Life Healthcare, one of South Africa’s leading private hospital groups, has officially opened applications for 2026 nursing programmes. The institution is well known for producing highly skilled, competent, and compassionate nursing professionals, and the opening of applications is exciting news for all aspiring nurses.
The Life College of Learning, an arm of Life Healthcare, is responsible for the education and development of nurses and healthcare workers. The college is accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and operates six learning centres located in various provinces, including Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Life Healthcare Institution is offering the following nursing programmes for the 2026 academic year:
1. Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse)
Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Purpose: Prepares students to become auxiliary nurses who provide elementary nursing care under the supervision of a professional nurse.
Accreditation: Approved by SANC
2. Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse)
Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Purpose: Trains students to become general nurses who can work in hospitals, clinics, and community health centres.
Scope: This qualification equips you with both theoretical and practical skills in patient care, pharmacology, anatomy, and ethics.
To qualify for the 2026 intake, applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements:
For the Higher Certificate in Nursing:
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent (Grade 12) with:
At least 50% in English (Home or First Additional Language)
At least 40% in Life Sciences or Biology
At least 40% in Mathematical Literacy
At least 40% in Computer Literacy
For the Diploma in Nursing:
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with:
At least 50% in English (Home or First Additional Language)
At least 50% in Life Sciences
At least 50% in Mathematical Literacy
Computer Literacy is recommended
Other Requirements (for all programmes):
When applying to study nursing at Life Healthcare, it’s important to factor in the application fee, as it is a necessary step in completing your application process.
Life Healthcare charges a non-refundable application fee of R400 when you apply for their nursing programmes such as the Diploma in Nursing or the Higher Certificate in Nursing. This fee helps cover administrative costs associated with processing applications and ensuring that only serious applicants apply.
The application fee is usually paid online via the Life College of Learning application portal. During the online application process, you will be directed to a secure payment page where you can pay using:
Once payment is made, it’s important to upload proof of payment if required, and ensure that the payment is correctly linked to your application reference number.
Paying the application fee ensures that your application is processed. Incomplete applications or applications without payment are not considered. It’s a sign of commitment and ensures that the institution can allocate resources to review and process your documents thoroughly.
Can I apply at Life Healthcare if I did not take Life Sciences in matric?
Unfortunately, Life Sciences is a required subject for both nursing programmes.
Can foreign students apply at Life Healthcare?
Yes, but they must provide valid study permits and have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA.
Is financial aid available at Life Healthcare?
Life Healthcare does not offer bursaries directly, but you may apply for external bursaries or NSFAS if eligible.
If you're ready to make a difference in people's lives and build a stable, rewarding career, nursing at Life Healthcare might be the perfect path for you. With 2026 applications now open, there's no better time to take the first step toward becoming a nurse. Applications are closing 31 July 2025. Apply Fast!!!