Meta Description
Nursing Training in South Africa 2026: Learn about entry requirements, SANC-accredited colleges, nursing courses, fees, bursaries, salaries, career paths, and step-by-step application process.
Introduction
Nursing training in South Africa for 2026 remains one of the most sought-after study and career pathways for students interested in healthcare, public service, and job security. With the continued expansion of public hospitals, clinics, community healthcare centres, and private medical facilities, the demand for qualified nurses is increasing every year.
The South African healthcare system depends heavily on trained nurses to deliver quality patient care, support doctors, manage health facilities, and promote wellness across communities. Whether you are a recent matriculant or an adult learner looking to change careers, nursing offers a stable profession with long-term growth, competitive salaries, and international opportunities.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about nursing training in South Africa for 2026, including requirements, SANC-accredited colleges and universities, nursing courses, fees, bursaries, salary expectations, and how to apply correctly.
Quick Overview / Programme Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Nursing Training Programmes |
| Regulating Body | South African Nursing Council (SANC) |
| Study Levels | Higher Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree |
| Study Duration | 1 – 4 years |
| Training Mode | Theory + Clinical Practice |
| Institutions | Public Nursing Colleges, Universities, Private Colleges |
| Funding Options | Government Bursaries, Provincial Health Departments |
| Career Sector | Public & Private Healthcare |
| Date Published | 06 January 2026 |
Purpose of the Programme
The purpose of nursing training in South Africa is to develop competent, ethical, and professional nurses who can provide safe, effective, and compassionate healthcare services.
Nursing programmes aim to:
- Address the national shortage of healthcare professionals
- Strengthen public healthcare services
- Improve patient outcomes and community health
- Equip nurses with clinical, leadership, and management skills
- Support South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) goals
Graduates are prepared to work across hospitals, clinics, rural healthcare facilities, NGOs, and private medical institutions.
Nursing Qualifications Available in South Africa
All nursing qualifications must be SANC-accredited. The main nursing courses available in 2026 include:
Higher Certificate in Nursing
- Duration: 1 year
- Entry-level qualification
- Focuses on basic patient care under supervision
- Leads to support nursing roles
Diploma in Nursing
- Duration: 3 years
- Allows independent nursing practice
- Leads to registration as a General Nurse
Bachelor of Nursing
- Duration: 4 years
- Professional qualification
- Prepares nurses for leadership, management, and specialisation
- Leads to registration as a Professional Nurse
Key Responsibilities & Outputs
| Area | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Patient Care | Monitoring patients, administering medication |
| Clinical Support | Assisting doctors and healthcare teams |
| Health Promotion | Community health education and prevention |
| Record Keeping | Accurate patient documentation |
| Emergency Care | Responding to medical emergencies |
| Ethical Practice | Upholding professional nursing standards |
Previous Stipend Information:
- Most nursing students do not receive a stipend during training
- Some government bursaries cover tuition, accommodation, meals, and uniforms
Minimum Requirements / Eligibility
Academic Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric Certificate)
- English (compulsory)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Sciences (recommended, sometimes compulsory)
Additional Eligibility Criteria
- South African citizen or valid study permit
- Medically fit for clinical duties
- No serious criminal record
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays
- Some institutions require entrance exams or interviews
Nursing Colleges and Universities in South Africa
Public Nursing Colleges
- Operated by Provincial Departments of Health
- Highly competitive
- Often bursary-funded or subsidised
- Limited intake per year
Universities
- Offer Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing degrees
- Strong academic and research focus
- Standard university admission requirements
Private Nursing Colleges
- Multiple intakes per year
- Higher tuition fees
- Flexible learning schedules
- Must be SANC-accredited
Important: Always verify accreditation directly with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
Cost of Nursing Training in South Africa
| Institution Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Public Nursing Colleges | Often bursary-funded |
| Universities | R40 000 – R70 000 per year |
| Private Colleges | R30 000 – R100 000 per year |
Additional costs may include:
- Uniforms
- Textbooks
- Clinical equipment
- Accommodation and transport
Core Competencies & Skills Required
Successful nursing students and professionals should possess:
- Strong communication skills
- Compassion and empathy
- Emotional resilience
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Ethical decision-making
These competencies are essential for both training success and long-term career growth.
Equity, Diversity & Transformation Commitment
South Africa’s nursing training institutions are committed to:
- Promoting equal access to education
- Supporting historically disadvantaged individuals
- Encouraging gender equality in healthcare
- Training nurses to serve diverse communities
Government bursaries and public colleges prioritise applicants from under-resourced backgrounds to support national transformation goals.
Nursing Salary in South Africa
| Level | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Nurse | R12 000 – R18 000 |
| Professional Nurse | R20 000 – R35 000 |
| Specialised Nurse | R35 000+ |
Public sector nurses may also receive:
- Medical aid
- Pension benefits
- Housing allowance
- Paid annual leave
How to Apply for Nursing Training in South Africa 2026
Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Check minimum academic requirements |
| Step 2 | Choose a SANC-accredited institution |
| Step 3 | Obtain official application forms |
| Step 4 | Complete and submit application |
| Step 5 | Attach certified documents |
| Step 6 | Attend interviews or assessments |
| Step 7 | Await official admission outcome |
Applications are submitted directly to:
- Nursing colleges
- Universities
- Provincial Departments of Health
Possible Career Paths After Completion
After qualifying and registering with SANC, nurses may work as:
- General Nurse
- Professional Nurse
- Midwife
- Psychiatric Nurse
- Paediatric Nurse
- Intensive Care Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Nursing Manager
- Nurse Educator
Many South African nurses also work internationally after meeting registration requirements.
Important Warning to Applicants
Prospective students should:
- Avoid unaccredited institutions
- Never pay fees without official invoices
- Ignore social media shortcuts
- Verify colleges with SANC
Practising nursing without SANC registration is illegal.
Call to Action
If you are passionate about healthcare and want a stable, respected, and rewarding career, nursing training in South Africa for 2026 is an excellent choice. Start preparing early, improve your subjects if needed, and monitor official announcements from accredited institutions.
Apply only through legitimate channels and take the first step toward a meaningful healthcare career today.