Undoubtedly, South Africa has one of the best medical care facilities on the African continent. There is, therefore, high demand for health practitioners to maintain this facility. Nurses are in high demand when it comes to health sectors in South Africa. The demand for nurses increases yearly. Knowing the requirement needed to pursue nursing would help you in pursuing a Nursing career.
If becoming a Nurse in South Africa is one of your dreams, then this piece will be of great help to you. We have outlined all the requirements needed to pursue nursing in South Africa here. Everything that is required of you before you gain admission into an accredited Nursing Educational Institution.
The nursing profession is a commendable and selfless one in which a licensed healthcare professional is tasked with caring for the ill. The following is a breakdown of the post-matric qualifications a student would need to pursue Nursing in South Africa.
Private nursing colleges in South Africa and public institutions provide the same degrees and diplomas. To complete your qualification, simply pick a school that suits your needs.
How many years does it take to become a nurse in South Africa?
Well, just keep in mind that it depends on the type of degree or diploma that you want to complete. The programs available for students who want to pursue a career in this field are:
Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing — One year
In this course, you will learn all the basics of giving care to people. After the one-year course, you will be working under a registered nurse who has completed his/her degree or diploma qualification.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Sciences — Four years
With this university degree, you will be able to work as a midwife, general, community, or psychiatry nurse. At the end of this degree, also, you will be equipped with the theoretical and practical components of the field. Public universities like the UCT (University of Cape Town) offer nursing courses in Cape Town as well as the University of the Western Cape, University of KwaZulu-Natal, North-West University, and so on.
Diploma in Nursing — Three years
With this qualification, you will be equipped to work as an enrolled nurse or staff nurse. The significant difference between this course and the bachelor’s degree is the duration, so, you should anticipate less detailed information. The diploma in nursing qualification can be found at the Vaal University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, and other universities of technology.
Post-graduate Advanced Diploma in Nursing — One year
Completing your diploma and degree, you will be required to go for an advanced degree program if you desire a career in nursing management. To apply for this advanced diploma program, you must have a bachelor’s degree or diploma in nursing. You also need, at least, two years of experience as a midwife or nurse.
What subjects are needed to become a nurse in South Africa?
For diploma and degree courses, the primary subject requirements to study nursing in South Africa include the following:
- Mathematics;
- English;
- Life Science;
- Life Orientation;
- First or home language.
Various programmes for training of nurses:
* The bachelor’s degree in nursing is generally a four-year course that are offered by most public universities in South Africa: UJ, Wits, Stellenbosch (only post-graduate), UP, UWC, NWU, UKZN, Unisa etc. The degree consists of both a compulsory practical-clinical training component and a theoretical component.
* Colleges (government) offer a four-year integrated diploma. In other words, when you complete your training you also have the following qualifications: General Nursing, Childbirth, Psychiatry, and Community Nursing.
General theoretical subjects that are studied:
Nursing history and ethics
Basic nursing
Elementary nutrition
First aid
Elementary anatomy and physiology
Introduction to comprehensive healthcare
General nursing
Nursing of elderly
Nursing of mentally disable people
Community nursing
Psychiatric nursing
* NEIs / Nursing Schools offer different programmes, depending on what they are approved for.
R2 176: Certificate course – Enrolled Nursing Aid (ENA)
R2 175: Certificate course – Enrolled Nursing (EN)
R683: Diploma – Bridging to Professional Registered Nurse (PRN)
Some of them also offer the four-year diploma.
After completing their studies, new nurses must first complete a community service year before they can officially join the working force. New nurses must apply for placement during their compulsory community service year. During this year they will receive all the necessary training in clinics and hospitals. The application form is available on the SANC website.
What colleges offer nursing in South Africa?
The South African Nursing Council (SANC) is in charge of approving the courses and institutions in the country. That should be your first stop if you want to find out about nursing colleges in South Africa application forms. The SANC will not register any student with a qualification from an institution that is not recognised.
The nursing universities and colleges in South Africa include;
- Universities Offering Nursing In South Africa
- Nursing at (UP) University of Pretoria
- Nursing at (UWC) University of Western Cape
- Nursing at (WITS) University of the Witwatersrand
- Nursing at (CPUT) Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Nursing at (NWU) North-West University
- Nursing at (DUT) Durban University of Technology
- Nursing at (NMMU) Nelson Mandela University
- Nursing at (SMU) Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Nursing at ( TUT) Tshwane University of Technology
- Nursing at (UCT) University of Cape Town
- Nursing at (UFH) University of Fort Hare
- Nursing at (US) Stellenbosch University
- Nursing at (UJ) University of Johannesburg
- Nursing at (UNISA) University of South Africa
- Nursing at (Unizulu) University of Zululand
- Nursing at ( WSU ) Walter Sisulu University
- Nursing at (UKZN) University Kwazulu-Natal
- Nursing at (UFS) University of Free State
- Nursing at (VUT) Vaal University of Technology
- Nursing at (UL) University of Limpopo
- Colleges Offering Nursing In South Africa
- ABH Nursing School
- Academy of nursing Education and Healthcare Training
- Arwyp Medical Centre- Kempton Park
- Bloemfontein Mediclinic Learning Centre- Free State
- Cape Region Mediclinic Learning Centre- Western Cape
- Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School – Durban Campus
- Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School – Eshowe Campus
- Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School – Stanger Campus
- Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School -Mthatha Campus
- Clinix Health Medical Centre
- Emmanuel Nursing School
- Future Nurses Nursing School
- Gem Auxilary Nursing School
- Gold Fields Nursing College
- Healthnicon Nursing College- Vaal Campus
- Healthnicon Nursing College- Western Cape Campus.
- Healthnicon Pretoria Campus
- Helderberg Training Centre
- Hospice Association of Wits Nursing School
- Ithemba Nursing Academy
- Letjhabile Libalele Nursing School-Gauteng
- Letjhabile LibaleleI Nursing School-Kroonstad Campus
More Colleges
- Life College of Learning – Cape Town Learning Centre
- Life College of Learning – East London Learning Centre
- Life College of Learning – East Rand Learning Centre
- Life College of Learning – KZN Learning Centre
- Life College of Learning – Pretoria Learning Centre
- Life College of Learning – West Rand Learning Centre
- Life College of Learning- Port Elizabeth Learning Centre
- Limpopo Mediclinic Learning Centre- Polokwane
- Ludumo Nursing School
- Lunghile Nursing College
- Michaelmas College-Ixopo Campus
- Michaelmas College-Kuilsriver Campus
- Michaelmas College-Pietermaritzburg Campus
- Michaelmas College- Durban Campus
- Nelspruit Mediclinic Learning Centre- Mpumalanga
- Netcare Education- Eastern Cape Campus, Port Elizabeth
- Netcare Education- Gauteng North East Campus, PTA
- Netcare Education- Gauteng South West Campus ,JHB
- Netcare Education- Kwazulu-Natal Campus, Durban
- Netcare Education- Western Cape Campus, Bellville
- Nicole Nursing School
- Northern Cape Mediclinic Learning Centre- Kimberly
- Northern Region Mediclinic Learning Centre-Gauteng
- Occupational Care of South Africa
- Ring-Mash Nursing
- St Ambrose Nursing School
- Thuto Bophelo Nursing School
- Tshwane Regional Mediclinic Learning Centre- Pretoria
- Ukwazi Nursing School- Roodepoort Campus
- Ukwazi Nursing School- Potchefstroom Campus
- Vuka Ukhanye Nursing School
EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
- Lilitha College of Nursing (Main Campus)
- All Saints Hospital Nursing School
- Andries Vosloo Hospital School Of Nursing
- Butterworth Hospital School Of Nursing
- Dora Nginza Hospital School Of Nursing
- Dr Malizo Mpehle Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing
- Elizabeth Donkin Hospital School Of Nursing
FREE STATE PROVINCE
- University of Free State
- Free State School of Nursing –Eastern Campus
- Free State School of Nursing -Southern Campus
- Free State School of Nursing –Northern Campus
- Boitumelo Hospital School Of Nursing
- Bongani Regional Hospital School Of Nursing
- Dihlabeng Regional Hospital School Of Nursing
- Dr J S Moroka Community Hospital School Of Nursing
- Metsimaholo District Hospital School Of Nursing
- Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Region Hospital School Of Nursing
- National Universitas Hospital School Of Nursing
- Military Hospital (SAMHS) Nursing School
- Pelonomi Hospital School Of Nursing
- Ann Latsky Nursing College
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College
- Ga-Rankuwa Nursing College
- S G Lourens Nursing College
- SAMHS Nursing College
KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE
- KwaZulu -Natal College of Nursing
- Siloam Hospital Nursing College
- St Rita’s Hospital Nursing College
- Tshilidzini Hospital Nursing College
- Voortrekker Hospital Nursing College
- Warmbath Hospital Nursing College
- Mpumalanga College of Nursing
- Barberton Hospital Nursing School
- Bethal Hospital Nursing School
- Embhuleni Hospital Nursing School
- Ermelo Hospital Nursing School
- Evander Hospital Nursing School
- Lydenburg Hospital Nursing School
- Mapulaneng Hospital Nursing School
- Middleburg Hospital Nursing School
- Philadelphia Hospital Nursing School
- Piet Retief Hospital Nursing School
- Rob Ferreira Hospital Nursing School
- Sabie Hospital Nursing School
- Shongwe Hospital Nursing School
- Standerton Hospital Nursing School
- Themba Hospital Nursing School
- Tintswalo Hospital Nursing School
- Witbank Hospital Nursing School
- Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College
NORTH WEST PROVINCE UNIVERSITIES
- North West University (Mafikeng)
- North West University (Potchefstroom)
- Excelsius Nursing College
- Mmabatho Nursing College
- NURSING SCHOOLS
- Moses Kotane Nursing School
- Taung Community Hospital
- Thusong Hospital Nursing School
- Witrand Hospital Nursing School
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of the Western Cape
- Western Cape College of Nursing
- Boland Overberg – Worcester
- South Cape Karoo Campus – George
- Beaufort West Hospital Nursing School
- George Hospital Nursing School
- Groote Schuur Hospital Nursing School
- Tygerberg Academic Hospital Nursing School
- Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre
- Worcester Nursing School
What needed to become a nurse in South Africa?
Entry Requirements: 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%)
How many years does it take to study nursing in South Africa?
An undergraduate degree can be completed within four to five years. Nurses with an undergraduate degree in nursing sciences can gain a Masters degree in psychiatric nursing, general nursing and midwifery.
Can a foreigner study nursing in South Africa?
International students are required to obtain Limited Registration with the South African Nursing Council before you are permitted to commence with any practical requirements. The Department of Nursing Education will facilitate the process with the South African Nursing Council on completion of registration.
What are the educational requirements for a nurse?
An aspiring RN can earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) in four years at a college or university. If you’re already an RN, you can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program which is geared specifically for RNs who have an associate’s degree or nursing diploma. This path usually takes about two to three years.
How much do South African nurses earn?
The average salary for a Registered Nurse is R 18 874 per month in South Africa.
