Nursing is a noble profession that has been helping to save lives since forever and more people are desirous to get into the vocation. It is however pertinent to note that getting into nursing in places like Cape Town requires a lot.
First, you must get a qualification or certification from an accredited school or college and register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). If you wish to become a nurse in South Africa, Cape Town to be precise, this article explores a comprehensive list of the 10 Best Nursing Colleges in Cape Town where you can study to start your profession in nursing.
List of the Best Nursing Colleges In Cape Town
The list is classified into Best Government Nursing Colleges and Best Private Nursing Colleges in Cape Town. However, note that they are not listed in any order.
Government Nursing Colleges in Cape Town
There are many government-owned nursing colleges in Cape Town but we picked out these ones for you.
1. Western Cape College Of Nursing
- Location: Heideveld, Cape Town
- Address: Klipfontein Rd, Heideveld, Cape Town, 7764, South Africa
- Year Founded: 2000
- Founder: Government-owned
When discussing the best nursing colleges not just in Cape Town but in the whole of South Africa, Western Cape College of Nursing (WCCN) usually tops the list.
WCCN is government-owned and has been in existence since the year 2000 after four nursing colleges (Carinus, Nico Malan, Otto du and Sarleh Dolly and Plessis) in the Western Cape were merged.
It first began with a single campus but today, the college has several campuses spread across the province to ensure equal access to both prospective rural and metropole students.
Basic Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for getting into WCCN include:
Matriculants Before 2008
| PS | Senior Certificate – SG | Senior Certificate – HG |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | A | |
| 8 | A | B |
| 7 | B | C |
| 6 | C | D |
| 5 | D | E |
| 4 | E | F |
| 3 | F |
NB: Please note that the points will be calculated as follows:
- Biology HG/E or SG/D
2. University of The Western Cape School Of Nursing
- Location: Bellville, Cape Town
- Address: Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa
- Year Founded: 1960
- Founder: Government-owned
Choosing to study at the University of the Western Cape school of nursing will be one of the best choices you will make if you have decided to go into the nursing profession. This is because it is a recognized institution of learning with so many years of experience in giving students a jump start into the nursing profession both theoretically and practically.
The school is located at the Bellville Campus and forms part of the Community and Health Science Faculty; in fact, it is the largest department in that faculty, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education that is accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Some of the courses offered in the school include:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master’s of Nursing (MNur)
- Doctor Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Postgraduate Diploma Midwifery ( starting 2022)
- Postgraduate Diploma Nursing Education (Starting 2022)
- Postgraduate Diploma Health Services Management (Starting 2022)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (Starting 2023)
Basic Entry Requirements
Admission into UWC is based on a weighted system of point calculations and to be admitted into degree programs, candidates must have attained a minimum number of points. For nursing, it is a minimum of 30 UWC points culled from Maths Code 4 or Maths Literacy Code 6 and then Life Sciences Code 4.
Here is a table showing how UWC points are calculated;
| NSC LEVELS | UWC POINTS | ||||
| Level | Percentage | Points for English | Points for Maths or Maths lit | Points for Life Orientation | Points for each other subject |
| 8 | 90-100% | 15 | 15 | 3 | 8 |
| 7 | 80-89% | 13 | 13 | 3 | 7 |
| 6 | 70-79% | 11 | 11 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | 60-69% | 9 | 9 | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | 50-59% | 7 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 40-49% | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 30-39% | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 | 20-29% | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| less than 20% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
You can check here to see the number of points required for the desired program.
3. Sarleh Dollie Nursing College
- Location: Glenlily, Cape Town
- Address: Tygerberg, Glenlily, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: Government-owned
Sarleh Dollie Nursing College is a well-respected school of nursing not just in Cape Town but in the whole of South Africa. It is accredited by all relevant bodies in SA.
The institution is located in a very serene environment suitable for a great learning experience and equipped with the best training facilities for modern nursing. This explains why the institution witnesses an inflow of students from all over the country each academic session to gain from the fountain of knowledge that Sarleh Dollie Nursing College has to offer.
Basic Entry Requirements
Interestingly, Sarleh Dollie Nursing College does not have any online presence at the time of compiling this list, so any information you want to get concerning the college, its admission requirements and all, you will have to either visit the school or reach them on this number +27 83 860 4006.
4. Kayamandi Elderly Nursing College
- Location: Wynberg, Western Cape
- Address: 19 Church Street Off Main Road Wynberg 7800, Western Cape
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: Government-owned
Kayamandi Elderly Nursing College was established to assist disadvantaged communities to harness the total potential of individuals who have a passion for nursing and healthcare but lack the financial resources to make it happen.
If you fall into this category, Kayamandi Elderly Nursing College will make your dreams come through because what is offered here is top-notch training at an affordable price.
Basic Entry Requirements
The first requirement to meet if you want to be admitted into this prestigious institution of learning is to be passionate about the nursing profession. Once you are convinced that this is what you want to do, you can pick an application form.
However, note that your application will only be accepted if you met the following criteria:
-
Copies of your matric or high school examination certificate
- Anyone without grade 12 can register
-
Two-page copies of your ID or Passport/Asylum
-
Registration fee
- A completed registration form
-
An initial deposit (remittance fee) as specified for the course of study chosen
-
Registration Procedures
NB: Once these criteria are met, prospective students will be issued admission letters or enrolment certificates.
Your application can be done either online or in person. To apply online, just visit the college’s website at www.kayamandielderlynursing.co.za to get started or you could walk into the campus to submit your forms in person. This will not only offer you the opportunity to see the facilities of the college but you can also discuss any inquiries with the admissions department.
5. Victoria Hospital Wynberg Training School for Nurses
- Location: Wynberg, Western Cape
- Address: Alphen Hill Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800, South Africa
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: Government-owned
Victoria Hospital Training School for Nurses is a premium nursing college renowned for raising highly trained professionals who are well equipped to handle the complex parts of the profession after graduation.
The motto at Victoria Hospital Wynberg Training School for Nurses is excellence and high standard, and without mincing words, they have lived up to that motto since inception.
Basic Entry Requirements
To be admitted to study nursing at Victoria Hospital Wynberg Training School, applicants are expected to have taken Biology, Physical Sciences, and Mathematics as Matriculation subjects and must have the following: Physical Science Level 4, Life Science Level 4, Mathematics Level 4 or Mathematics Literacy Level 5.
6. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Location: Bellville, Cape Town
- Address: CPUT Bellville Campus Technology way Food Science & Technology Building, Bellville South Industrial, Cape Town, 7530, South Africa
- Year Founded: 2005
- Founder: N/A
Established in January 2005 by merging the Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon as part of a national transformation process that transformed the higher education landscape in South Africa, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology today prides itself as not just one of the most renowned universities in the Cape but also one with the finest and most well-equipped nursing colleges in Cape Town and Southern Africa as a whole.
Basic Entry Requirements
All candidates seeking admission into a nursing program at CPUT must possess a pass with a D (Matriculation before 2008) or Level 4 (Matriculation from 2008) aggregate in line with the WCPA bursary requirements at the Grade 12 Level (FET certificate or Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with an APS score of a minimum of 30 and permission as indicated on the Grade 12 certificate to register for a Bachelor’s degree or the B Tech: Nursing Science degree.
Specific subjects required and achievement levels are:
- English Level 4
- Life Sciences Level 4 or Physical Sciences Level 4
- Mathematics Level 4 or Mathematics Literacy Level 5
In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be required to provide proof of their first completed Hepatitis B immunization schedule, SANC-related indemnity and other forms, and proof of payment.
7. Kingsway College
- Location: Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Address: 13-17 Heerengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: N/A
Kingsway College is another institution with a premium accredited nursing college in Cape Town. So, if you are looking for a well-equipped place with the best learning environment, and best practices then you will want to settle for Kingsway College.
Basic Entry Requirements
Getting admitted into this institution of learning is as easy as having your Grade 12 certificate. However, Anyone without grade 12 can also apply for admission.
Best Private Nursing Colleges in Cape Town
These are some of the best nursing schools owned by private entities in Cape Town. They are currently giving the government-owned institutions a run for their money
8. New Hope School Of Nursing
- Location: Claremont, Cape Town
- Address: 17 Old Stanhope Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: Privately Owned
New Hope School Of Nursing is a privately owned nursing school that offers top-notch training for students looking for a fulfilling career in nursing. At New Hope School of Nursing, priority is placed on small classrooms with a balanced teacher-to-student ratio.
It has produced some of the most qualified nurses in South Africa and earned so many awards and accolades for these achievements.
Basic Entry Requirements
Anyone seeking admission into the New Hope School of Nursing must have the following:
- School qualifications (eg Senior Certificate)
- Official tertiary academic record(s) (if applicable) (internet copies will not be accepted)
- ID document (RSA students) or ID/passport (international students)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans
NB: Prospective students should however take note of the following:
They must meet the statutory minimum requirements based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent school leaving certificate for admission to higher certificate or diploma programs and candidates’ educational certificate.
- Provisional admission IS ONLY based on levels/symbols obtained in Grade 12 June/September examinations or confirmation that the current employer is processing study leave
- The final decision for studying at New Hope Nursing School will be based on final Grade 12 results, confirmation that the applicant has been granted study leave by the employer and has not reached the pensionable age (55-60) applicable to all college programs
- There are specific requirements for all specific programs. The Admission Point System (APS) is used for allocating point values to your NSC subjects or equivalent:
Here are tables showing how the APS is calculated:
| NSC Levels | NSC % | APS | APS % | Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 80-90% | 6 | 80-90% | A |
| 6 | 70-79% | 5 | 70-79% | B |
| 5 | 60-69% | 4 | 60-69% | C |
| 4 | 50-59% | 3 | 50-59% | D |
| 3 | 40-49% | 2 | 40-49 | E |
| 2 | 30-39% | 1 | 30-39% | F |
| 1 | 0-29% | 0-29% |
| NSC Subjects | NSC % | Level | APS Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 54% | 4 | 3 |
| Afrikaans | 38% | 2 | 1 |
| Biology/Life Sciences | 62% | 5 | 4 |
| Physical Science | 60% | 5 | 4 |
| Mathematics | 32% | 2 | 1 |
| Life Orientation | 77% | 6 | 5 |
| Geography | 68% | 5 | 4 |
| Admission Score |
21 |
9. Healthnicon Nursing College
- Location: Parow, Cape Town
- Address: 118 Voortrekker Rd, Parow, Cape Town, 7500, South Africa
- Year Founded: N/A
- Founder: Privately Owned
Healthnicon prides itself as one of the first private nursing schools in South Africa. The educational institution which is now renowned for training Healthcare professionals was first established in March 1995. It was then referred to as “The Private Nursing School”, simply because it was one of the first privately owned nursing schools in South Africa to be accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
With a head office situated in Cape Town, Healthnicon has three other campuses across SA namely: the Vaal Campus located in Vereeniging, the Pretoria Campus, and the Western Cape Campus in Parow.
The school offers a variety of training programs, including the Community Health Workers Short Course, Geriatric Short Course, Auxiliary Nurses, Palliative Care Short Course, etc.
Basic Entry Requirements
To be eligible to apply for any course at Heathnicon, the candidate must possess at least Grade 10/11 for the Healthcare Worker program, however, for a nursing qualification, Grade 12 is required.
10. Northlink College
- Location: Bellville, Cape Town
- Address: 80 Voortrekker Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530, South Africa
- Year Founded: 2002
- Founder: Privately Owned
Northlink is another premium privately owned nursing college in the Cape. It is located in a serene environment and tastefully equipped for the 21st-century nurse.
The institution was established in 2002 following the merging of four colleges in the northern suburbs of the greater Cape Town Metropole, namely Protea College, Bellville Technical College, Wingfield Technical College (all three campuses included), and, Tygerberg College (Tygerberg and Parow), and in 2005 it bought Belhar College, a privately owned institution.
The institution basically offers Primary Health programs aimed at students who desire a qualification in community-orientated primary health.
Basic Entry Requirements
To be eligible for admission into Northlink to study nursing, you must possess a Grade 9 Certificate or its equivalent.
How Lucrative Is A Nursing Degree In South Africa?
This question is asked often due to the high influx of aspiring nurses in the field. The truth is that the profession is as lucrative in South Africa as it is in other countries of the world.
With the recent health challenges caused by the Covid 19 pandemic across the globe, the need for more nurses has greatly increased and made the profession even more lucrative than it has been a few years back.
It’s a big deal to be serving as a nurse right now as they are celebrated as heroes who are risking their lives to save others and of course, they are being greatly compensated for it.
In the last few years, the profession has witnessed an influx of new nurses; some for the passion and others for the remuneration and incentives that come with it. In SA, nurses earn between R13,000 and R38,000 per month and this is not part of some bonuses and incentives they are also entitled to.
