Nursing is a scarce skill in South Africa, and several kinds of sponsors fund nursing students. Many expect you to work for them after you qualify.
Nursing intakes and bursaries for 2027
Status as of 26 September 2026. Dates change every year, so always confirm on the sponsor's own website before you apply.
| Bursary | Who it funds | 2027 closing date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng College of Nursing: 2027 Student Nurse Intake | Gauteng residents studying the Diploma in Nursing, trained through the Gauteng Department of Health. Grade 12s can apply with Grade 11 results. | 26 September 2026 | Closes today |
| Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College, Northern Cape | Northern Cape applicants; confirm programme and entry requirements with the provincial health department. | No verified official date found | Confirm directly |
| KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing: Diploma in Nursing | KwaZulu-Natal applicants | 31 August 2026 | Closed |
| NSFAS (see NSFAS 2027) | Qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges | See our NSFAS guide | Open |
Some provincial nursing intakes include funding or a work-back agreement. Read the intake terms before applying, and verify that the college appears on the South African Nursing Council list.
Where nursing funding comes from
- Provincial departments of health fund nursing students, often at public nursing colleges, usually with a work-back agreement at a public facility.
- Private hospital groups run their own nursing training and sometimes fund students in return for work after qualifying.
- NSFAS funds qualifying students at public universities and colleges. See NSFAS 2027.
- Universities offer their own bursaries for health science students.
Check your subjects first
Most nursing sponsors want learners who meet the entry requirements. See subjects needed for nursing.
When to apply
Start looking in Grade 11 and apply in Grade 12. Many bursaries close before matric results come out, and deadlines change every year, so check each sponsor's website and set reminders. The EduRance app lists verified bursaries and reminds you before they close.
Stay safe
Legitimate bursary sponsors generally do not charge an application fee. Apply on the sponsor's own website, not through WhatsApp links or agents, and never share your banking PIN or one-time PIN.
Frequently asked questions
Do nursing bursaries have to be paid back?
Usually not in cash, but most require you to work for the sponsor for a set time after you qualify.
Can I get a nursing bursary with Maths Literacy?
Often yes, if the institution you apply to accepts Maths Literacy for nursing.
Is nursing covered by NSFAS?
Yes, for qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges.