Unisa Nursing College: Your Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Education at UNISA

Are you passionate about pursuing a career in nursing and considering the University of South Africa (UNISA) as your choice of institution? Unisa Nursing College offers accessible, flexible, and high-quality nursing education that aligns with national healthcare needs. Whether you’re fresh out of school or a working professional looking to transition into healthcare, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about pursuing nursing via Unisa.

Top Takeaways

Flexible Learning: Unisa Nursing College offers distance learning, allowing students to study part-time and at their own pace.
Accreditation Matters: Unisa nursing programmes are accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
Programme Offerings: From higher certificates to postgraduate degrees, Unisa accommodates various levels of nursing education.
Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet the academic and clinical prerequisites depending on the programme level.
Clinical Training Partnerships: Unisa partners with accredited healthcare institutions for real-world clinical experience.
Affordable Education: As a public university, UNISA offers cost-effective nursing programmes with financial aid options.
Career Pathways: Graduates can enter fields like general nursing, midwifery, community health nursing, and more.

What is Unisa Nursing College?
Nursing Programs Offered at Unisa
How to Apply for Nursing at Unisa
Admission Requirements
Clinical Training & Practical Experience
Costs, Fees & Financial Aid
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Benefits of Studying via Unisa
Related Resources
FAQs About Unisa Nursing College
Conclusion

What is Unisa Nursing College?

Unisa Nursing College is part of the University of South Africa (UNISA), a leading open distance learning institution in South Africa.

This division specialises in training professional nurses, midwives, and other healthcare practitioners through theoretical education combined with essential clinical practice. Being a distance learning institution, Unisa allows students to study nursing remotely while completing clinical training at accredited facilities.

Unisa’s nursing division is under the Department of Health Studies, and it follows a community-oriented and outcomes-based approach to ensuring students are well-prepared for South Africa’s healthcare environment.

You can learn more and explore programs on the official Unisa Nursing College page.

Nursing Programs Offered at Unisa

Unisa offers a wide array of nursing qualifications, from entry-level to postgraduate degrees.

Here’s a breakdown of the main offerings:

Undergraduate Programmes

Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing
Advanced Certificate in Midwifery
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science (BA Cur)
- General Nursing
- Community Health
- Psychiatric Nursing and Midwifery

Postgraduate Programmes

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
Master of Arts in Nursing Science
Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in Nursing Science

Each of these qualifications is structured to meet the competencies laid out by the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

Reference: https://www.sanc.co.za

How to Apply for Nursing at Unisa

Applying to study nursing at UNISA is a straightforward but competitive process.

Follow these steps:

Visit the Unisa application portal: www.unisa.ac.za
Register an account or login as a returning user.
Choose your desired nursing qualification.
Upload certified documents (ID, transcripts, etc.).
Pay the application fee.
Track your application status online.

Applications typically open in August and close in October each year.

Useful Internal Resource: Find helpful guidance here: How to Apply to Nursing College

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements depend on the level of the nursing qualification you intend to pursue.

Here’s what you’ll generally need:

For Higher Certificate Programmes

National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent at NQF level 4
English proficiency (at least 50%)

For Bachelor’s Degrees

NSC with an endorsement to enter a Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of 50% in Life Sciences and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
A good academic score (APS of 21 or higher is recommended)

For Postgraduate Studies

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
Professional registration with the SANC
Two years of clinical practice experience may be required

Make sure to verify updated requirements on UNISA’s Admission Page.

Clinical Training & Practical Experience

Unlike traditional universities, UNISA’s clinical training is conducted in accredited health facilities.

Students are required to:

Complete a specified number of clinical hours
Attend practical placements under supervision
Log experience in nursing skills for evaluation

Clinical partnerships include public and private hospitals across South Africa. Arrangements can be made based on the student’s location, making it more accessible for distance learners.

Costs, Fees & Financial Aid

Unisa offers affordable nursing education along with numerous financial support options.

Cost Breakdown (per annum estimate):

Higher Certificate: R3,500 – R6,000
Bachelor’s Degree: R13,000 – R27,000
Postgraduate Diploma: R15,000 – R25,000

Fees can vary depending on the number of modules registered.

Financial Aid Options

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Unisa Bursaries
External Sponsorships and Scholarships

For application visits: https://www.nsfas.org.za

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduating from Unisa Nursing College opens doors to various roles in both public and private sectors.

Some popular job roles include:

Registered General Nurse
Community Health Nurse
Midwife
Occupational Health Nurse
Health Educator
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Researcher (postgraduate studies required)

Many graduates also pursue further study or specialise in areas like mental health, neonatal care, or palliative care.

Benefits of Studying via Unisa

Studying nursing with Unisa offers distinct advantages.

Flexibility: Ideal for working adults
Accessibility: Study from anywhere in SA
Credibility: SANC-accredited qualifications
Affordability: Lower tuition vs traditional universities
Recognition: Internationally respected institution

Explore more benefits through the Nursing College Info Portal

Related Resources

Here are some useful links to help you along your nursing journey:

FAQs About Unisa Nursing College

Is Unisa nursing approved by the SANC?
Yes, all nursing programmes at Unisa are accredited by the South African Nursing Council.
Can I study nursing part-time at Unisa?
Yes. UNISA is a distance learning institution, meaning you can study part-time while managing other responsibilities.
Do I need to attend physical classes for Unisa nursing?
No. Theoretical components are delivered online or through printed materials, but clinical placements must be attended in person.
How long is the nursing degree at Unisa?
The Bachelor of Arts in Nursing takes approximately 4 years if studying full-time.
Is NSFAS available for Unisa nursing students?
Yes, eligible students can apply for NSFAS funding.
What is the APS score requirement for nursing?
An APS of 21 or higher is generally recommended for degree studies in nursing.
When do applications open for Unisa nursing programmes?
Applications usually open around August and close in October. Keep checking www.unisa.ac.za for exact dates.

Conclusion

Unisa Nursing College presents a unique opportunity for prospective nurses to gain quality education through a flexible and accessible learning environment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, Unisa’s nursing programmes cater to a wide range of learners. With accredited courses, support systems, practical training, and high employability, Unisa is a top choice for anyone serious about healthcare in South Africa.

Ready to take the first step? Visit the official Unisa Nursing College page and start your application today.

Let your journey into the noble world of nursing begin here.

Unisa Nursing College