FIHLIWEMATSA1 For people with a nurturing spirit and a passion for helping people, being a nurse in South Africa can be one of the most rewarding careers. There is a student nurse training programme 2025 that offers theory and practical experience for young South Africans who are eager to join the health industry. The following read will shed light on what the training programme is about, what qualifies one to join, how to apply and the opportunities that come after completing the training.
What Is the Student Nurse Training Programme?
This is a program offered by accredited nursing colleges and universities in South Africa which offers a systematic and organized route consisting of learning activities that equips learners with practical and theoretical experience to become a successful professional nurse.
Types of Nursing Qualification Studies in South Africa
Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing
- Duration: 1 year
- Necessary Entry-level qualification in auxiliary nursing.
Diploma in Nursing
- Duration: 3 years
- For candidates aspiring to be enrolled nurses.
Bachelor of Nursing (BCur)
- Duration: 4 years
- For professional nursing and midwifery.
Requirements Needed For The 2025 Programme
1. Academic Qualifications
- Matric Certificate: An NSC with minimum of the following qualifications:
- Level 4 (50–59%) in English
- Level 4: Life Sciences (50–59%) in Life Sciences
- Level 3 (40–49%) of mathematics or mathematical literacy
2. Personal Attributes Needed in Nursing
Compassionate, disciplined, and pressure-tolerant people are needed in the nursing profession.
3. Additional Requirements
- You must be a South African citizen or have a valid work permit.
- No criminal record.
- Pass Medical fitness test to qualify for nursing duties.
How to Apply for the 2025 Programme
- Research and Select the school that best suits your professional objectives.
- Apply early for the 2026 intake, the majority of universities accept applications from May to August 2025.
- Make sure you have these:
- certified copy of identification.
- A certified matriculation certificate.
- evidence of residency.
- medical report, if necessary.
- Finish Admission exams: Aptitude or medical exams may be required for admission to some programs.
How Much Is A Nursing Study Program?
Prices differ according to the institution you are interested in.
- For candidates studying in public institutions, they may pay between R25,000 and R40,000 per year.
- For private institutions, pay ranges between R60,000 and R100,000 per year.
Are There Bursaries For Student Nurses In South Africa?
There is a variety of bursaries available for student nurses in South Africa that would fund your study fees, accommodation and stationary.
1. Government Bursaries
- Government provides full bursaries under provincial health departments in return for a work-back arrangement.
2. List Of Private Sector Bursaries
- Netcare Bursary Scheme
- Life Healthcare Bursaries
- Mediclinic Bursaries
What Can You Expect During Training?
- Expect topics including anatomy, pharmacology, and ethics that are covered in theoretical classes.
- Hands on training: Practical instruction in clinics, hospitals, and community health facilities.
- Assessments: To guarantee competency, regular exams and hands-on evaluations are conducted.
Career Opportunities After Completing a Nurse Training Programme
1. Job Roles
- Auxiliary Nurse: Get hired on Entry-level position as a nursing assistant
- Being an Enrolled Nurse on Intermediate-level positions in clinics and hospitals.
- Advanced positions in patient care and management as a Professional Nurses
2. Available Positions under Specializations
A trained nurse can specialize in:
- Pediatrics
- Intensive Care
- Oncology
- Midwifery
3. Salary Expectations For different Types Of Nurses In South Africa
- Auxiliary Nurse salary ranges between R8,000 and R12,000 per month
- Enrolled Nurse salary ranges between R13,000 and R18,000 per month
- Professional Nurse salary ranges between R20,000–R35,000 per month
How Long Does It Take to Complete A Nurse Training Programme In South Africa?
- A Higher Certificate course duration is 1 year
- A Diploma runs for 3 years
- A Bachelor’s Degree duration is 4 years
10 Nursing Training Programs Where You Can apply In South Africa
1. Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College
- Location: Gauteng
- Basic Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of Level 4 in English and Life Sciences.
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy Level 3.
- Applications usually open from May to August annually.
- Cost: Around R25,000 per year.
- Bursary Options: Gauteng Department of Health bursaries.
2. Lilitha College of Nursing
- Location: Eastern Cape
- Basic Requirements:
- Completed Matric with Life Sciences and English at Level 4.
- A Pass in Mathematics
- Basic Requirements:
- Applications usually open between June and September.
- Cost: Approximately R20,000 per year.
- Bursary Options: Eastern Cape Department of Health offers full bursaries with a work-back agreement.
3. Netcare Education
- Location: Various
- Basic Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate with at least 50% in English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics/Math Literacy.
- Applications open from April to August.
- Cost: Between R60,000 and R80,000 a year.
- Bursary Options: Qualify for Netcare Bursary Scheme
4. Life Healthcare College of Learning
- Location: Nationwide
- Minimum Requirements:
- Matric certificate with passes in English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.
- Proof of South African citizenship.
- Apply between May and September.
- Cost: Around R55,000 annually.
- Bursary Options: Life Healthcare bursaries.
5. Mediclinic Higher Education and Training
- Nationwide
- Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 certificate with 50% in English and Life Sciences and a Pass in Mathematics.
- Applications open from January to May.
- Cost: Approximately R65,000 annually.
- Bursary Options: Mediclinic bursaries and payment plans.
6. University of Pretoria
- Location: Gauteng
- Study: Bachelor of Nursing (BCur).
- Minimum Requirements:
- NSC with an APS score of 28 or higher.
- English Level 5, Life Sciences Level 5, and Mathematics Level 4.
- Apply between April and July.
- Cost: Around R50,000 annually.
- Bursary Options: NSFAS, bursaries, and merit scholarships.
7. University of Cape Town
- Location: Western Caper
- Study: Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery.
- Minimum Requirements:
- Matric certificate with an APS of 30 or above.
- English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics at Level 5.
- Applications open from February to May.
- Cost: Around R60,000 annually.
- Bursary Options: UCT and external bursaries.
8. University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Location: UKZN
- Study: Bachelor of Nursing.
- Minimum Requirements:
- APS score of 28 or higher.
- English Level 5, Life Sciences Level 5, and Mathematics Level 4.
- Applications open from May to August.
- Cost: Approximately R45,000 annually.
- Bursary Options: Scholarships from NSFAS and UKZN.
9. Ann Latsky Nursing College
- Location: Johannesburg
- Minimum Requirements:
- Matric certificate, minimum of 50% in English and Life Sciences.
- Mathematical literacy
- Applications open from June to October.
- Cost: Around R22,000 annually.
- Bursary Options: Gauteng Department of Health bursaries.
10. Ukwazi School of Nursing
- Location: Roodepoort and Potchefstroom
- Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 certificate, 50% in English and Life Sciences.
- Mathematical Literacy pass.
- Application opens between March and October.
- Cost: Approximately R40,000 per year.
- Bursary Options: Payment plans and bursaries from external sponsors.
Tips for Applying to Nursing Training Programs
- Find out about each requirement for various programs as academic and personal requirements vary by institution.
- Ensure that your proof of residency, ID copy, and matriculation certificate are all certified and up to date.
- Because nursing programs are competitive, you should apply as soon as they open.
- Examine your options for funding: Consider Employer sponsorships, NSFAS, and bursaries to pay your fees.
