The Free State School of Nursing 2026 online application period is now open for students who want to start their nursing careers in one of South Africa’s best structured public nursing colleges. Applications are handled strictly through campus-based submissions, with no online platform available.
The college runs across three main campuses located in Bloemfontein, Welkom and QwaQwa, with a few sub-campuses offering specific nursing qualifications. All courses offered at Free State School of Nursing in 2026 are aligned to the new nursing qualification framework, fully accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). No legacy qualifications are offered here.
If you plan to study nursing in 2026, read this carefully — it will help you apply correctly and improve your chances of being accepted.
Free State School of Nursing 2026 Application Dates
Applications for 2026 studies at Free State School of Nursing open on 1 August 2025 and close on 30 September 2025. There is no online submission process. You must physically collect, complete, and deliver the application form to the campus that serves your district.
Each campus handles applications based on district zones:
- Southern Campus: Mangaung Metro and Xhariep District
- Northern Campus: Lejweleputswa and Fezile Dabi District
- Eastern Campus: Thabo Mofutsanyane District
Only correctly submitted applications will be reviewed. Late or emailed applications are not accepted.
How to Apply at Free State School of Nursing for 2026
There is no online application system at Free State School of Nursing. The entire process is manual, and applications are handled per campus based on where you live. Here is how a student can apply correctly at Free State School of Nursing:
1. Check if You Qualify First
Before anything else, make sure you meet the academic requirements for the course you want to apply for. Use your Grade 12 results to calculate your APS (if you matriculated in 2008 or after) or your M-score (if you matriculated before 2008).
You must also have:
- Correct subjects and levels
- Minimum APS or M-score
- Required documents like ID, results, proof of address
Do not continue if you do not meet the minimum requirements. Your application will not be considered.
2. Collect the Application Form
Application forms are only available physically at each campus. You must go and collect it yourself or send someone to collect it on your behalf.
You must collect your form from the campus assigned to your home district:
- Southern Campus (Bloemfontein) – if you live in Mangaung Metro or Xhariep
- Northern Campus (Welkom) – if you live in Lejweleputswa or Fezile Dabi
- Eastern Campus (QwaQwa) – if you live in Thabo Mofutsanyane
Each campus may have different admin instructions, so it is best to collect the form early.
3. Fill in the Form Completely
Fill in all sections of the form using a black pen. Incomplete or incorrect applications are automatically rejected. Double-check the following:
- Personal information
- Contact details
- Course choice
- Academic history
- Supporting documents checklist
Make certified copies of the required documents:
- ID
- Matric certificate or latest results
- Proof of residence
- Medical certificate (if required)
- Police clearance (only after selection)
4. Submit the Form to the Correct Campus
Once everything is completed and all documents are attached, return the application to the same campus where you collected it. You must deliver it by hand or send it via a reliable courier.
Do not email your application.
Do not submit to the wrong campus.
Do not submit late.
Deadline: 30 September 2025 (no late submissions accepted)
5. Wait for Response
If your application is successful, the campus will contact you. If you are shortlisted, you may be asked to:
- Attend an interview or assessment
- Provide a police clearance
- Submit a medical fitness certificate
Keep your phone number and email active during this time.
Courses Offered at Free State School of Nursing in 2026
All Free State School of Nursing 2026 courses are part of the updated qualifications introduced under the Higher Education framework. Below are the three formal qualifications you can apply for in 2026:
| Course Name | Campus Offering the Course |
|---|---|
| Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse) | Southern Campus – Bloemfontein |
| Northern Campus – Welkom | |
| Eastern Campus – QwaQwa | |
| Higher Certificate in Nursing | Boitumelo Sub-Campus |
| Eastern Campus – QwaQwa | |
| Pelonomi Sub-Campus | |
| Dr JS Moroka Sub-Campus | |
| SA Military Health Services – Bloemfontein | |
| Advanced Diploma in Midwifery | Southern Campus – Bloemfontein |
| Northern Campus – Welkom | |
| Eastern Campus – QwaQwa |
Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse)
This is a full three-year qualification aimed at training professional general nurses. Students who complete this course qualify for registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as General Nurses.
The Diploma in Nursing is offered at:
- Northern Campus – Welkom
- Eastern Campus – QwaQwa
- Southern Campus – Bloemfontein
Each campus has a fixed intake capacity for the year. This course includes theoretical training and clinical placement in hospitals and clinics, making it the most in-demand qualification at the college.
Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse)
This one-year qualification is designed to prepare entry-level nurses who will work under supervision in primary health care facilities. The Higher Certificate in Nursing opens the door for students to continue their studies later toward the Diploma.
It is offered at:
- Boitumelo Sub-Campus
- Eastern Campus – QwaQwa
- Pelonomi Sub-Campus
- Dr JS Moroka Sub-Campus
- South African Military Health Services – Bloemfontein
Each sub-campus accepts a small group of students each year, and competition is intense.
Advanced Diploma in Midwifery
This qualification is only available to applicants who are already professional nurses and want to specialise in midwifery. It is a one-year full-time course.
Offered at:
- Northern Campus – Welkom
- Eastern Campus – QwaQwa
- Southern Campus – Bloemfontein
This course is ideal for general nurses working in maternity, labour wards, or reproductive health.
Admission Requirements for Free State School of Nursing 2026 Courses
Each of the 2026 courses at Free State School of Nursing has its own admission criteria, depending on the year you completed matric and the level of qualification you are applying for. Make sure you read the section that applies to you.
Diploma in Nursing (R171)
If you completed matric in 2008 or later, you need:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 6 subjects
- APS score of 25 or more (Life Orientation counts as 1 point)
- English: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Life Sciences: Level 4
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: Level 4
- Preference is given to students with Physical Science or Computer Literacy
If you completed matric before 2008, you need:
- Matric exemption or equivalent
- M-score of 23 or more (max 6 subjects)
- English: Higher Grade (50% or E symbol) or Standard Grade (60% or D symbol)
- Biology or Physiology
- Mathematics: HG 40% / SG 50%
- Physical Science is preferred, but not compulsory
Higher Certificate in Nursing (R169)
If you completed matric in 2008 or later, you need:
- Matric certificate or NSC equivalent
- APS score of 23
- English: Level 4
- Life Sciences: Level 4
- Mathematical Literacy: Level 4
- Preference for Physical Science or Computer Literacy
If you completed matric before 2008, you need:
- M-score of 20
- English: SG (50%)
- Biology or Physiology
- Maths and Physical Science are advantageous, but not required
Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (R1497)
To apply for this course, you must already be a qualified nurse with:
- A Diploma in Nursing (NQF Level 6)
- Valid registration with SANC as a General Nurse
- A Matric certificate or equivalent
APS and M-Score Calculation for Free State Nursing Applications
To apply for the Free State School of Nursing 2026 intake, you must calculate your Admission Point Score (APS) or M-score correctly. This is how selection decisions are made.
APS (for 2008 and later matriculants)
Points are allocated per subject:
- 80–100% = 7
- 70–79% = 6
- 60–69% = 5
- 50–59% = 4
- 40–49% = 3
- 30–39% = 2
- Below 30% = 1
M-Score (for pre-2008 matriculants)
Points are awarded based on subject symbol and level (HG or SG):
- A: HG = 8 | SG = 6
- B: HG = 7 | SG = 5
- C: HG = 6 | SG = 4
- D: HG = 5 | SG = 3
- E: HG = 4 | SG = 2
- F: HG = 3 | SG = 1
Important Documents Required
Once you are shortlisted for selection, you will need to provide:
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical fitness report
- Proof of address
- Certified ID copy
- Certified academic records and certificates
Campus Contact Details for 2026 Applications
Southern Campus – Bloemfontein
Head: MC Mofahla
Kolbe Avenue, National Hospital Grounds
📞 051 403 9831
Covers: Mangaung Metro and Xhariep District
Northern Campus – Welkom
Head: MMJ Mokhomo
Mothusi Road, Bongani Hospital Grounds
📞 057 396 3710
Covers: Lejweleputswa and Fezile Dabi District
Eastern Campus – QwaQwa
Head: MA Mofokeng
Mampoi Street, Mofumahadi Manapo Mopedi Hospital Grounds
📞 058 718 3341
Covers: Thabo Mofutsanyane District
Final Words on Free State School of Nursing 2026 Online Application
If you are planning to apply for the Free State School of Nursing 2026 intake, this is your window to do it correctly. Stick to your district's submission guidelines, meet the academic requirements, and prepare all supporting documents in time.
The Free State School of Nursing 2026 courses are limited in numbers, and applications are competitive. The college will only consider those who applied fully and correctly before 30 September 2025.
Ready for the next province when you are.