Nursing Colleges Open for 2027 Applications in South Africa

South African Nursing Colleges Open for 2027 Applications

If becoming a nurse is one of your goals, now is the time to start preparing. Several government nursing colleges have opened applications for the 2027 academic year, giving prospective students an opportunity to study towards a recognised nursing qualification.

Government nursing colleges remain a popular choice because many programmes are funded by provincial health departments, allowing successful applicants to study while receiving financial support where applicable. Competition is usually high, so submitting your application before the closing date is important.

At the moment, two major provincial nursing colleges have opened applications for 2027.

Gauteng College of Nursing 2027 Applications

The Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) is one of the largest nursing training institutions in South Africa. It offers the Diploma in Nursing, preparing students to register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and begin a career in healthcare.

Students accepted into the programme receive training through one of Gauteng's nursing campuses while completing both classroom learning and clinical placements at public healthcare facilities.

Who Can Apply?

To apply, you must:

• Be a South African citizen residing in Gauteng.

• Have one of the following:

• Senior Certificate (SC)

• National Senior Certificate (NSC)

• National Certificate (Vocational) Primary Health

• Or currently be in Grade 12.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Your school results must meet the minimum admission requirements.

For applicants with an NSC, you'll need:

• English – Level 4

• Life Sciences – Level 4

• Mathematics – Level 4 or Mathematical Literacy – Level 5

• An APS of 27 or above (Life Orientation counts as half).

Applicants with a Senior Certificate or NC(V) qualification must also meet the specific subject requirements published by the Gauteng Department of Health.

Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete:

• A compulsory psychometric assessment.

• Verification of supporting documents.

• Medical surveillance and a physical examination before final acceptance

campuses 

• Ann Latsky Campus

• Bonalesedi Campus

• Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus

• SG Lourens Campus
  
  

How to Apply

Apply here for Gauteng College of Nursing Student Nurse intake 2027 

KZN College of Nursing 2027 

Applications are also open at the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing (KZNCN) for the 2027 intake. The college trains nurses for employment within the provincial healthcare system and offers the Diploma in Nursing through campuses located across KwaZulu-Natal. 

What Qualification Will You Study?

Successful applicants will study the Diploma in Nursing (NQF Level 6).

Here are the programme details:

• Qualification: Diploma in Nursing

• NQF Level: 6

• Duration: 3 Years (Full-time)

• SAQA ID: 115826

• SANC Regulation: R171

• Closing Date: 31 August 2026

The programme is accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and prepares students to become professional nurses through classroom learning and clinical placements in healthcare facilities across KwaZulu-Natal.

Who Can Apply?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that anyone with Matric can apply. While Matric is required, you must also meet the admission requirements based on when you completed Grade 12.

If You Completed Matric in 2008 or Later

You must have:

• A National Senior Certificate with at least a Diploma Pass.

• An Admission Point Score (APS) of 25 or higher.

• Life Orientation is compulsory but is NOT included when calculating your APS.

Your minimum subject results should include:

• English – Level 4

• Home Language or First Additional Language – Level 3

• Mathematics – Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy – Level 5

• Life Sciences or Physical Sciences – Level 4

If your results don't meet these minimum levels, your application won't be considered.

Apply Here: KZN College Of Nursing Application Online 

ADVERT: KZN NURSING 2027 PDF DOWNLOAD 

If You Completed Matric Before 2008

Applicants with the old Senior Certificate must have at least 25 points using the previous Higher Grade and Standard Grade system.

The required subjects include:

• English

• Mathematics

• Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry or Physiology

The official advertisement explains the minimum symbols required for both Higher Grade and Standard Grade subjects.

You Must Be Living in KwaZulu-Natal

This is one requirement many applicants overlook.

The 2027 intake is intended for KwaZulu-Natal residents. During your application you'll need to upload proof that you live in the province. If you don't have a document showing your address, you'll need to submit an affidavit confirming your residential address.

The Department of Health may verify this information during the selection process.

The Department of Health Bursary

One reason this intake attracts so many applicants is that successful students are offered the opportunity to study through the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health bursary system.

However, there are important conditions.

Applicants must declare that they have not previously benefited from the Department of Health bursary system at the KZN College of Nursing. This declaration must be made through an affidavit signed by a Commissioner of Oaths and uploaded with your application.

If you've already received this bursary before, you won't qualify for the new intake.

Documents You'll Need Before Applying

Rather than rushing through the online application, prepare your documents first.

You'll need:

• Certified copy of your South African ID.

• Certified copy of your Matric certificate or Senior Certificate.

• Proof of residence or a residential affidavit.

• Affidavit confirming you have not previously benefited from the KZN Department of Health bursary system.

• Any additional documents requested during the online application.

Applications with missing documents may not be considered.

What Happens After You Apply?

Submitting an application doesn't automatically mean you've been accepted.

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be shortlisted for the next stages of the selection process, which include:

• Knowledge assessment.

• Verification of qualifications and supporting documents.

• Medical surveillance and health screening.

Because of the large number of applications received each year, only shortlisted or successful applicants will be contacted by the college.