Key Takeaways: Funding the “Calling”
- The “NSFAS” Rule: If you are studying a Nursing Degree (BCur/BNurs) at a public university (e.g., UJ, Wits, UWC), you qualify for NSFAS.
- The “College” Rule: If you are studying at a Government Nursing College (e.g., Gauteng College of Nursing), you do not get NSFAS. Instead, you get a Department of Health Bursary (which includes a monthly stipend).
- The “Work-Back” Clause: Almost all nursing bursaries require you to work for the state or the hospital group for every year they funded you.
- The Private Sector: Groups like Netcare and Life Healthcare fund students, but mostly through their own internal colleges.
- The “Hidden” Funds: Unions like DENOSA and foundations like HCI offer smaller bursaries that many students overlook.
Nursing is one of the most expensive courses to study because of the practical requirements (uniforms, transport to clinics, medical equipment). While the tuition fees at a university might be R50,000, the “hidden costs” can break your budget.
Most students assume that if they don’t get the government bursary, they can’t study. This is false. There are specific trusts and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) designed to fund healthcare professionals.
Here is the definitive guide to funding your nursing qualification in 2026.
1. The Government Giants (Full Cost + Stipend)
These are the most sought-after bursaries because they essentially pay you to study. They cover tuition, books, accommodation, and provide a monthly stipend.
Department of Health (Provincial Bursaries)
Each province manages its own budget. You generally apply to the specific College of Nursing in that province.
- Gauteng Department of Health: Administered via the GPG Professional Job Centre.
- Focus: Diploma in Nursing at GCON (Chris Hani Baragwanath, Ann Latsky, etc.).
- Website: nursingintake.gauteng.gov.za
- Western Cape Department of Health: Offers bursaries for the Bachelor of Nursing at CPUT/UWC and the Diploma at Western Cape College of Nursing.
- Website: www.westerncape.gov.za
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health: Usually advertised in local newspapers and on the KZN Health intranet.
- Website: www.kznhealth.gov.za
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga: These provinces often still use manual application forms available at local hospitals between May and July.
The “Work-Back” Contract:
Be warned: If you fail a year, you often have to pay back the money. If you graduate, you must work in a public hospital (often in a rural area) for 3–4 years.
2. The Private Hospital Groups
Private hospitals are desperate for nurses. They usually fund students to study at their own colleges (Netcare Education / Life College of Learning).
Life Healthcare Nursing Education Trust
- Who is it for? Disadvantaged female students (black/coloured/Indian) studying towards a nursing qualification.
- The Deal: Covers tuition, books, and uniforms.
- Website: www.lifehealthcare.co.za
Netcare Education
- The Deal: Netcare often runs “Learnerships” where you study for free and earn a stipend, rather than a traditional bursary where they just pay fees.
- Website: www.netcare.co.za
Mediclinic
- The Deal: Mediclinic offers a “Higher Education & Training” funding model for their Diploma and Higher Certificate courses.
- Website: www.mediclinic.co.za
3. The SETA Bursaries (HWSETA)
The Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA) is the government body responsible for skills development in the health sector.
- Who is it for? Unemployed youth and students already registered at a university or public nursing college.
- The Benefit: They often fund the “missing middle”—students who are too rich for NSFAS but too poor to pay cash.
- Deadlines: Usually open in July/August.
- Website: www.hwseta.org.za
4. Trusts and Foundations (The “Hidden Gems”)
These organizations are not hospitals; they are charities that fund education.
HCI Foundation Bursary
- Who is it for? Students at public universities or Universities of Technology (UoTs). Note: They do not fund private colleges.
- The Deal: A partial bursary (e.g., R30,000) to help cover tuition. They prioritize refugee students and rural South Africans.
- Website: www.hcifoundation.co.za
Discovery Foundation
- Who is it for? Usually focuses on Specialist Nursing (e.g., ICU, Trauma) or rural healthcare development.
- The Vibe: They want to train experts who will stay in South Africa.
- Website: www.discovery.co.za
Shoprite Bursary (Pharmacy/Nursing)
- The Deal: Shoprite has a growing network of “MediRite” pharmacies and clinics. They sometimes fund nursing students who are willing to work in their in-store clinics.
- Website: www.shopriteholdings.co.za
5. Union Bursaries (DENOSA)
If your mother or father is a nurse, you might qualify for this.
DENOSA Study Fund
- Who is it for? Paid-up members of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) who want to further their studies, OR children of members.
- The Catch: You must have been a member for at least 2 years.
- Website: www.denosa.org.za
6. University-Specific Financial Aid
If you are applying to a university (like UJ, Wits, UP, or UWC) for a Bachelor of Nursing, you have two massive safety nets:
- NSFAS: This is the default. If your household income is under R350k, apply for NSFAS. It covers 100% of the BCur degree.
- University Merit Awards: If you got 4 or 5 distinctions in Matric, most universities will automatically give you a discount on your first-year fees.
7. How to Apply: A Strategy for 2026
Step 1: Decide Your Route
- Degree (4 Years): Apply to NSFAS and HCI Foundation.
- Diploma (3 Years): Apply to the Provincial Department of Health (GPG/KZN Health).
Step 2: Get the Police Clearance
Almost all nursing bursaries (and colleges) now require a Police Clearance Certificate to prove you have no criminal record. Get this from SAPS now; it lasts 6 months.
Step 3: The “Motivational Letter”
Don’t just write “I want money.” Write:
- “I have volunteered at the local clinic…”
- “I observed the nurses in my community…”
- Show them you have the “heart” for the job, not just the need for a salary.
Summary: Don’t Pay Bribes
A final warning: Nursing bursaries are a hotspot for scams.
- Real Bursaries: Are FREE to apply.
- Fake Bursaries: Ask for a “R250 application fee” via Pep/E-Wallet.
If anyone asks you to pay money to “secure your spot” or “fast track your bursary,” block them immediately.
Action Plan:
- Check the GPG: If you are in Gauteng, log into the GPG Professional Job Centre every Monday to see if the intake is open.
- Apply for NSFAS: Even if you think you might study at a college, apply for NSFAS just in case you get accepted at a university. It is your backup plan.
Disclaimer: Bursary amounts and closing dates change annually. Always verify details on the official website of the provider.