3 Best Colleges Offering Nursing Diplomas in Gauteng

South African Accredited Colleges Offering Nursing Diplomas in Gauteng

When people think about nursing, they usually picture the big names like Ann Latsky or Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College. But here’s the thing: nursing education in Gauteng isn’t limited to just the obvious schools. There are some pretty unexpected colleges quietly shaping the next generation of nurses — and many people don’t even know about them.

So, if you’re hunting for a nursing diploma in Gauteng and want to explore beyond the “usual suspects,” here are a few surprising options worth knowing about:

01. Mpilo Royal College

If you’re looking to study nursing right in the buzz of Johannesburg, Mpilo Royal College of Health Education is one of the private colleges making a name for itself. Based in Marshalltown, Jozi CBD, the college focuses purely on healthcare training and offers programs that can get you started in nursing or help you grow further in your career.

Here’s what you’ll find at Mpilo Royal College:

• Diploma in Nursing (Staff Nurse, NQF Level 6)
  This is the core program if you want to become a staff nurse. It runs over three years and gives you the skills to work in hospitals, clinics, or community health facilities. To qualify, you’ll need a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with subjects like:
  
  

• Communication Skills (NQF 4)

• Mathematical Literacy (NQF 4)

• Computer Literacy (NQF 3)

• Life Sciences (NQF 4)
  
  

• Once you’re in, expect hands-on training and a good balance between classroom theory and practical work.

• Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (NQF Level 7)
  If you’ve already got a nursing qualification and want to specialize, this one-year program could be your next step. It prepares you to work in maternal and child health, focusing on the care of mothers and newborns.

Apply here: Mpilo College Online Application

02. Ukwazi School of Nursing 

Another private option worth noting in Gauteng is the Ukwazi School of Nursing, with campuses in Roodepoort (Johannesburg) and Potchefstroom (North West). 

The school has been around for years and is officially registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training, accredited by the Council on Higher Education, and approved by the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

Here’s what they offer:

• Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse, NQF Level 5)
  This is a one-year program designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles, focusing on patient care and supporting professional nurses in different healthcare settings.
  
  

• Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse, NQF Level 6)
  A more advanced option that runs over three years, this diploma qualifies you as a professional nurse.
  
  

Admission Requirements
To qualify for the Diploma in Nursing, you’ll generally need:

• A National Senior Certificate with the required subjects (Life Sciences/Biology is strongly recommended).
  
  

• Meeting a minimum pass level in core subjects such as English, Maths/Maths Literacy, and Life Sciences.
  
  

For the Higher Certificate, the requirements are less strict, making it a good starting point if you don’t meet the diploma criteria right away. In fact, many students use the certificate as a stepping stone into the diploma later.

Application 

As of now in 2025 applications for 2026 academic year at Ukwazi Nursing College are open.

Download Broucher Here

Apply here: Ukwazi Nursing College 2026 Application Form

03. Mediclinic Nursing Training 

If you’re looking for a well-recognised nursing training programme rooted in clinical experience, Mediclinic’s Higher Education and Training programmes are worth your attention. Here’s a breakdown of what they offer, without fluff—just the good, grounded info.

What’s on the Table?

• Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse, NQF Level 5)
  A one-year, full-time programme aimed at equipping students for auxiliary nursing roles. It’s contact-based, delivered in person at one of Mediclinic’s registered learning centres, and blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical training. 

• Diploma in Nursing (Staff Nurse, NQF Level 6)
  A three-year, full-time route that leads to a professional nursing qualification. This course covers theoretical knowledge and practical nursing science across all three years—think Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Nursing Science, Management modules, and plenty of professional practice.
  
  

Certification & Accreditation

Both the Higher Certificate and the Diploma are fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), South African Nursing Council (SANC), and registered with DHET and SAQA. The institution itself is registered as a private higher education provider until end of 2025. 

Entry Requirements & Timeline

• Must-haves:
  A recent Grade 12 (NQF-4) with specific minimums:
  
  

• English (Level 4)

• Life Sciences (Biology) Level 4 or Physical Science Level 3

• Maths Literacy Level 4 or Maths Level 3

• A minimum APS (Admission Points Score) of 23 points (or 24 if using Maths Literacy)
  
  

• RPL Pathway:
  If you're 25+, have 5+ years of healthcare experience, and lack a required subject, you may apply via Recognition of Prior Learning—just one missing subject is allowed under RPL, with an employer’s motivational letter and extra assessments.
  
  

• Application Window:
  Applications generally run from 1 May to 30 June, with classes kicking off in January.

• Selection Process:
  Once you apply, be ready for psychometric testing, an interview, and health screening. You’ll also need to submit a CV, ID copies, academic results, proof of fee payment, and, if applicable, proof of citizenship. 

More information on Mediclinic Nursing Courses Here

You may also look: Student Nurse Intake 2025: Gauteng College of Nursing

If you’re serious about becoming a nurse in Gauteng, don’t just look at the obvious public nursing colleges. Private institutions and hospital groups like Netcare, Mediclinic, Life Healthcare, and even colleges like Gauteng City College are stepping in with solid programs that are worth checking out.

The best part? Many of these options combine classroom learning with direct hospital placements, giving you a real taste of the nursing profession while you study.

So, whether you want the structure of a traditional nursing campus or the unexpected route through a private hospital group, Gauteng has more options than you probably thought.