Free Nursing Courses in South Africa (2025)

Nursing is one of the most rewarding and in-demand professions globally, and South Africa is no exception. With the increasing need for healthcare workers, many aspiring nurses are looking for affordable or even free nursing courses to kickstart their careers.

Why Pursue Nursing in South Africa?

Nursing offers a unique blend of personal fulfillment and career stability. In South Africa, qualified nurses are in high demand due to the growing population and healthcare needs. By becoming a nurse, you can make a significant impact on people’s lives while enjoying various career paths in public health, clinical nursing, midwifery, or nursing education.

For many prospective students, the cost of nursing education can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, there are several avenues through which aspiring nurses can access free or partially funded nursing education.

Types of Free Nursing Courses in South Africa

1. Government-Funded Nursing Programs

The South African government offers a range of free or subsidized nursing programs, primarily through public nursing colleges and universities. These programs aim to address the shortage of nurses in the public healthcare system, especially in underserved rural areas.

Provincial Health Departments

Most provinces in South Africa offer nursing bursaries to students who commit to working in public health facilities after graduation. These bursaries cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and sometimes even provide a living stipend. In exchange, students must agree to work for a specified period in a government healthcare facility.

– Gauteng Department of Health: Offers bursaries for nursing students at public nursing colleges.
– KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health: Provides funding for nursing education in exchange for post-graduation work in public hospitals and clinics.
– Western Cape Department of Health: Also offers bursaries to nursing students with similar work-back obligations.

To apply for these bursaries, students typically need to have strong academic results, especially in subjects like Mathematics, Life Sciences (Biology), and English. Applicants must also meet the APS (Admission Points Score) requirements for their chosen program.

Public Nursing Colleges Offering Free Programs

Many public nursing colleges across the country provide free or highly subsidized nursing courses as part of the government’s commitment to training healthcare professionals. These institutions typically offer Diploma in Nursing and Bridging Courses for students who want to advance their careers.

Some notable public nursing colleges include:
– Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College in Gauteng
– Ann Latsky Nursing College in Johannesburg
– Limpopo College of Nursing

2. Scholarships and Bursaries for Nursing

Aside from government bursaries, various organizations and private institutions in South Africa offer scholarships for nursing students. These scholarships cover full or partial tuition fees, making it easier for students to pursue their nursing qualifications without financial strain.

3. Funza Lushaka Bursary Program

While primarily designed for teaching, the Funza Lushaka Bursary occasionally includes healthcare and nursing education in its offerings. Students who qualify for this bursary receive full funding for their education, which includes tuition fees, accommodation, books, and a living allowance. Like government bursaries, recipients of the Funza Lushaka bursary must commit to working in a designated public facility after completing their studies.

4. Nursing Learnerships

Learnerships are work-based education and training programs that allow students to earn a qualification while working. In South Africa, many healthcare institutions, in partnership with the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), offer nursing learnerships.

These programs are aimed at providing practical experience while students complete the theoretical aspects of their nursing education. Many nursing learnerships are offered free of charge, with stipends provided to cover living expenses during the training period.

Some notable nursing learnership providers include:
– Netcare Education
– Life Healthcare
– Mediclinic Southern Africa

5. NGO-Funded Nursing Courses

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also provide free or sponsored nursing education to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. These NGOs often partner with local or international institutions to provide nursing scholarships, bridging courses, or other training opportunities for students.

– Right to Care, an NGO focused on healthcare access, offers various health-related training, including nursing courses.
– Partners in Health South Africa also provides support and education for healthcare professionals, including aspiring nurses.

6. Online Nursing Courses

In the digital age, many educational platforms now offer free online nursing courses. While these courses may not lead directly to professional nursing qualifications in South Africa, they can provide valuable knowledge and skills, especially for those interested in specialized areas like nursing leadership, patient care, or public health.

Some international platforms that offer free nursing courses include:
– Alison: Offers a variety of free nursing and healthcare courses online, such as “Diploma in Nursing and Patient Care.”
– Coursera and edX: Offer free nursing-related courses from universities and institutions around the world, although some require payment for certification.

How to Apply for Free Nursing Courses in South Africa

Applying for free nursing programs or bursaries in South Africa typically involves the following steps:

1. Research the Programs: Identify which institution or government department offers the nursing program you are interested in. Pay attention to application deadlines, requirements, and whether the program is fully funded.

2. Meet the Academic Requirements: Ensure you meet the academic prerequisites for the course, which may include a minimum APS score and certain subject-specific marks (such as in Mathematics and Life Sciences).

3. Submit Your Application: Complete the application forms for both the nursing program and the bursary or scholarship, if applicable. Make sure to include all necessary documentation, such as:
– Certified copies of your matric certificate
– Proof of residence
– ID document
– Medical certificates (if required)

4. Prepare for Interviews and Selection Processes: Some bursaries or programs may require interviews or additional assessments to determine your suitability for the nursing profession.

5. Commit to the Work-Back Obligations: If you’re applying for a government-funded bursary, be prepared to work in the public healthcare sector for a stipulated period after completing your course.

Related:

Conclusion

Pursuing a nursing qualification in South Africa doesn’t have to be financially prohibitive. There are numerous options for free nursing courses, ranging from government bursaries and scholarships to NGO-funded programs and nursing learnerships. These opportunities allow aspiring nurses to receive high-quality education and training while ensuring that the country’s healthcare system has a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals.

By exploring the various bursary schemes, government programs, and other resources, you can achieve your goal of becoming a nurse without the burden of high tuition fees. Start researching today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in nursing!