Are you interested in becoming a nurse in South Africa? Studying at a public nursing college is one of the pathways to entering the nursing profession, particularly for students who want to pursue nursing qualifications through government-supported institutions.
South Africa has public nursing colleges and nursing education campuses across its nine provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape.
These institutions offer different nursing programmes, depending on their accreditation, available facilities and provincial training requirements.
In this article, we provide a province-by-province list of public nursing colleges in South Africa, information about admission requirements, application procedures, available qualifications and important advice for students planning to apply for the 2027 academic year.
What is a public nursing college?
A public nursing college is a government-operated nursing education institution that provides training for students pursuing careers in nursing.
Many public nursing colleges operate under provincial Departments of Health and provide theoretical learning alongside practical clinical training at hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities.
Public nursing education may include programmes leading to qualifications such as the Diploma in Nursing, Higher Certificate in Nursing and Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, depending on the institution’s approval and accreditation.
Important: Not every campus offers every nursing qualification, and not all listed training sites necessarily accept independent applications. Applicants must confirm the current programme accreditation and intake arrangements before applying.
Full list of public nursing colleges in South Africa by province
The South African Nursing Council (SANC) identifies ten major public nursing college systems, including the South African Military Health Service Nursing College. These operate through multiple campuses and sub-campuses.
The list below focuses on public nursing colleges rather than private nursing schools or university nursing departments. Sanc+1
1. Gauteng public nursing colleges
The Gauteng College of Nursing operates several nursing education campuses.
- Ann Latsky Campus
- Bonalesedi Campus
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus
- SG Lourens Campus
These are among the established public nursing training campuses in Gauteng. Applicants should check the Gauteng Department of Health’s official announcements for available programmes and application procedures.
Official website: https://gcon.gauteng.gov.za
2. Limpopo public nursing colleges
Limpopo College of Nursing provides public nursing education through campuses serving different areas of the province.
- Giyani Campus
- Sekhukhune Campus
- Sovenga Campus
- Thohoyandou Campus
- Waterberg Campus
Students from Polokwane, Giyani, Thohoyandou, Mokopane, Sekhukhune and surrounding communities can investigate these campuses when considering nursing studies.
Official website: https://www.dhs.limpopo.gov.za
3. KwaZulu-Natal public nursing colleges
KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing has an extensive network of public nursing training campuses.
- Addington Campus
- Benedictine Campus
- Charles Johnson Memorial Campus
- Edendale Campus
- Grey’s Campus
- Madadeni Campus
- Ngwelezane Campus
- Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Campus
- Port Shepstone Campus
- R.K. Khan Campus
Applicants should verify which campuses have an approved intake for their preferred nursing qualification.
Official website: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za
4. Eastern Cape public nursing colleges
Lilitha College of Nursing is the main provincial public nursing college in the Eastern Cape.
Its established main campuses include:
- East London Campus
- Mthatha Campus
- Lusikisiki Campus
- Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) Campus
- Komani (formerly Queenstown) Campus
Lilitha also has additional nursing training sub-campuses, including All Saints and Andries Vosloo, subject to programme-specific accreditation.
Official website: https://www.echealth.gov.za
5. Western Cape public nursing colleges
Western Cape College of Nursing provides public nursing education through its regional campus network.
The commonly listed campuses are:
- Metro West Campus
- Boland Overberg Campus
- Southern Cape Karoo Campus
Applicants should confirm the current campus structure, locations and programme availability with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
Official website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za
6. Free State public nursing colleges
The Free State School of Nursing operates through three principal regional campuses:
- Northern Campus
- Eastern Campus
- Southern Campus
Other training locations historically associated with the provincial nursing college include Boitumelo, Pelonomi and Dr J.S. Moroka sub-campuses.
Official website: https://www.health.fs.gov.za
7. Mpumalanga public nursing colleges
Mpumalanga College of Nursing provides nursing education through its provincial training network.
Identified nursing training sites include:
- Rob Ferreira Nursing Campus
- Tintswalo Sub-Campus
- Witbank Sub-Campus
- Standerton Sub-Campus
The current accreditation and availability of programmes at each training site should be checked before submitting an application.
Official website: https://www.mpuhealth.gov.za
8. North West public nursing colleges
North West College of Nursing operates through two principal campuses:
- Mahikeng (Mafikeng) Campus
- Klerksdorp Campus
Students interested in public nursing education in the North West province can monitor provincial Department of Health announcements for future application opportunities.
Official website: https://www.nwpg.gov.za
9. Northern Cape public nursing colleges
The Northern Cape’s provincial public nursing college is:
– Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College — Kimberley
The South African Nursing Council confirmed in its 2024/2025 annual report that Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College had received accreditation for the three-year Diploma in Nursing and one-year Higher Certificate in Nursing. 2024/2025
Official website: https://www.northern-cape.gov.za
10. South African Military Health Service Nursing College
The South African Military Health Service Nursing College is a public military nursing training institution.
It is separate from the nine provincial nursing college systems. Its training arrangements and recruitment processes differ from ordinary provincial college admissions.
Prospective applicants should consult official South African National Defence Force recruitment information for eligibility requirements and available opportunities.
Official website: https://www.dod.mil.za
Summary: Public nursing colleges in all nine provinces
| Province | Main public nursing college |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | Gauteng College of Nursing |
| Limpopo | Limpopo College of Nursing |
| KwaZulu-Natal | KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing |
| Eastern Cape | Lilitha College of Nursing |
| Western Cape | Western Cape College of Nursing |
| Free State | Free State School of Nursing |
| Mpumalanga | Mpumalanga College of Nursing |
| North West | North West College of Nursing |
| Northern Cape | Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College |
| National / Military | SA Military Health Service Nursing College |
Note: This table lists the main public college systems, not every individually accredited campus or sub-campus. The SANC accreditation register is the authoritative source for current programme approval.
Nursing courses offered at public nursing colleges
The qualifications available depend on the college and its SANC accreditation.
| Nursing qualification | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Higher Certificate in Nursing | 1 year |
| Diploma in Nursing | 3 years |
| Advanced Diploma in Midwifery | 1 year |
| Bachelor of Nursing (where accredited) | 4 years |
| Postgraduate nursing diplomas | Varies by programme |
A Higher Certificate in Nursing can lead to registration as an enrolled nursing auxiliary, while the three-year Diploma in Nursing can lead to registration as a general nurse, subject to meeting all professional requirements.
Requirements to study nursing in South Africa
Applicants generally need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or another recognised qualification that meets the admission requirements for their chosen nursing programme.
Depending on the qualification, selection criteria may include:
- Grade 12 or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- English language proficiency.
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, according to programme requirements.
- Life Sciences or Physical Sciences, where required.
- Meeting the college’s minimum Admission Point Score (APS).
- Satisfying any additional selection, health or clinical training requirements.
Admission requirements are not identical across colleges. Students should consult the latest official prospectus or application advertisement.
How to apply to public nursing colleges for 2027
Students interested in the 2027 academic year can follow these steps:
- Choose a nursing college: Select a public nursing college in your preferred province.
- Check available courses: Confirm which nursing qualifications are offered and accredited.
- Check application dates: Visit the relevant provincial Department of Health website for an official 2027 intake announcement.
- Prepare documents: Gather your ID, Grade 12 results or certificate, and any other documents requested.
- Apply through the official channel: Use the online application portal or submission method specified in the advertisement.
- Monitor your application: Follow the college’s instructions regarding selection outcomes, interviews or assessments.
Are public nursing college applications open for 2027?
Application opening and closing dates differ between provinces and programmes. An institution appearing on the SANC accreditation list does not mean it is currently accepting applications.
Applicants should not assume that all public nursing colleges have opened their 2027 intake.
Are public nursing colleges funded by NSFAS?
Students should not assume that every public nursing college programme qualifies for NSFAS funding.
Funding arrangements may differ between nursing colleges, universities and provincial Department of Health training programmes. Some students may qualify for provincial bursaries or other financial support, subject to the applicable conditions.
Always confirm funding eligibility directly with the institution and relevant funding provider.
How to check whether a nursing college is registered with SANC
Before applying to any nursing college in South Africa, verify that both the institution and the qualification are accredited by the South African Nursing Council.
The Nursing Act prohibits institutions from offering nursing education intended to qualify someone to practise as a nurse or midwife without the required accreditation. SANC
To verify a college, visit:SANC official list of accredited nursing education institutions
Check the institution’s name, the specific qualification and any relevant campus details. Do not pay application or registration fees to unverified institutions or individuals advertising guaranteed admission. SANC
Frequently asked questions
Which public nursing colleges are available in South Africa?
South Africa has nine main provincial public nursing college systems, including Gauteng College of Nursing, Limpopo College of Nursing, Lilitha College of Nursing and KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing. There is also the South African Military Health Service Nursing College.
Can I study nursing without Mathematics?
Some nursing programmes may accept Mathematical Literacy, but requirements vary by qualification and institution. Check the admission criteria before applying.
Can I apply for nursing with Grade 11 results?
Some institutions may consider Grade 11 results for provisional applications from current matric learners. Final admission generally depends on meeting the required Grade 12 qualification and other selection criteria.
Can I apply to more than one nursing college?
You may apply to multiple institutions where their application rules permit it. Some provincial systems use centralised applications, so check the relevant instructions.
Are public nursing colleges free?
Not necessarily. Public nursing education can involve tuition or other costs. Bursaries and financial assistance may be available to eligible students, depending on the programme and funding arrangements.
Final thoughts
Public nursing colleges provide an important route into South Africa’s healthcare profession. With institutions operating across all nine provinces, prospective students have several options to explore when choosing where to study.
For students planning to apply for nursing in 2027, the most important steps are to identify a suitable institution, confirm its accreditation, meet the admission requirements and follow official application announcements.
Applicants are encouraged to use the South African Nursing Council website and provincial Department of Health websites for reliable information.
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