Becoming a registered nurse in South Africa is a meaningful and fulfilling career path. Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, often acting as the first point of contact for patients.
Requirements to Study and Become a Registered Nurse in South Africa
If you’re considering this career, here’s everything you need to know to get started—from studying to registration and beyond.
Educational Pathways to Becoming a Registered Nurse
In South Africa, there are three main routes to become a qualified and registered nurse:
1. Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse)
- Duration: 1 year
- Outcome: Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as an Auxiliary Nurse.
- Role: Offers basic care services under the supervision of a registered nurse. Ideal as an entry point into nursing.
2. Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse)
- Duration: 3 years
- Outcome: Registration with SANC as a General Nurse.
- Role: General Nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They provide a wider range of services than Auxiliary Nurses.
3. Bachelor of Nursing (Professional Nurse and Midwife)
- Duration: 4 years
- Outcome: Registration with SANC as a Professional Nurse and Midwife.
- Role: Professional Nurses and Midwives offer advanced care and can take leadership positions within healthcare institutions.
Read more: Navigating Nurse Salaries in 2025: What You Should Know
Admission Requirements
While admission criteria can vary depending on the institution, most universities and nursing colleges require the following:
Basic Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric) with a university pass.
- A good APS (Admission Point Score), typically around 28 or higher.
Subject Requirements:
- English: Level 4 (50-59%)
- Life Sciences (Biology): Level 4 (50-59%)
- Mathematics: Level 3 (40-49%) OR
- Mathematical Literacy: Level 4 (50-59%)
- Physical Sciences: Often required or advantageous
Additional Requirements:
- National Benchmark Test (NBT): Required by some universities.
- Interviews: Some institutions may conduct personal interviews to assess communication and empathy skills.
Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
To legally practice as a nurse in South Africa, registration with SANC is mandatory.
Steps to Register:
- Complete an Accredited Nursing Program: Ensure your chosen program is accredited by SANC.
- Apply for Registration: Once qualified, apply to register with SANC by submitting the necessary documentation and paying a registration fee.
- Community Service: Bachelor of Nursing graduates must complete one year of community service in a public health facility.
- Annual Practising Certificate: Nurses must renew their registration yearly by paying a fee to obtain a practicing certificate.
Also check: 2026 University Application Dates for South African Institutions
Accredited Nursing Institutions
To ensure your qualification is recognized, it’s important to study at an institution that is accredited by both the South African Nursing Council and the Council on Higher Education. Examples include:
- Public universities offering the Bachelor of Nursing program.
- Private hospitals with nursing colleges offering diploma and certificate courses.
- TVET colleges for entry-level programs.
Always verify accreditation directly through SANC or the institution.
Career Prospects for Registered Nurses
Nurses in South Africa enjoy diverse career options across various sectors:
- Hospitals: Public and private
- Clinics and Community Health Centres
- NGOs and Outreach Programs
- Schools and Educational Facilities
- Research Institutions
- Private Practice (for advanced nurses)
Specializations are available through further studies in areas like:
- Midwifery
- Psychiatry
- Community Health
- Intensive Care
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
As a registered nurse, you are expected to continue learning and stay updated on medical practices. CPD is essential and may include:
- Workshops
- Short Courses
- Conferences
- Online Courses
Becoming a registered nurse in South Africa is both a practical and purposeful career decision. The journey demands dedication, proper planning, and a clear understanding of the academic and professional requirements set by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Whether you’re starting with a Higher Certificate, aiming for a Diploma, or pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing, each step opens doors to meaningful work in communities, hospitals, clinics, and more.
