Government Nursing College List

Nursing remains one of the most noble and in-demand professions in South Africa, and enrolling in a government-funded nursing college is a popular and affordable pathway for students aspiring to join the nursing profession. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of government nursing colleges, key details about each institution, and how you can apply to the one that’s right for you.

Whether you are a high school graduate ready to begin your higher education journey, or someone seeking a career change, this list will serve as a valuable guide to jumpstart your nursing career through government-supported institutions.

Top Takeaways

Government nursing colleges offer affordable, accredited, and high-quality nursing training across South Africa.
Most government nursing colleges are affiliated with provincial Departments of Health, ensuring practical hospital training.
Applications typically open between March and August each year, and candidates are advised to apply early.
You can choose from diplomas, higher certificates, and bridging courses, depending on your existing qualifications.
This guide links directly to resources, such as the official list of colleges and application details.

Overview of Government Nursing Colleges
Full List of Government Nursing Colleges by Province
How to Apply to a Government Nursing College
Qualification Requirements
Funding Options & Bursaries
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Overview of Government Nursing Colleges

Government nursing colleges play a critical role in training South Africa’s professional nurses. These institutions are funded and regulated by provincial Departments of Health and Nursing Education bodies such as the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

Nursing education in these colleges often maintains high standards due to close integration with public healthcare facilities that serve as training hospitals. Students benefit from theoretical training and extensive practical experience under professional supervision.

Key characteristics of government nursing colleges:

Affordable tuition since costs are subsidized
Accredited programs approved by the SANC
Attached hospital/clinical placements
Offers nursing diplomas, post-basic diplomas, and bridging courses

For more detailed information, check out our guide on the nursing college page.

Full List of Government Nursing Colleges by Province

Below is a comprehensive list of government nursing colleges in South Africa, organized by province. Click the college names (where applicable) for direct access to more information and application guidelines.

Gauteng

Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College
Ann Latsky Nursing College
SG Lourens Nursing College

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing
- Includes campuses such as RK Khan, Ngwelezana, Addington, and King Edward VIII

Eastern Cape

Lilitha College of Nursing
- Satellite campuses in East London, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, and Butterworth

Western Cape

Western Cape College of Nursing
- Various campuses including Metro West, Boland/Overberg, Southern Cape/Karoo

Limpopo

Limpopo College of Nursing
- Campuses include Sovenga, Giyani, Thohoyandou

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga College of Nursing
- Main campus in Kabokweni

Free State

Free State School of Nursing

Northern Cape

Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College

North West

North West College of Nursing
- Mafikeng and Klerksdorp campuses

You can find an updated version of the full list here.

How to Apply to a Government Nursing College

Applying to a government nursing college can vary depending on the province — but the general process follows a similar format. Most institutions open applications between March and August for the following academic year.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

Select the college of interest from the official college list.
Visit the college or provincial Department of Health website.
Download or collect the application forms.
Submit completed forms with certified copies of required documents:
- Matric certificate
- ID document
- Proof of residence
- Academic records (if applicable)
You may be invited for interviews or assessments depending on the college’s selection criteria.

🔗 Related Resource: NursingCollege.co.za Application Tips

Qualification Requirements

To apply to a government nursing college, you must meet specific educational and health-related requirements. These can vary based on the program you’re applying for (e.g., a diploma vs post-basic).

Minimum Requirements:

Grade 12/Matric with:
- English (Minimum Level 4)
- Life Sciences/Biology (Minimum Level 4)
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy (Minimum Level 3)
South African citizenship
Age between 17 and 35 years
Physically and mentally fit (medical screening may be conducted)

Some colleges may require NBTs (National Benchmark Tests) results.

Funding Options & Bursaries

Financial aid for students attending government nursing colleges is generally available through bursaries issued by Provincial Departments of Health.

These bursaries often cover:

Full tuition
Accommodation and meals
Book and transport allowances
Monthly stipend

In return, bursary holders usually sign a work-back agreement, requiring them to work in public health institutions upon completion of their studies.

💡 Tip: Keep an eye on provincial health department websites for bursary announcements.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduating from a government nursing college opens up opportunities in both public and private healthcare sectors. Your training qualifies you to register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a professional nurse.

Potential career paths include:

Professional Nurse in clinics, hospitals, or community settings
Midwifery
Community Health Nursing
Emergency or Trauma Nursing
Further specialization through postgraduate diplomas or degrees

Your government nursing education may also qualify you for work abroad, especially in Commonwealth countries with reciprocal recognition agreements.

For more options, check out career development resources on NursingCollege.co.za.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is there a government nursing college in every province?
- ✅ Yes, each province in South Africa has at least one main government nursing college, often with multiple satellite campuses.
❓ When should I apply to a government nursing college?
- ✅ Most colleges open applications between March and August. It’s best to check the specific college or provincial health department website for exact dates.
❓ Are there age limits for applying?
- ✅ Generally, applicants must be between 17 and 35 years old, but this may vary slightly per institution.
❓ Does NSC (Matric) with Maths Literacy qualify me to apply?
- ✅ Yes, many government nursing colleges accept Maths Literacy, though higher levels improve your chances.
❓ Can foreign nationals apply?
- ⚠️ No, most government-funded nursing programs require South African citizenship due to bursary and work-back agreements.
❓ Can I study nursing part-time?
- ⚠️ Most government nursing programs are full-time due to their hospital-based training requirements.
❓ Will I get placed in a job after graduating?
- ✅ If you are on a bursary, you’ll likely be placed in a public health institution as per your contract.

Conclusion

Choosing a government nursing college is a smart, affordable, and rewarding route for those pursuing nursing in South Africa. With access to accredited education, experienced professionals, and real-world clinical training, government institutions remain a preferred choice for many aspiring nurses.

To begin your journey:

Explore the complete Government Nursing College List
Understand the requirements via our nursing college guide
Apply early and prepare your documents

Here’s to making a difference in healthcare—one patient, one nurse at a time!

✅ External Resources:

South African Nursing Council (SANC) – https://www.sanc.co.za/
Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.za/
Bursary Support Portal – https://www.gostudy.net/bursaries

For more education and application support, don’t forget to visit Nursing College SA regularly for updates.

Government Nursing College List