Nursing remains one of the most respected and in-demand careers in South Africa. If you are passionate about helping people, working in healthcare, and building a stable career, nursing training courses for 2026 offer an excellent opportunity to enter the medical field.
Both public nursing colleges and private institutions are now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. These programmes combine theory with practical hospital training and lead to registration with the (SANC).
Available Nursing Training Courses for 2026
1. Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nursing)
This course is suitable for candidates who want to start a nursing career at entry level.
Course duration: 1 year
Qualification outcome: Auxiliary Nurse
Training includes: Basic patient care, hygiene, infection control, and ward assistance.
2. Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse – R171)
This is the most popular nursing qualification and leads to registration as a General Nurse.
Course duration: 3 years
Qualification outcome: Registered General Nurse
Training includes: Clinical practice, pharmacology, community health, and hospital rotations.
3. Bachelor of Nursing Degree
Offered by universities and selected institutions.
Course duration: 4 years
Qualification outcome: Professional Nurse with degree qualification
Training includes: Advanced nursing science, leadership, research, and clinical practice.
Minimum Requirements for Nursing Training 2026
Although requirements may vary slightly by institution, most nursing colleges require the following:
General Requirements
- Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate
- English (Level 4 or higher)
- Life Sciences (recommended)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- South African ID
- No criminal record
- Medical fitness for nursing duties
What You Will Learn During Nursing Training
Nursing programmes are structured to prepare students for real healthcare environments.
Core Subjects
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Community Health Nursing
- Clinical Practice in Hospitals and Clinics
Training Structure
- Classroom learning
- Practical hospital training
- Supervised clinical placements
- Continuous assessments and examinations
Application Dates for 2026 Intake
Most public nursing colleges open applications between June and October 2025 for the 2026 intake.
Private nursing colleges may accept applications until November or early December 2025, depending on space availability.
Applicants are strongly advised to apply early, as nursing programmes are highly competitive.
Funding and Bursaries
Many nursing students receive financial support through:
- Provincial Department of Health bursaries
- Hospital-based nursing colleges
- Learnership and sponsored training programmes
These bursaries often cover tuition, accommodation, uniforms, and a monthly stipend.
After Completing Nursing Training
After successfully completing your course:
- You will register with SANC
- You can work in public or private hospitals
- Opportunities exist in clinics, community health centres, and specialised units
- You may further your studies in specialised nursing fields
Important Notice
This post is for information purposes only. We do not offer nursing training or accept applications directly. Always apply through official nursing colleges, universities, or provincial health departments
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