Best Universities Offering Nursing Courses in SA

If you’re dreaming of becoming a nurse, South Africa offers excellent full-time, on-campus nursing degrees that are both academically rigorous and professionally accredited. Nursing is one of the most essential careers in the healthcare system — and South Africa’s top universities provide world-class training through Bachelor of Nursing Science or BCur programs.

In this blog, we explore the best universities offering Bachelor’s in Nursing in South Africa, including their program details, entry requirements, and tuition fees. All listed degrees are accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and prepare graduates for professional registration and practice.

Why Study Nursing in South Africa?

South Africa’s nursing programs are respected across Africa and beyond. These degrees blend science courses (like Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology) with clinical training in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. After graduating, students are eligible to register as professional nurses and midwives with SANC.

Best Universities for a Bachelor of Nursing in South Africa

Here’s an overview of leading institutions offering full-time, on-campus nursing degrees:

1. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BCur)
• Duration: 3 years
• Highlights: Offers coursework in Human Anatomy, Pharmacology, Preventive Health, and Nursing Administration.
• Entry: NSC with strong English and Life Sciences.
• Tuition: ~R30,000–R40,000 per year (SA citizens)
• Website: https://ukzn.ac.za/

2. University of Pretoria (UP)

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNurs)
• Duration: 4 years
• Highlights: Focuses on General, Community, Psychiatric, and Midwifery Nursing.
• Entry: NSC with English, Life Sciences, and usually Mathematics or Physical Sciences.
• Tuition: ~R35,000–R45,000 per year
• Website: https://www.up.ac.za/

3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
• Duration: 4 years
• Highlights: Known for strong clinical placements and academic excellence.
• Entry: NSC with English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.
• Tuition: ~R40,000–R50,000 per year
• Website: https://www.wits.ac.za/

4. University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing
• Duration: 4 years
• Highlights: Holistic and community-oriented nursing education.
• Entry: NSC with English, Life Sciences, and preferably Mathematics.
• Tuition: ~R30,000–R40,000 per year
• Website: https://www.uj.ac.za/

5. North-West University (NWU)

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BCur)
• Duration: 4 years
• Highlights: Strong simulation labs and rural healthcare experience.
• Entry: NSC with science subjects (Life Sciences, Mathematics).
• Tuition: ~R30,000–R40,000 per year
• Website: https://www.nwu.ac.za/

6. University of the Western Cape (UWC)

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing & Midwifery
• Duration: 5 years
• Highlights: Combines nursing with extended midwifery training.
• Entry: NSC with high marks in English and Life Sciences.
• Tuition: ~R20,000–R30,000 per year
• Website: https://www.uwc.ac.za/
   

7. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science
• Duration: 4 years
• Highlights: Includes training in maternity, psychiatric, and community healthcare.
• Entry: NSC with Math (C), Physical Science (C), and Biology (B).
• Tuition: ~R25,000–R35,000 per year
• Website: https://www.mandela.ac.za/

8. University of the Free State (UFS)

• Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BCur)
• Duration: 4 years
• Highlights: Clinical training across public health institutions.
• Entry: NSC with English and Life Sciences.
• Tuition: ~R30,000–R40,000 per yea
• Website: https://www.ufs.ac.za/

🩺 Comparison of Key Nursing Program Details

Conclusion

Whether you're focused on midwifery, mental health, or general nursing, these top universities in South Africa offer fully accredited and professionally aligned nursing programs to prepare you for a successful healthcare career.

• All programs are SANC-accredited
• All include extensive clinical placements
• All lead to professional nurse/midwife registration

Start preparing early by focusing on Life Sciences, Mathematics, and English in high school, and keep an eye on application deadlines for your chosen university.