nurses, offering flexibility and affordability.
- Requirements: Diploma in Nursing or BNurs, 2 years’ experience, SANC registration.
- Cost: ~R20,000/year.
- Standout Feature: Accessible nationwide with a focus on rural healthcare.
- How to Apply: unisa.ac.za.
4. Stellenbosch University – Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Midwifery)
- Duration: 1 year.
- Why It’s Top-Tier: Known for research excellence (353K citations, EduRank 2024), it trains midwives for urban and rural settings.
- Requirements: BNurs, 2 years’ experience, SANC registration.
- Cost: ~R35,000/year.
- Standout Feature: Bilingual (English/Afrikaans) with simulation labs.
- How to Apply: sun.ac.za.
5. Netcare Education – Diploma in Midwifery
- Duration: 1 year (post-nursing).
- Why It’s Top-Tier: A private leader, Netcare offers practical, hospital-based training across its network.
- Requirements: Diploma in Nursing, 1–2 years’ experience, SANC registration.
- Cost: ~R40,000–R50,000/year.
- Standout Feature: Direct employment opportunities within Netcare facilities.
- How to Apply: netcare.co.za.
Comparing the Best Programs
| Program | Duration | Cost (Annual) | Flexibility | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UJ Postgraduate Diploma | 1 year | R25,000 | Moderate | Research & practical focus |
| UCT Nursing & Midwifery | 1–2 years | R30,000–R40,000 | Moderate | PHC & hospital training |
| UNISA Adv. Diploma | 1–2 years | R20,000 | Very High | Online accessibility |
| Stellenbosch Diploma | 1 year | R35,000 | Moderate | Bilingual & research |
| Netcare Diploma | 1 year | R40,000–R50,000 | High | Job placement |
Top Pick: UCT for prestige and training quality; UNISA for flexibility and cost.
Tips to Boost Your Application
Ace Your Matric: Aim for 60%+ in sciences and an APS of 30+.
Gain Experience: Work or volunteer in maternity settings during/after nursing studies.
Network: Connect with midwives via the South African Nursing Council (SANC) or local clinics.
Prepare Documents: Have your NSC, nursing qualification, SANC certificate, and experience proof ready.
Practice for Interviews: Highlight your empathy and commitment to maternal care.
Career Outlook
Demand: SA needs 10,000+ midwives by 2030 (SANC projection).
Salary: R420,000/year starting; R1M+ with specialization (e.g., neonatal care).
Roles: Midwife in hospitals, clinics, private practice, or education.
Conclusion: Your Midwifery Journey Starts Here
Getting into midwifery school in South Africa requires a solid high school foundation, a nursing qualification, and targeted experience, followed by enrollment in a top program like UCT, UJ, or UNISA. With 1–2 years of specialized training, you’ll be ready to register with SANC and transform lives. Start now—ace your matric, pursue nursing, and apply to one of these elite programs to launch your midwifery career in 2025.
