Top 6 Nursing Science Courses In South Africa

1. Bachelor of Nursing (B.Cur)

• Duration: 4 years
• Institutions: University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, Nelson Mandela University, etc.
• Course Content: Clinical nursing practice, nursing management, community health nursing, and midwifery.
• Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university exemption.
  • Compulsory subjects: English, Life Sciences or Biology, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (specific institution requirements vary).
  • APS (Admission Points Score) requirements typically range from 28 to 35.
  • Additional selection criteria: Interviews or additional tests in some institutions.

2. Diploma in Nursing (Staff Nurse)

• Duration: 3 years
• Institutions: Durban University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, and various nursing colleges (e.g., Life Healthcare College of Learning, Netcare Education).
• Course Content: General nursing, psychiatric nursing, midwifery, and community health nursing.
• Requirements:
  • NSC or equivalent.
  • Compulsory subjects such as English and Life Sciences, with minimum levels in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy depending on the institution.
  • APS requirements typically range from 22 to 28.

3. Advanced Diploma in Midwifery

• Duration: 1 year (post-diploma)
• Institutions: Various nursing colleges and universities.
• Requirements:
  • A Diploma in Nursing or equivalent.
  • Registration as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
  • Relevant work experience in nursing may be required.

4. Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing

• Duration: 1-2 years
• Institutions: University of Pretoria, University of the Western Cape, University of Johannesburg.
• Specializations: Critical care, psychiatric nursing, oncology nursing, nursing management, etc.
• Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Nursing.
  • Proof of registration with SANC as a professional nurse.
  • Minimum clinical experience of 2 years in the specific area of interest may be required.

5. Master of Nursing Science (MSc Nursing)

• Duration: 1-2 years
• Institutions: University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, and others.
• Specializations: Nursing education, nursing research, community health nursing, etc.
• Requirements:
  • A Bachelor of Nursing or an equivalent degree.
  • Proof of SANC registration as a professional nurse.
  • Research proposal may be required for certain programs.
  • APS scores, work experience, and academic performance also considered.

6. PhD in Nursing Science

• Duration: 2-4 years
• Institutions: University of the Witwatersrand, University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of the Western Cape.
• Requirements:
  • A Master’s degree in Nursing or a related field.
  • Extensive research experience.
  • Research proposal aligned with the institution’s research focus.
  • Proof of registration with SANC as a professional nurse.

General Application Requirements Of Nursing Science Courses In South Africa

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with necessary subjects and APS scores.
• South African Nursing Council (SANC) registration for advanced and postgraduate programs.
• Work experience or clinical hours may be required for some programs.
• Proof of immunizations (especially for clinical practice courses).
• Criminal clearance for professional conduct.
• Certain institutions may require entrance interviews or assessments.

It’s important to check the specific admission requirements of each institution as they can vary slightly.