The KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing (KZNCN) has officially opened applications for the 2027 Diploma in Nursing Programme. The programme provides aspiring nurses with the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognised qualification while receiving quality education and practical clinical training within the KwaZulu-Natal public healthcare system.
Nursing is one of the most respected and essential professions in South Africa, playing a critical role in improving the health and wellbeing of communities. Through this three-year programme, students will acquire the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required to deliver safe, ethical, and evidence-based nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings.
The Diploma in Nursing is accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) under Regulation R171, is registered at NQF Level 6, and consists of 368 credits. Successful graduates will be eligible to pursue careers in public and private healthcare institutions across South Africa.
If you have a passion for caring for others and are committed to making a positive impact in your community, this programme offers an excellent opportunity to begin a rewarding career in nursing.
Programme Information
The KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing offers the following qualification:
- Programme: Diploma in Nursing
- Qualification Level: NQF Level 6
- Duration: 3 Years
- Total Credits: 368
- South African Nursing Council Regulation: R171
- SAQA Qualification ID: 118526
The programme combines academic learning with extensive clinical practice to prepare students for the realities of professional nursing. Throughout their studies, learners gain experience in hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare facilities under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.
Why Choose the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing?
The KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing is committed to producing competent, compassionate, and professional nurses who contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system.
Students enrolled in the programme benefit from:
- A nationally recognised nursing qualification
- Comprehensive theoretical and practical training
- Clinical placement in accredited healthcare facilities
- Experienced lecturers and clinical facilitators
- Exposure to modern healthcare practices
- Professional development and ethical training
- Opportunities to serve communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal
- Preparation for registration with the South African Nursing Council
Graduates leave the programme equipped with the skills required to provide quality nursing care in both public and private healthcare environments.
Minimum Admission Requirements (Applicants Who Completed Matric Before 2008)
Applicants who completed their Senior Certificate before 2008 must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum of 25 points based on the six highest relevant school subjects.
- English (Higher Grade C or Standard Grade A)
- Biology or Physical Science
- Mathematics
Subject Point Allocation
The subject points are awarded as follows:
- Symbol A: 8 points (Higher Grade) or 5 points (Standard Grade)
- Symbol B: 7 points (Higher Grade) or 4 points (Standard Grade)
- Symbol C: 6 points (Higher Grade) or 3 points (Standard Grade)
- Symbol D: 5 points (Higher Grade) or 2 points (Standard Grade)
- Symbol E: 4 points (Higher Grade) or 1 point (Standard Grade)
- Symbol F: 1 point (Higher Grade) or 0 points (Standard Grade)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission, as selection is based on available spaces and overall performance.
Minimum Admission Requirements (Applicants From 2008 Onwards)
Applicants who completed the National Senior Certificate from 2008 onwards must satisfy the following minimum requirements:
- National Senior Certificate with a Diploma Pass or higher
- A minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 25
- English Home Language at Level 4 or English First Additional Language at Level 3
- Mathematics at Level 3
- Mathematical Literacy at Level 5
- Life Sciences or Physical Sciences at Level 4
- Life Orientation at Level 4
- Any other two recognised NSC subjects
Applicants should carefully review their results to ensure they meet all the prescribed admission criteria before submitting an application.
APS Score Calculation
Applicants can calculate their Admission Point Score (APS) using the following scale:
- 90% – 100%: 8 APS points
- 80% – 89%: 7 APS points
- 70% – 79%: 6 APS points
- 60% – 69%: 5 APS points
- 50% – 59%: 4 APS points
- 40% – 49%: 3 APS points
- 30% – 39%: 2 APS points
- 0% – 29%: 1 APS point
Important: Life Orientation is compulsory and must be achieved at Level 4 or above, but it is not included when calculating the APS score.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload certified copies of the following documents when completing their online application:
- Certified copy of a South African Identity Document
- Certified copy of the National Senior Certificate or Matric Certificate
- Proof of residential address or an affidavit confirming residential address
- A signed affidavit confirming that the applicant has not previously benefited from a Department of Health bursary through the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing
Applications submitted without all the required supporting documents may not be considered.
Important Information for Applicants
Prospective applicants should take note of the following important conditions:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for document verification.
- Academic qualifications and residential addresses will be verified.
- Applicants must be residents of KwaZulu-Natal Province.
- Applicants currently registered at another institution of higher learning will not be considered.
- Applicants receiving financial assistance from another funding source for their studies will not be considered.
- Due to the high number of applications expected, only successful applicants will be contacted.
- Hand-delivered, emailed, or posted applications will not be accepted.
- Applications must be completed and submitted online before the closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid delays caused by heavy website traffic near the closing date.
How to Apply
Prospective students are advised to complete their applications online through the official KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing online application system.
Before beginning your application, ensure you have the following:
- Certified supporting documents ready for upload
- A valid South African Identity Document
- A working email address
- An active cellphone number
- A stable internet connection
Complete every section carefully and ensure that all information provided is accurate before submitting your application. Incorrect or incomplete applications may delay the selection process or result in disqualification.
Career Opportunities After Completing the Diploma
Graduates who successfully complete the Diploma in Nursing programme will have opportunities to work in various healthcare environments, including:
- Provincial hospitals
- District hospitals
- Community health centres
- Primary healthcare clinics
- Private hospitals
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Mental healthcare institutions
- Occupational health clinics
- School health programmes
- Home-based healthcare services
As healthcare professionals gain experience, they may pursue further studies and specialise in areas such as intensive care nursing, emergency nursing, midwifery, theatre nursing, psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, and nursing management.
Why Choose Nursing as a Career?
Nursing is more than a profession it is a calling to serve others during some of the most important moments of their lives. Professional nurses play a vital role in promoting health, preventing disease, supporting recovery, and improving the quality of life of patients and communities.
South Africa continues to experience a growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, making nursing one of the country’s most stable and rewarding career choices. The profession offers opportunities for continuous learning, career advancement, and meaningful service in both urban and rural communities.
By enrolling in the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing, students become part of a healthcare profession dedicated to compassion, excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning.
Closing Date
Applications Close: 31 August 2026
Late applications will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
The KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing Diploma in Nursing Programme for 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who are passionate about healthcare and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through a combination of academic excellence, practical clinical experience, and professional development, the programme prepares graduates to become competent nursing professionals capable of delivering quality healthcare services throughout South Africa.
If you meet the admission requirements and aspire to build a fulfilling career in nursing, now is the time to prepare your supporting documents and submit your application before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth application process and to maximise your opportunity to be considered for admission into this highly sought-after programme.
