So you want to be a nurse. Good choice, South Africa needs more of you, and the career pays better than people assume once you’re qualified.
The nursing qualification system has changed over the past few years, so this guide walks you through exactly what applies right now: subjects, marks, SANC registration, costs, and where to study.
What Subjects and Marks Do You Need?
You need your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or matriculation to enter any nursing programme.
Most institutions ask for an Admission Point Score (APS) of between 28 and 35, depending on where you apply. Life Sciences and Mathematics are non-negotiable, most colleges want at least a Level 4 in both. Physical Sciences helps a lot too, even where it’s not compulsory.
Here’s the actionable part: if your Life Sciences mark is a Level 3 or lower, don’t apply yet. Rewrite it through the Department of Basic Education’s supplementary exams first. A Level 3 gets you rejected at almost every accredited college, no matter how good your other subjects are.
English (or your home language) needs to sit around 40% minimum, because your entire training, theory, exams, patient records, happens in English.
The Nursing Qualification Structure
SANC now works with three main qualification levels, each leading to a different registration category:
Higher Certificate in Nursing (1 year)
Your fastest way in. This qualifies you to register as an Auxiliary Nurse, working under supervision. Good option if you need to start earning sooner or want to test the waters before committing to a longer degree.
Diploma in Nursing (3 years)
Leads to registration as a General Nurse. This is the standard qualification most public colleges offer.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (4 years)
Leads to registration as a Professional Nurse. Best if you want leadership roles, specialisation or to work internationally down the track.
Tip: whichever route you pick, you can move up later. Start with the Higher Certificate, work for a year or two, then bridge into the Diploma or Degree once you’ve saved money or improved your results.
How to Register With SANC
Finishing your course doesn’t make you a nurse. You only become one once you’re registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
Apply within 30 days of completing your qualification. You’ll need a certified copy of your ID, your official transcript, and (if applicable) a certified marriage certificate. The registration fee is around R790.
Once registered, your certificate is valid for 12 months. After that, you need to renew annually through an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) to keep working legally. SANC now issues these electronically by email, so keep your contact details updated on their system.
If you’re planning to specialise later, midwifery, paediatric nursing, trauma nursing, psychiatric nursing, you’ll need at least two years of clinical experience as a Professional Nurse first, plus additional coursework.
Choosing a College: What to Check Before You Pay
Nursing spots are competitive, and demand is high every single year. Before you pay any fees anywhere, confirm the college is accredited directly on SANC’s official list — this takes a few minutes and protects your money.
Legitimate colleges use proper bank accounts for fees, not informal payment platforms. And be careful with “Home Based Care” or “Ancestral Health” courses advertised alongside nursing, these are caregiver courses, not SANC-recognised nursing qualifications, and they won’t get you registered as a nurse.
You can check accredited options through our list of SANC-accredited colleges in South Africa before applying anywhere.
When to Apply and Where to Study
Public nursing colleges (like Chris Hani Baragwanath or Lilitha College) usually close applications in September of the year before. If you’re only starting to look in January for that same year’s intake, you’ve likely missed it, start preparing for the following year instead.
Private hospital-linked colleges (Netcare, Life, Mediclinic) sometimes run second intakes in June or July, so they’re worth checking if you missed the main round.
If you can’t get into a residential programme right away, look at distance learning options like UNISA, which offers bridging routes for enrolled nurses who already have SANC registration and want to upgrade to a full degree.
International students should also check what to know before studying in South Africa, since visa and documentation requirements apply on top of academic ones.
What Do Nurses Actually Earn?
Pay depends heavily on your qualification level and years of experience.
Auxiliary nurses tend to earn less than general or professional nurses. In reality once you are registered and working you can expect to earn anything from around R12 000 to R30 000+ per month, with senior or specialised roles earning more as time goes by. Public sector jobs also have benefits such as pension contributions that private sector jobs do not always match.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary between public and private institutions, with public colleges generally being the more affordable route.
Before committing to any college, confirm the exact fees directly with them, and always verify their SANC accreditation status first, since that one check protects both your money and your future registration.
Your Next Step
Nursing is still one of the most in-demand careers in South Africa, and that demand isn’t slowing down.
Start by checking your Life Sciences and Maths marks against your target institution’s APS. If they’re short, fix that first through supplementary exams. Then confirm accreditation before you apply anywhere, one quick check now saves you a wasted year later.
