List of Nursing Colleges in Gauteng: Public, Private, and University Options

Key Takeaways: The Dual System

• The Public Route: The Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) is the main government institution. It has four campuses (Ann Latsky, Chris Hani Baragwanath, SG Lourens, Bonalesedi). It is funded by the state, and students often receive bursaries.
• The Private Route: Private hospital groups (Netcare, Life, Mediclinic) and independent colleges (Ukwazi, Khanyisa) offer accredited training. You usually pay tuition fees here, though some offer learnerships.
• The University Route: If you want a Degree (BCur/BNurs), you must apply to a university (UJ, Wits, UP, SMU). Colleges generally offer the Diploma or Higher Certificate.
• The “New” Qualifications: The old “Enrolled Nurse” courses are gone. The new qualifications are the Higher Certificate (1 Year), Diploma (3 Years), and Degree (4 Years).
• Accreditation Warning: Never pay a deposit to a “college” operating above a shop or internet café. Always verify them on the SANC website.

Gauteng is the medical hub of South Africa, housing the largest hospitals and the most prestigious nursing schools. However, the system is confusing. You cannot just walk into a hospital and ask to be trained.

You have to choose between the Government Sector (GCON), the Corporate Private Sector (Private Hospitals), or the University Sector. Each has different application methods, costs, and entry requirements.

Here is the definitive list of accredited nursing institutions in Gauteng, categorized by sector.

1. The Public Sector: Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON)

This is the most popular route because it is government-subsidized. In the past, each hospital had its own nursing school. Today, they have been consolidated into one single college: The Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON).

GCON has four main campuses. You do not apply to the campus directly; you apply centrally via the Gauteng Professional Job Centre online.

The 4 Campuses:

1. Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus
   • Location: Soweto (next to the massive Baragwanath Hospital).
   • Focus: Known for exposure to trauma and high-volume critical care.
2. Ann Latsky Campus
   • Location: Auckland Park (next to Helen Joseph Hospital).
   • Focus: A very academic campus with strict theoretical standards.
3. SG Lourens Campus
   • Location: Pretoria (near Steve Biko Academic Hospital).
   • Focus: Serves the Tshwane region.
4. Bonalesedi Campus
   • Location: Krugersdorp (West Rand, near Leratong Hospital).
   • Focus: Serves the West Rand community.

How to Apply:

• Platform: You MUST apply online at www.nursingintake.gauteng.gov.za (or the GPG Professional Job Centre).
• Timing: Applications typically open once a year (often around June/July) for the following year’s intake.
• Cost: Successful applicants often receive a bursary that covers tuition and provides a small monthly stipend. In return, you usually sign a contract to work for the Department of Health for a few years after graduating.

2. The “Big Three” Private Hospital Academies

These are colleges run by the major private hospital groups. They offer world-class training with state-of-the-art simulation labs.

Note: Studying here does not guarantee you a job at their hospitals, but it helps.

1. Netcare Education

Netcare is a giant in nursing education. They have two main campuses in Gauteng.

• Gauteng South West Campus: Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
• Gauteng North East Campus: Centurion/Pretoria.
• Courses: Higher Certificate in Nursing (R169) and Diploma in Nursing (R171).
• Admissions: You usually apply directly via the Netcare Education website.

2. Life College of Learning

Run by the Life Healthcare group.

• West Rand Learning Centre: Roodepoort.
• East Rand Learning Centre: Springs.
• Pretoria Learning Centre.
• Vibe: Known for a supportive environment and strong focus on general ward nursing.

3. Mediclinic Learning Centres

• Tshwane Region Learning Centre: Pretoria.
• Northern Region Learning Centre: Bryanston/Sandton.
• Focus: Mediclinic often runs “learnerships” where they pay for your studies, but these are highly competitive. Private paying students are also accepted.

3. Independent Private Colleges (Accredited)

These are private colleges that are not owned by a hospital group. They are excellent alternatives if you don’t get into GCON or Netcare. They are smaller and often offer more personal attention.

1. Ukwazi School of Nursing

• Location: Roodepoort (West Rand).
• Reputation: Very well-respected. They have been around for years and have a solid pass rate.
• Courses: Higher Certificate and Diploma.

2. Khanyisa Nursing School

• Location: Rosettenville (Johannesburg South) and a sub-campus in Bushbuckridge.
• Focus: Great for students in the south of JHB. They focus heavily on the Higher Certificate (Auxiliary) and Diploma.

3. Bronberg Nurse Education Academy

• Location: Pretoria.
• Focus: A popular choice for students in the Tshwane area who want private tuition.

4. Africa Health Care (AHC) Nursing College

• Location: Carletonville (Far West Rand).
• Focus: Ideally located for students in the mining belt.

4. Universities: The Degree Route (BCur/BNurs)

If you want to become a Sister (Registered Nurse) with the ability to specialize later in ICU, Paediatrics, or Theatre, a University Degree is the “Gold Standard” (though the Diploma also leads to registration as a General Nurse).

1. University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• Degree: Bachelor of Nursing (4 years).
• Campus: Doornfontein (DFC).
• Requirements: High Maths and Life Science marks are non-negotiable.

2. University of Pretoria (UP)

• Degree: Bachelor of Nursing Science.
• Campus: Prinshof (Medical Campus).
• Vibe: Extremely competitive. You study alongside medical students.

3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

• Degree: Bachelor of Nursing.
• Campus: Parktown Health Sciences.
• Focus: Strong research and clinical focus.

4. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

• Location: Ga-Rankuwa (North of Pretoria).
• Focus: Previously known as Medunsa, this is a dedicated health sciences university.

5. Understanding the “New” Qualifications

If you last looked at nursing requirements 5 years ago, throw that knowledge away. The system has changed.

Old Qualification	New Qualification (NQF)	Duration	Title After Graduating
Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA)	Higher Certificate in Nursing (R169)	1 Year	General Nurse (Auxiliary level)
Enrolled Nurse (Staff Nurse)	Diploma in Nursing (R171)	3 Years	General Nurse (Staff Nurse)
BCur / Diploma (4 Year)	Bachelor of Nursing (R174)	4 Years	Professional Nurse & Midwife

• Important: The 1-year Higher Certificate is the entry level. If you have low matric marks, start here. You can then “bridge” to the Diploma later.
• Maths Literacy: Is accepted for the Higher Certificate and Diploma at most private colleges, but Universities (Degree) usually demand Pure Mathematics.

6. Admission Requirements (General Guide)

While each college differs, here is the baseline you need to aim for.

For the Diploma (3 Years):

• NSC (Matric): Diploma Pass.
• English: Level 4 (50%).
• Life Sciences (Biology): Level 4 (50%).
• Maths / Math Lit: Level 3 or 4.

For the Degree (4 Years):

• NSC: Bachelor’s Pass.
• Pure Maths: Usually Level 4 (50%) or higher.
• Life Sciences: Level 5 (60%) or higher.
• APS: Usually 28+.

7. How to Spot a Scam College

Gauteng is full of “Fly-by-night” nursing schools. They will take your registration fee and give you a worthless piece of paper.

The SANC Check:

Before you pay R1, go to the South African Nursing Council (SANC) website.

1. Look for “Accredited Institutions”.
2. Select “Gauteng”.
3. Check if the college name is on the list for the current year.
4. Crucial: Check if they are accredited for the specific course (e.g., R171 Diploma). Some colleges are only accredited for the 1-year certificate but lie and say they offer the Diploma.

Summary: Which One Should You Choose?

• If you have no money: You must apply to Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) and hope for a bursary.
• If you have funds (or a loan) and want quality: Apply to Netcare or Life College.
• If you want to be a specialist/manager: Go to University (UJ/Wits/UP) for the Degree.
• If your marks are low: Start with the Higher Certificate at an independent college like Ukwazi or Khanyisa.

Action Plan:

1. Download the SANC List: Visit www.sanc.co.za and get the latest list of accredited NEIs (Nursing Education Institutions).
2. Prepare your Documents: Certified ID, Matric Certificate, and proof of residence.
3. Watch the Dates: GCON usually opens in June. Private colleges usually open in August/September.

Disclaimer: Accreditation status changes annually. Always verify the college’s registration number with the Department of Higher Education and SANC before enrolling.