Gauteng Department of Health has opened the Gauteng College of Nursing 2027 intake for South African citizens living in Gauteng who want to complete the three-year Diploma in Nursing. Online applications close on 26 September 2026, and candidates may train at one of four college campuses if selected next year.
No stipend or monthly allowance has been included in the advertised intake information. Candidates should therefore plan for the programme without relying on an advertised monthly payment.
This intake offers academically qualifying candidates a structured route into nursing. However, successful students must be ready for full-time studies, clinical training, shift work and the emotional demands of caring for patients.
Who can enter the 2027 nursing intake?
The intake is open to South African citizens who reside in Gauteng and hold an accepted school-leaving qualification.
Candidates may enter the selection process with one of the following:
- A Senior Certificate issued under the previous matric system
- A National Senior Certificate
- A National Certificate (Vocational) in Primary Health
- Final Grade 11 results if currently completing Grade 12
Applicants who reside outside Gauteng do not meet the provincial residence requirement.
Current Grade 12 learners may submit their final Grade 11 results. Those results must already meet the subject levels and Admission Point Score required from National Senior Certificate applicants.
Which subjects are required for admission?
Admission requirements differ according to the school-leaving qualification held by the applicant.
What must Senior Certificate applicants have?
Candidates with the old Senior Certificate require:
- English at Higher Grade D or Standard Grade C
- Biology at Higher Grade D or Standard Grade C
- Mathematics at Higher Grade D or Standard Grade C
- An M-score of at least 17
Applicants must meet the required subject symbols and the minimum M-score.
What must National Senior Certificate applicants have?
National Senior Certificate applicants require:
- English at Level 4
- Life Sciences at Level 4
- Mathematics at Level 4 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 5
- An Admission Point Score of 27 or higher
Life Orientation contributes half of its normal score when calculating the Admission Point Score.
Current Grade 12 learners must meet these same requirements using their final Grade 11 results.
What must Primary Health vocational applicants have?
National Certificate (Vocational) Primary Health applicants need at least 50% in these fundamental subjects:
- English First Additional Language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
They also require at least 60% in the following vocational subjects:
- South African Health Care System
- Public Health
- The Human Body and Mind
- Community-Oriented Primary Care
Where will successful student nurses study?
The Gauteng College of Nursing will place successful candidates at one of its four campuses:
- Ann Latsky Campus
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus
- SG Lourens Campus
- Bonalesedi Campus
The selected campus will provide the theoretical nursing education, while practical training will take place at Gauteng Department of Health hospitals and clinics.
What will the three-year programme involve?
The Diploma in Nursing is completed over three academic years of full-time study. It combines classroom learning with supervised clinical education.
Successful applicants must sign an agreement with the Gauteng Department of Health and attend scheduled lectures.
Work Integrated Learning forms a compulsory part of the programme. Student nurses must be prepared to complete:
- Day and night shifts
- Weekend duties
- Public holiday duties
- Practical training in hospitals and clinics
- Supervised learning in different clinical environments
The programme does not follow an ordinary weekday-only timetable. Students must manage their studies alongside rotating clinical responsibilities and direct patient-care training.
Which qualities does the Department expect?
Strong marks can make a candidate academically eligible, but nursing also requires patience, resilience and the ability to work with people during difficult moments.
Suitable candidates should demonstrate:
- A genuine passion for nursing
- Compassion and patience
- Problem-solving ability
- Calmness during a crisis
- Clear communication skills
- Numeracy and practical life skills
- Organisational ability
- Leadership potential
- Flexibility
- Computer literacy
- Effective study habits
- Honesty and personal responsibility
- The ability to relate respectfully to different people
These qualities are essential when students begin working with patients, healthcare professionals and other student nurses during clinical training.
How will candidates be selected?
Meeting the academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Every shortlisted applicant must complete a compulsory psychometric assessment. Candidates who pass this assessment will undergo medical surveillance, including a physical examination.
The remaining selection stages include:
- Verification of academic results
- Examination of supporting documents
- Medical assessment
- Assessment of suitability for nursing training
Completing every recruitment and selection stage does not guarantee a place in the programme. Final admission depends on the outcome of the complete selection process.
Which documents must be uploaded?
Applicants must scan and upload the academic document that applies to their circumstances.
The system will accept:
- A Senior Certificate
- A National Senior Certificate
- A National Certificate (Vocational)
- A statement of Grade 12 results
- Final Grade 11 results for current Grade 12 learners
Each scan must show the applicant’s complete results clearly. Missing pages, cropped subject results or unreadable photographs could prevent the academic record from being assessed properly.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to take their supporting documents to the designated selection centre.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Prepare a clear scan of your results before registering your profile. Every subject, achievement level, percentage and personal detail should be visible. Submit before the final day so that technical problems or an incorrect upload do not cost you an opportunity to enter the selection process.
How must the online application be submitted?
Applicants must begin by registering a profile on the system. Once registered, they can complete the online form and upload the required academic record.
Applications must be submitted through the official Gauteng student nurse intake portal by 26 September 2026.
Complete the process in this order:
- Register a personal profile.
- Enter the required personal and contact information.
- Complete the student nurse intake form.
- Upload the relevant certificate or results statement.
- Review every section of the application.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Hand-delivered and emailed applications will not be accepted. Late applications will also be excluded from consideration.
What happens after applications close?
Shortlisted candidates will receive instructions concerning the compulsory psychometric assessment.
Those who pass will proceed to medical surveillance, a physical examination and document verification. Supporting documents must then be presented at the selection centre.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
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Final Thoughts
The Gauteng College of Nursing 2027 intake offers Gauteng residents a demanding but valuable route into the nursing profession.
Applicants need the prescribed school subjects, an acceptable Admission Point Score and the personal qualities required for patient-centred care. They must also be prepared for three years of full-time study, compulsory clinical learning and shifts that include nights, weekends and public holidays.
With no late, emailed or hand-delivered submissions accepted, the complete online application must reach the system by 26 September 2026.
