Limpopo Health Dept 2027 Nurse Training – Deadlines Oct 31 & Nov 30
Applications for the 2027 student nurse training programmes are now open, and the deadline is fast approaching – you have only weeks left to secure a place in the health sector. Limpopo Department of Health is accepting candidates for two separate courses at the Limpopo College of Nursing.
What the opportunity is
The department is offering:
- Diploma in Nursing: General (R.171) – a three‑year programme.
- Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (R.169) – a one‑year programme.
Both courses are run by the Limpopo College of Nursing and will start in the 2027 academic year.
Who can apply
You must have the required South African qualifications, such as a Matric (National Senior Certificate) or equivalent. You also need proof of residence and a valid ID document. Enrolled Nurses who work for the Department must complete a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form for the R.171 programme.
What you gain
Successful graduates can register as professional nurses or auxiliary nurses, opening doors to stable employment in hospitals, clinics and community health settings. You will develop clinical skills, patient‑care techniques and the knowledge needed for higher qualifications, such as a Bachelor of Nursing.
How to apply – step by step
- Choose the correct programme. Decide whether the three‑year Diploma (R.171) or the one‑year Higher Certificate (R.169) matches your career goals.
- Download the official documents. Use the links below to get the application form, rating scale, revised prospectus and, if you are an Enrolled Nurse, the RPL form.
- Read the prospectus. It contains vital information about entry requirements, fees and study‑leave rules.
- Prepare your documents. You will need:
- Completed application form and rating scale
- Certified copies of your Matric/NSC results
- Proof of residence
- Identity document
- RPL form (R.171 only, for Department‑employed Enrolled Nurses)
- Pay the administration fee. Both programmes require a non‑refundable R150 fee. Follow the banking details in the prospectus and keep the payment receipt.
- Select your district. Applications are processed separately for each of the five Limpopo districts. Use the correct district link and reference number for your chosen programme.
- Upload everything online. Attach the completed forms, supporting documents and proof of payment through the district portal.
- Keep a copy. Save a PDF of your complete application and all attachments for your records.
Official R.171 (Diploma) documents
- R.171 Application Form and Rating Scale (2027)
- R.171 Revised Prospectus
- RPL Application Form (for Department Enrolled Nurses)
Official R.169 (Higher Certificate) documents
District application links
R.171 – Diploma in Nursing (General)
- Capricorn District – Ref: LDH/10/006 – Apply here
- Mopani District – Ref: LDH/10/007 – Apply here
- Sekhukhune District – Ref: LDH/10/008 – Apply here
- Vhembe District – Ref: LDH/10/009 – Apply here
- Waterberg District – Ref: LDH/10/0010 – Apply here
R.169 – Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing
- Capricorn District – Ref: LDH/10/001 – Apply here
- Mopani District – Ref: LDH/10/002 – Apply here
- Sekhukhune District – Ref: LDH/10/003 – Apply here
- Vhembe District – Ref: LDH/10/004 – Apply here
- Waterberg District – Ref: LDH/10/005 – Apply here
Quick overview
| Details | R.171 Diploma in Nursing | R.169 Higher Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Academic year | 2027 | 2027 |
| Institution | Limpopo College of Nursing | Limpopo College of Nursing |
| Programme | Diploma in Nursing: General | Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing |
| Duration | 3 years | 1 year |
| Regulation | R.171 | R.169 |
| Circular No. | 67 of 2026 | 66 of 2026 |
| Reference | S5/05/27 | S5/01/27 |
| Application method | Online | Online |
| Districts | All 5 Limpopo districts | All 5 Limpopo districts |
| Administration fee | R150 | R150 |
| Closing date | 30 November 2026 | 31 October 2026 |
Tips to improve your chances
- Read the revised prospectus before you start – it contains the exact entry requirements.
- Double‑check that you have downloaded the correct form (R.171 vs R.169) and are using the matching district link.
- Complete the rating scale accurately; it is part of the assessment.
- Ensure all certificates are certified copies and legible.
- Pay the R150 fee using the bank details in the prospectus and attach the receipt.
- Do not share personal details or pay money to anyone promising guaranteed admission.
- Keep a copy of every document you upload for future reference.
Next steps
Choose the programme that fits your career plan, gather the required documents, and submit your application before the deadline. If you do not hear back by the end of February 2027, you can assume your application was not successful.
For any questions, call the Limpopo College of Nursing Student Affairs Office on 015 291 1120 during office hours or visit the Limpopo Provincial Government website.
Frequently asked questions
Are the applications open for 2027?
Yes. Both the R.171 Diploma and the R.169 Higher Certificate are accepting applications for the 2027 academic year.
What are the two programmes?
R.171 – three‑year Diploma in Nursing: General.
R.169 – one‑year Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing.Are applications online?
Yes. All submissions are made through the district‑specific online portals.
Which districts can I apply through?
Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg.
Can I use the same link for both programmes?
No. Each programme has its own forms, prospectuses, reference numbers and online links.
When does the R.169 application close?
31 October 2026.
When does the R.171 application close?
30 November 2026.
How much is the application fee?
R150 non‑refundable. Pay using the bank details in the relevant prospectus.
When will I be told if I am successful?
Selected candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard back by the end of February 2027, consider the application unsuccessful.
Additional resources
Use the SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer to compare nursing careers and qualifications. The SETA SA University Explorer can help you look at degree options such as the Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Limpopo. For vocational pathways, check the SETA SA TVET College Explorer, which lists all public TVET colleges in South Africa. The SETA SA Platform also provides the HWSETA Qualification Catalogue for other health and welfare skills‑development routes.
Disclaimer
This guide is based on the official Limpopo Department of Health student nurse training advertisements for the 2027 intake. All links to application forms and prospectuses were taken directly from the department’s PDFs. The department’s URLs include “2026” in the position parameters, but the advertisements clearly state the programmes are for the 2027 academic year. Applicants must read the official documents and verify details on the department’s application system before submitting.
SETA SA does not recruit, select or admit students on behalf of the Limpopo Department of Health or the Limpopo College of Nursing and cannot guarantee admission.





