KZN College of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 2027 – Apply by 31 Aug 2026

Do you want to start a respected career in nursing right now? The KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing has opened applications for its Diploma in Nursing for the 2027 academic year, and the deadline is only a few weeks away.

What the opportunity is

• Programme: Diploma in Nursing
• Institution: KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing (run by the KZN Department of Health)
• Academic year: 2027
• Qualification: Diploma in Nursing (NQF Level 6)
• Duration: 3 years
• SAQA ID: 115826
• Total credits: 368
• SANC regulation: R171
• Reference number: KZNCN 2/2026
• Application method: Online only
• Closing date: 31 August 2026
• Province: KwaZulu-Natal

Who can apply (requirements and eligibility)

General eligibility

• You must be a resident of KwaZulu‑Natal Province.
• You must not already be registered for studies at another institution.
• You must not be receiving any other funding for your studies.

Academic requirements – Grade 12 completed before 2008

• National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) with a minimum APS of 25 points.
• Six highest subject marks are counted; Life Orientation does not count towards APS.
• Required subjects (minimum grade E for Higher or D for Standard):
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • One of: Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry or Physiology

Academic requirements – Grade 12 completed from 2008 onwards

• National Senior Certificate with a Diploma Pass or higher and a minimum APS of 25 points.
• Life Orientation is compulsory but is excluded from the APS calculation.
• Required subjects:
  • English – Level 4
  • Home Language or First Additional Language – Level 3
  • Mathematics – Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy – Level 5
  • Life Sciences or Physical Sciences – Level 4
  • Life Orientation – Level 4

What you will gain

• Preparation for registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) under Regulation R171.
• Three years of combined theory and practical training in hospitals, clinics, primary health care, emergency units, maternal‑child health, and mental health services.
• Career options in public hospitals, provincial health departments, community clinics, NGOs, private hospitals, occupational health, elderly care, and specialised nursing fields.
• A solid foundation for further study such as advanced diplomas, postgraduate degrees, or specialist nursing qualifications.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Confirm you meet the residency and academic requirements.
2. Calculate your APS score using your six best subjects (exclude Life Orientation).
3. Gather the required documents:
   • Copy of your Matric certificate.
   • Copy of your South African ID.
   • Proof of residence or an affidavit confirming your address.
   • Signed affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths stating you have not previously received a bursary from the Department of Health at the KwaZulu‑Natal College of Nursing.
4. Scan each document clearly. Save them as PDFs with simple names (e.g., ID Document.pdf, Matric Certificate.pdf).
5. Visit the official application portal: KwaZulu‑Natal College of Nursing online application.
6. Create an account, fill in your personal details, and enter your APS score.
7. Upload the scanned documents in the requested order.
8. Review all information, then submit before 31 August 2026.
9. If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to present certified original documents for verification.

Tips to improve your chances

• Apply early: The portal can be slow close to the deadline.
• Check your APS: Submitting an application below the minimum will lead to automatic disqualification.
• Use high‑quality scans: Blurry files may be rejected or delay processing.
• Double‑check contact details: A wrong phone number or email means you will miss important updates.
• Complete the affidavit correctly: It must be signed before a Commissioner of Oaths and include the exact wording required.
• Keep a copy of everything you submit: This helps you spot any missing items quickly.
• Avoid common mistakes: missing deadline, incomplete documents, not meeting the APS, incorrect contact information, assuming email or hand‑delivered applications are accepted.

Next steps

Start by checking your APS score and confirming your residency status. Then collect all required documents and scan them today. The sooner you begin, the more time you will have to correct any issues before the 31 August deadline. A career in nursing is challenging but rewarding – taking these steps now brings you one step closer to helping South Africans and building a stable professional future.