Nursing Requirements for Colleges in South Africa 2025-2026
Outlined below are the Nursing requirements for a Bachelor of Nursing, Postgraduate Advance Diploma in Nursing, Diploma in Nursing, and a Higher certificate in auxiliary nursing. It is recommended that students familiarise themselves with these admission criteria before applying for enrolment into any of these programs.
The requirements below cover admission for the various Nursing Colleges and Nursing Universities in South Africa.
The various nursing online applications for the 2025-2026 academic year have been provided here: Nursing Intake 2025-2026
Nursing Requirements for Bachelor of Nursing
To qualify as a Registered Nurse, you must meet the following criteria
- Applicant must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BCur– Bachelor of Nursing Science, Education & Administration) OR
- a three-year diploma OR
- a one-year higher certificate in auxiliary nursing OR
- one-year postgraduate advanced diploma in nursing and midwifery on top of your degree or diploma.
Below are the requirements for a degree in Nursing. It should be noted that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission or enrollment into the Bachelor of Nursing Program or BCur
It is recommended that you take Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, but this is not compulsory at all institutions. You will need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 4, with:
- English (50-59%)
- First additional or home language (50-59%)
- Life Sciences (50-59%)
- Maths Literacy (50-59%)
- Life Orientation (50-59%)
Nursing Requirements for Diploma in Nursing
You will need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4, depending on the institution, to qualify to study this course. However, it is not as important that you have taken mathematics and/or physical sciences as it is for the BCur. You will also need:
- English (50-59%)
- First additional or home language (50-59%)
- Four other subjects (50-59%)
- Life Orientation (50-59%)
Accredited Nursing Universities And Colleges In South Africa
Nursing Annual Fees In South Africa
Postgraduate Nursing In South Africa
Nursing Bachelor’s degrees in South Africa
Higher Certificate in Auxillary Nursing
You will need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 3 or 4, depending on the institution, to qualify to study this course, however, it is not as important that you have taken mathematics, physical sciences or life sciences as it is for the BCur. You will also need:
- English (50-59%)
- First additional or home language (50-59%)
- Four other subjects (50-59%)
- Life Orientation (50-59%)
Postgraduate Advance Diploma in Nursing
The following are the requirements for a postgraduate advance diploma in nursing.
- Bachelor in Nursing Sciences (or equivalent) or a degree and comprehensive diploma
- Diplomas in nursing and midwifery
- Advanced diploma in midwifery, staff nurse and advanced diploma.
Below is an outline of documents for the Nursing Online Application in South Africa for the 2025-2026 academic year.
1. Click the “Apply” button for the 2025-2026 nursing application to complete your profile.
2. The following documents must be available for upload during your application.
- copy of matric certificate and identity document.
- Proof of residence or affidavit.
- All copies of highest qualifications.
- A signed affidavit from the Commissioner of Oath, clearly indicates that you are unemployed and have not previously benefited from the Department of Health bursary system.
Upon successful completion of your nursing online application, you will be provided with a unique student ID. Kindly write this down or save it somewhere safe as it will be needed in checking your nursing application status. Visit “How to Check Nursing Online Application Status 2025-2026” to check your application status
NB. Failure to comply with the above instructions will disqualify applicants.
3. Click apply now button on the student details page to complete your application.
4. Take note of the following:
- All certificates and addresses will be verified for authenticity.
- Due to the large number of applications expected; only successful applicants will be notified.
- No registered mail will be accepted.
