If you are planning to study nursing in KwaZulu-Natal in 2026, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing 2026 online application, the courses offered across all campuses, and how to meet the admission criteria. The college has one of the most extensive networks of public nursing campuses in South Africa and is fully accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) to offer the new generation of nursing qualifications.
Nursing training in KZN is professional, formal, and extremely competitive. Start early and follow every instruction exactly as laid out here.
Check: Adult Matric Registration 2026
How to Apply at KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing for 2026
Below are the 5 steps on how to apply at KZN College of Nursing for 2026:
1. Get the Official Application Form
You will not apply online.
Instead, application forms are physically distributed through:
- Any of the KZN College of Nursing campuses listed under the Department of Health
- District or regional Department of Health offices in KwaZulu-Natal
- Select public hospitals and training centres that are affiliated with the nursing college
These forms are only available during the application window:
From 5 August 2025 to 20 September 2025
Do not download forms from social media or unofficial websites. They will not be accepted.
2. Choose Your Campus and Course Carefully
KZN College of Nursing operates under a district-based model. This means:
- You must apply to the campus closest to your district of residence
- You can only apply to one course at one campus
- Your ID, proof of residence, and school certificate must match the district you're applying to
If you apply to more than one campus or course, your application will be disqualified.
3. Prepare and Submit All Required Documents
Your application must include:
- Completed official application form
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate or statement of results
- Proof of residence
- Certified copies of parent/guardian ID
- If applying for financial aid, include proof of income or a sworn affidavit
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical fitness certificate from a registered health professional
- SANC registration documents (for Advanced or Postgraduate applicants only)
All copies must be certified within 3 months of submission.
4. Submit the Application Physically
Take your completed application and documents to the campus you are applying to — either in person or via courier.
Each campus has its own submission point (reception or registrar’s office). Do not post your application unless instructed by the campus itself.
The KZN College of Nursing does not accept emailed applications.
5. Wait for Official Response
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for:
- Entrance assessments (if required)
- Interviews (in some specialisations)
- Medical evaluations
If you do not hear anything by December 2025, consider your application unsuccessful. No personal feedback will be given.
KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing 2026 Application Dates
The KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing 2026 applications officially open on 5 August 2025 and close on 20 September 2025. These dates apply to all campuses and courses across the province.
Applications are not submitted online. You will need to:
- Collect an official application form from your nearest campus or from the provincial health department offices
- Submit your documents physically, either by hand or courier
- Wait for official communication
If your form is incomplete or reaches the wrong campus, it will be rejected immediately.
Courses Offered at KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing in 2026
The college offers a full suite of accredited nursing qualifications, spread across various campuses. These include entry-level courses, professional nursing diplomas, specialisation tracks, and post-basic diplomas. Every course listed below is officially approved by SANC and falls under the NQF-aligned new qualifications system.
| Course Name | Campuses Offering the Course |
|---|---|
| Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse) | Benedictine, Charles Johnson Memorial, Port Shepstone, R K Khan |
| Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse) | Addington, Benedictine, Charles Johnson Memorial, Harry Gwala, Grey’s, Ngwelezane, Prince Mshiyeni, Port Shepstone, R K Khan |
| Advanced Diploma in Midwifery | Addington, Benedictine, Charles Johnson Memorial, Harry Gwala, Grey’s, Madadeni, Ngwelezane, Victoria Mxenge, Prince Mshiyeni, Port Shepstone, R K Khan |
| Bachelor of Nursing | Prince Mshiyeni Memorial |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery | Addington, Harry Gwala, Ngwelezane, Victoria Mxenge, R K Khan |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing | Harry Gwala, Ngwelezane, Prince Mshiyeni, Port Shepstone |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing | Harry Gwala, Victoria Mxenge |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing | Grey’s, Victoria Mxenge |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology and Palliative Nursing | Addington |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Nursing | Harry Gwala |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Nephrology Nursing | Grey’s |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Child Nursing | Victoria Mxenge |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Perioperative Nursing | Victoria Mxenge |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Nursing | Victoria Mxenge |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing | R K Khan |
Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse) – 3 Years
This is the full professional nursing qualification that prepares you to register as a General Nurse. The course includes hospital training, theory, and practical clinical hours.
Offered at:
- Addington Campus
- Benedictine Campus
- Charles Johnson Memorial Campus
- Harry Gwala (Edendale) Campus
- Grey’s Campus
- Ngwelezane Campus
- Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Campus
- Port Shepstone Campus
- R K Khan Campus
Each of these campuses takes in between 30 to 40 students per year, depending on available placements and resources.
Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse) – 1 Year
This course is for individuals who want to begin their nursing journey and gain a nationally recognised qualification for auxiliary nursing work. It includes both theory and supervised practice.
Offered at:
- Benedictine Campus
- Charles Johnson Memorial Campus
- Port Shepstone Campus
- R K Khan Campus
Admission is strict, and space is very limited, with intakes of fewer than 30 students per campus.
Advanced Diploma in Midwifery – 1 Year
This qualification is aimed at professional nurses who want to specialise in maternal and neonatal care. Only registered nurses with a general nursing qualification may apply.
Offered at:
- Addington Campus
- Benedictine Campus
- Charles Johnson Memorial Campus
- Harry Gwala Campus
- Grey’s Campus
- Victoria Mxenge Campus
- Madadeni Campus
- Ngwelezane Campus
- Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Campus
- Port Shepstone Campus
- R K Khan Campus
Bachelor of Nursing – 4 Years
This degree is offered only at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Campus, with one intake per year. It is a full NQF Level 8 qualification leading to professional nurse status with broader leadership and research skills.
Postgraduate Diplomas in Specialised Nursing Fields
These are advanced one-year specialisation courses for registered nurses looking to deepen their skills in a specific field of nursing. Each course is restricted to professional nurses only.
Offered in the following areas:
- Midwifery (Multiple campuses)
- Primary Care Nursing
- Emergency Nursing
- Adult Critical Care Nursing
- Oncology and Palliative Care
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nephrology Nursing
- Ophthalmic Nursing
- Child Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing
- Orthopaedic Nursing
Postgraduate courses are available at:
- Addington
- Grey’s
- Harry Gwala
- Victoria Mxenge
- Ngwelezane
- R K Khan
Most postgraduate diplomas are limited to 15 to 30 students per course per campus.
Admission Requirements for KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing 2026 Courses
The academic requirements depend on the course level and whether you completed matric before or after 2008. Below is a summary of what you need for each course:
Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse)
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum APS of 25
- English: Level 4 or above
- Life Sciences: Level 4
- Mathematics or Math Literacy: Level 4
- Life Orientation counts for 1 point only
- Preference for applicants with Physical Science or Computer Literacy
- Medical fitness, police clearance, and full certified documentation required
Higher Certificate in Nursing
- NSC with an APS of 23
- English: Level 4
- Life Sciences: Level 4
- Mathematics Literacy: Level 4
- Preference for Physical Science or Grade 9 Computer Studies
- Pre-2008 learners must meet equivalent M-score and subject criteria
Advanced Diploma in Midwifery
- Must have completed a Diploma in Nursing
- Must be a Registered General Nurse with SANC
- Current registration and proof of clinical experience needed
Postgraduate Diplomas
- Registered with SANC in the relevant category
- Completed general nurse training and community service
- Minimum of 2 years clinical experience in the related field preferred
- Detailed CV and supporting proof of qualifications must be attached
KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing Main Contact Office (2026 Applications)
Provincial Office Contact
Dr S Mthembu
KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing – Head Office
033 940 4901
Email: Sindi.Mthalane@kznhealth.gov.za
All district campuses operate under this provincial structure. Campus-specific forms and instructions will be available from the provincial office or the campus where you wish to apply