Best Colleges To Study Nursing In South Africa – Starting your journey to become a nurse is a big decision that requires careful consideration of where to get your education. The nursing college landscape in South Africa is diverse, with each offering a distinct blend of academic rigour, practical experience, and professional development possibilities. Choosing the proper institution can lay the groundwork for a rewarding and influential career in healthcare for those who aspire to it. In this guide, we give the top 20 finest colleges to study nursing in South Africa, carefully curated to provide aspiring nurses with insights into the top universities that excel in nursing education. From well-known colleges to specialized nursing schools, each item on this list demonstrates a commitment to quality in training the next generation of caring and skilled nursing professionals. Whether you choose a traditional academic track or a more hands-on approach, this thorough guide will help you make an informed decision as you begin your journey to becoming a nurse in South Africa.
Which School Is Best for Nursing in South Africa
Choosing the “best” nursing school in South Africa is subjective and depends on several factors, including accreditation, reputation, faculty expertise, facilities, and student outcomes. However, numerous nursing schools consistently rank among the best in the country for nursing education. Here are a few noteworthy examples:
1. University of Cape Town (UCT) – UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences is well-known for its extensive nursing curriculum, research prowess, and dedication to community service.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – The Wits School of Therapeutic Sciences has a long history of producing highly qualified nurses, as well as innovative teaching methods and research activities.
3. Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences has a reputable nursing program that emphasizes evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
4. University of Pretoria – The University of Pretoria’s Department of Nursing Science is renowned for its dedication to quality in clinical practice, research, and nursing education.
The School of Nursing and Public Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is renowned for its high-caliber nursing programs, robust research culture, and contributions to healthcare policy and practice.
6. Nelson Mandela University – This university provides a thorough nursing curriculum that equips graduates with a variety of healthcare settings by placing a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and community-based learning.
7. North-West University – Known for its industry connections, student-centred approach, and research output, the Faculty of Health Sciences at North-West University offers a variety of nursing degrees.
To ascertain which nursing school best suits your educational and professional objectives, you must conduct thorough research on each institution’s unique programs, faculty specializations, and student support services. Making an informed choice can also be aided by taking into account elements like accreditation and industry recognition.
Colleges To Study Nursing in South Africa?
Here’s a list of nursing colleges and universities in South Africa where you can study nursing:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Nelson Mandela University
- North-West University
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- University of Johannesburg
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Limpopo
- Mpumalanga University
- Sol Plaatje University
- University of Fort Hare
To accommodate students with varying educational backgrounds and professional goals, these institutions provide a variety of nursing programs, including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate courses. To determine which school best suits your academic and professional objectives, carefully investigate the nursing programs offered by each, the admissions standards, and the facilities.
Colleges to Study Nursing in Gauteng
- Gauteng College of Nursing
- SG Lourens Campus
- Ann Latsky Campus
- Bonalesedi Campus
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus
- Ukwazi School of Nursing
- Mpilo Royal College (PTY) LTD
- Khanyisa Nursing School
- Tswelopele Nursing School
- Netcare Training College (N.T.A)
- Empilweni Nursing College
- Thuto Bophelo Nursing Academy (PTY) LTD
- Falcon Health Sciences
- Ithemba Nursing Academy (PTY) LTD
- Nicole Nurses Training School
- Life College of Learning
- Ga-Rankuwa Nursing College
- Whitestone FET College (Johannesburg Campus)
- Berea Nurses Institute
- HEALTHNICON School of Nursing
- ROSTEC College Pretoria
- Africa Health Nursing College
- Sefako Makgath Health Service University
- Department of Nursing Science, Tshwane University of Technology
- Department of Nursing, Vaal University of Technology
- Department of Nursing Science, University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Johannesburg
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria
- Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Witwatersrand
Colleges to Nursing Courses in Cape Town
Students who wish to study nursing to become licensed nurses in South Africa can do so at any number of nursing colleges located in Cape Town.
Public and private nursing schools, as well as public universities, are among the several nursing colleges in Cape Town, the Western Cape Province. There are currently several nursing education institutes to choose from when applying to prospective students interested in studying nursing in Cape Town.
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- University of Western Cape
- University of Cape Town
- Western Cape College of Nursing
- Metro West Campus
- South African Military Health Services
- Netcare Education (PTY) Ltd- Western Cape Campus
- New Hope School of Nursing
- Cape Tech Nursing College
- Robert Sobukwe Nursing Academy
- Life Healthcare Cape Town Learning Centre
- Carinus Nursing College
- Kayamandi Elderly Nursing
- School of Nursing Cape Town
- Oasis Nursing College
- Procare Health Academy
- Helderberg College
- Africa Ithemba College
- WCG Health – College of Emergency Care
- Oxford International College
- SEANDA HEALTH CARE
- NETCARE TRAINING ACADEMY
- SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology) Cape Town
- Sarleh Dollie Nursing College
- L.H centre for HIV/AIDs training and community development
- Healthnicon college in Parow
Colleges to Study Nursing in Kwazulu-Natal
- Kwazulu-Natal College of Nursing
- Addington Campus
- Benedictine Campus
- Charles Johnson Memorial Campus
- Edendale Campus
- Grey’s Campus
- Madadeni Campus
- Ngwelezane Campus
- Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Campus
- Port Shepstone Campus
- RK Khan Campus
- King Edward VII
- Netcare Education (Durban) North Campus
- Durban University of Technology
- University of Kwazulu-Natal
- University of Zululand
- ABH Nursing School
- Academy of Nursing Education and Healthcare Training
- Cato Manor Technical College
- Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School – Durban Campus
- Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School -Eshowe sub-campus
- Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School – Stanger sub-campus
- D.T Institute of Nursing – Main Campus
- D.T Institute of Nursing – Ixopo Sub-Campus
- Ekukhanyeni Nursing School
- Emnambithi New Horizon Nursing School
- Gandhi Mandela Nursing Academy
- JMM Nursing School
- Life College – KZN Learning Center
- Ludomo Nursing School
- Masizakhe Nursing School
- Mc Cord Hospital
- Vuka Ukhanye Nursing School
- Michaelmas Nursing School PMB Main Campus
- Michaelmas Nursing School – Durban Campus
- Michaelmas Nursing Ixopo Campus
- Midlands School of Nursing
- Natal Settler’s Homes
- Ndumiso Nursing School
- Netcare Education – Durban
- Oceanview Nursing School
- Protea Nursing School
- Saint Ambros Nursing School
- Shekinah Nursing School
- St Mary’s Mariahill Nursing School
- Sizanesu Nursing Training Institute
- Thembelani Further Education and Training College
Colleges to Study Nursing Courses in Northwest
- Northwest Nursing College
- Mafikeng Campus
- Klerksdorp Campus
- Ukwazi School of Nursing: Potchefstroom Campus
- Africa Healthcare Nursing College (PTY) LTD
- Keobakile Nursing School
- Thulaganyo Nursing School
- Northwest University (Mafikeng)
- Northwest University (Potch)
- Excelsius Nursing College
- Mmabatho Nursing College
- Moses Kotane Nursing School
- Taung Community Hospital Nursing School
- Thusong Hospital Nursing School
- Witrand Hospital Nursing School
Where To Study Nursing Courses In Northern Cape
Nursing programs are offered at several institutions in the South African province of the Northern Cape. Here are a few choices:
At its sites in Kimberley and De Aar, Northern Cape Urban TVET College provides a range of health sciences degrees, including nursing training.
Nursing-related programs are offered by Northern Cape Rural TVET College at its sites in Kuruman and Kathu.
Nursing programs are available through the School of Nursing Sciences at the University of the Free State, Kimberley Campus.
Sol Plaatje University: Although its main focus is on undergraduate programs, the university may collaborate with other academic institutions to offer nursing education or offer courses linked to nursing.
Make sure the nursing program offers, accreditation status, admission standards, and facilities of any institution you are considering going to are in line with your educational and professional objectives before applying. For additional information, it’s also advised to get in touch with the institutions directly.
Private Nursing Colleges: The Northern Cape may have private nursing schools or training facilities that provide nursing education. These establishments could grant certificates or diplomas.
Colleges to Study Nursing in Eastern Cape
For aspiring students who want to become nurses, the Eastern Cape is home to numerous nursing colleges. The Eastern Cape has several nursing schools located throughout the province that prospective students can visit. In addition, there are both public and private nursing schools in the Eastern Cape Province for students who wish to pursue nursing education. Additionally, the Eastern Cape province’s nursing institutes provide all of the different nursing certifications required of South African nurses. Thus, you’ve come to the correct place if you’re looking for the Eastern Cape Province list of nursing schools.
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of Forte Hare
- Walter Sisulu University
- Lilitha College of Nursing
- East London Main Campus
- Butterworth Sub-Campus
- Madwaleni Sub-Campus
- Nompumelelo Sub-Campus
- Tafalofefe Sub-Campus
- Victoria Sub-Campus
- Lusikisiki Main Campus
- Madzikani Ka-Zulu Sub-Campus
- Saint Patricks Sub-Campus
- Mthatha Main Campus
- Dr. Malizo Mpehle Memorial Sub-Campus
- Nessie Knight Sub-Campus
- St Barnabas Sub-Campus
- St Lucy’s Sub-Campus
- Port Elizabeth Main Campus
- Andries Vosloo Sub-Campus
- Dora Ngiza Sub-Campus
- Settlers Sub-Campus
- Queenstown Main Campus
- All Saints Sub-Campus
- Glen Grey Sub-Campus
- Umlamli Sub-Campus
- Netcare Education Pty Ltd – Eastern Cape Campus
- Life College of Nursing – East London Learning Centre
- Life College of Nursing – Port Elizabeth Learning Centre
Colleges to Study Nursing in Free State
In the Free State Province, there are numerous public nursing schools where individuals wishing to pursue a career in nursing can find a place to study. Would you like to learn more about the public nursing schools in the province of Free State and pursue a career in nursing? To become a professional nurse after graduation, there are numerous public nursing colleges in the Free State where you can be admitted to study nursing. There are therefore equally reputable nursing colleges here in the Free State Province, so there’s no need to travel far to study nursing in other provinces if you live here. If you are a resident of the province, there are numerous advantages to studying nursing in a Free State institution. Initially, you eliminate significant transportation.
- Free State School of Nursing
- University of Free State (UFS)
- Northern Campus
- Boitumelo Sub-Campus
- Eastern Campus
- Southern Campus
- Pelonomi Sub-Campus
- Dr. JS Moroka Sub-Campus
- South Africa Military Health Services
Colleges To Study Nursing in Mpumalanga
There are numerous schools in the South African province of Mpumalanga where nursing is offered as a major. Here are a few choices:
- Nursing programs are available at the University of Mpumalanga through the Faculty of Health Sciences.
- Nursing-related programs are offered by Ehlanzeni TVET College at its campuses in Nelspruit, Mbombela, and other parts of the province.
- Gert Sibande TVET College: Has campuses in Ermelo, Evander, and other places. Offers health sciences degrees, including nursing courses.
- The Mpumalanga College of Nursing has campuses in Witbank, Barberton, and other parts of the province. It provides nursing education and training programs.
Make sure the facilities, entrance standards, accreditation status, and nursing program options of any school you are considering going to are in line with your academic and professional objectives before submitting an application. It is also advised to get in touch with the institutions directly to find out more details. Private Nursing Colleges: Mpumalanga may have private nursing schools or training facilities that provide nursing education. These establishments might provide nursing diploma or certificate programs.
Colleges To Study Nursing In Limpopo
Limpopo has a large number of public nursing schools. All of Limpopo’s nursing schools are open to prospective students who wish to pursue their nursing education there inside the province. The Limpopo public nursing colleges are administered by the government, just like the other public nursing schools in South Africa. That indicates that these are state-run universities. To pursue their academic career or a career in the health industry with a certified qualification, prospective students interested in studying nursing courses can gain entrance to any public college. To help you make a decision, would you like to be aware of all the licensed and recognized public nursing programs in the Province of Limpopo?
- Limpopo College of Nursing
- Giyani Campus
- Sekhukhune Campus
- Sovenga Campus
- Waterberg Campus
- University of Venda (Thohoyandou Campus)
- University of Limpopo
- Limpopo Province College of Nursing
- Limpopo Department of Health
- Capricorn College for TVET
- Capricorn TVET College (Sheshegu Campus)
Can You Study Nursing At UNISA?
The University of South Africa (UNISA) does indeed provide nursing courses. Through the College of Human Sciences’ Department of Health Studies, UNISA provides a range of nursing programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. UNISA provides the following nursing programs, to name a few:
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) undergraduate program are prepared for a future as professional nurses. Numerous subjects related to nursing theory, clinical practice, and healthcare administration are covered. The Bachelor of Nursing Science Honours (BNSc Hons) is a postgraduate program that offers advanced study in research techniques, nursing theory, and specialty areas of nursing practice. For registered nurses looking to advance their nursing knowledge and abilities, it is intended.
Master of Nursing Science (MNSc): For registered nurses who want to pursue further nursing education and research, UNISA provides a Master of Nursing Science program. Numerous specializations are available during the curriculum, such as community health nursing, mental nursing, advanced midwifery, and nursing education.
Ph.D. Nursing: For registered nurses who want to engage in scholarly research and nursing, UNISA also provides a doctoral program in nursing. Performing original research and making noteworthy contributions to the subject are the main goals of the PhD program.
What Do You Do After Finding a Nursing School You Want to Go To?
There are a few things you can do once you’ve decided which nursing school to enroll in:
- Examine Entrance Requirements: Pay close attention to the prerequisites for admission to the nursing program you are considering. Academic credentials, required course completions, results on standardized tests, recommendation letters, and personal statements are a few examples.
- Application documents Submission: Assemble and send in your application documents in compliance with the nursing school’s guidelines. Make careful to fill out all application forms, send in any relevant paperwork, and pay any fees.
- Reach deadlines: Keep in mind when applications close, and make sure your materials are sent in on time. It’s crucial to plan ahead and meet all deadlines because applications that are submitted after the deadline may not be accepted.
- Participate in interviews (if necessary): As part of the admissions process, some nursing programs may mandate that applicants participate in interviews. In case you receive an invitation for an interview, get ready by studying the curriculum, rehearsing standard interview questions, and maintaining a polished appearance.
- Await Admission Decision: Following the submission of your application, you will have to wait for the nursing program to assess your dossier and provide an admissions decision. Be patient and aware of any changes at school since this process could take several weeks or months.
- Accept Admission Offer: Upon receiving an admission offer, read over the terms and conditions thoroughly, taking note of any deadlines for enrolling in classes and accepting the offer. When you’ve made the decision to accept the offer, adhere to the guidelines provided by the institution to confirm your
- Plan for Enrollment: After accepting the admissions offer, you should start preparing to enroll in the nursing program. This could involve setting up housing and transportation, finishing up any necessary paperwork, enrolling in classes, and getting ready for orientation events.
- Get ready for nursing school: Take some time to physically, emotionally, and academically ready yourself for the opportunities and difficulties that lie ahead as you wait for your nursing program to begin. You should familiarize yourself with the nursing program, go over basic science and medical ideas, and reach out to other incoming or existing nursing students for guidance and support.
How Long Is a Nursing Degree in South Africa?
The 4-year program is full-time in nursing. You will have combined work and study experience at hospitals and other clinical facilities while you are a student.