The KZN College of Nursing has officially opened applications for its Diploma in Nursing 2027 intake, giving KZN residents a funded pathway into one of the most secure careers in South Africa. The three-year programme trains you to register as a professional nurse with the South African Nursing Council. Applications are open now on the official online portal and close on 31 August 2026, and only KwaZulu-Natal residents qualify.
About the Programme
The KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing falls under the KZN Department of Health and operates nursing campuses attached to public hospitals across the province. It is one of the largest nurse training institutions in the country and has produced generations of professional nurses who staff KZN’s clinics and hospitals.
The Diploma in Nursing is a three-year, full-time programme registered at NQF Level 6 (SAQA ID 115826, 368 credits) and offered under South African Nursing Council regulation R171. It combines classroom theory with extensive supervised clinical practice in public health facilities, producing nurses who are ready to work from day one. For young people in KwaZulu-Natal, nurse training through the provincial college has long been one of the most reliable routes into stable, meaningful employment.
What You Will Learn
- Fundamentals of nursing science and general nursing practice
- Clinical skills through supervised placements in KZN public hospitals and clinics
- Community health, mental health and midwifery-related foundations
- Professional ethics and patient care standards required by the South African Nursing Council
- A qualification that allows registration as a professional nurse (general) on completion
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens who are residents of KwaZulu-Natal (proof of residence required)
- Applicants with a National Senior Certificate or equivalent that meets the prescribed academic requirements for diploma study
- Applicants who meet the college’s subject and performance requirements as set out in the official guidelines on the application portal
- Applicants willing to train at the campus and clinical facilities where they are placed
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Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African identity document
- Proof of KwaZulu-Natal residence
- The required Commissioner of Oaths affidavit (template available on the portal)
- Your Grade 12 results or National Senior Certificate
- Any additional documents listed in the official user guide on the application portal
How to Apply
- Go to the official KZN College of Nursing online application portal
- Download and read the user guide and important documents section before you start
- Register an account with your ID number and a working email address
- Log in, complete every section of the application and upload your documents
- Submit before the closing date and keep your reference number safe
Apply at the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing
Closing Date
The closing date for the KZN College of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 2027 intake is 31 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
South Africa faces a chronic shortage of nurses, and public health facilities in KwaZulu-Natal need thousands of new professionals over the coming decade. That shortage is your opportunity. Nursing offers what few careers still do: near-guaranteed employability, a clear professional ladder, and the option to work anywhere in the country or abroad. Training through the provincial college also means you study within the public health system rather than paying private college fees upfront. For a young person in KZN weighing up options after Matric, few doors lead to a more secure future than this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I live outside KwaZulu-Natal?
No. This intake is for KwaZulu-Natal residents only, and proof of residence is a required document.
Is there a stipend or are fees paid?
Funding and allowance arrangements are confirmed during the application process through the official portal and user guide.
How long is the programme?
Three years of full-time study combining theory and clinical practice, leading to an NQF Level 6 Diploma in Nursing.
Who can I contact for help with my application?
The college lists application enquiry contacts on the portal, including Nicolette Moses on 033 940 4915 and Liz Cloete on 033 940 4913, weekdays 8am to 4pm.
