The Department of Health has opened applications for admission to the three-year General Nurse Diploma in Nursing (R.171) for the 2027 intake at the College of Nursing.
The opportunity is aimed at eligible Mpumalanga Province residents between the ages of 18 and 36 who want to pursue a career in nursing. Applicants who meet all the compulsory academic requirements are encouraged to submit their applications online before the closing date.
Diploma in Nursing 2027
Institution: Mpumalanga College of Nursing Programme: General Nurse Diploma in Nursing (R.171) Intake: 2027 Duration: 3 years Age: 18–36 years Province: Mpumalanga Closing Date:2 October 2026
The programme provides successful applicants with theoretical knowledge and practical training as part of their preparation for a career in professional nursing.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the compulsory minimum requirements to be considered.
The requirements include:
Grade 12 or National Senior Certificate with a Diploma or Degree pass, or an equivalent qualification
English Level 4 or above
Home Language/Any Additional Language Level 3 or above
Life Sciences Level 4 or Physical Sciences Level 3 or above
Mathematics Level 3 or above, or Mathematical Literacy Level 5 or above
Any other subject Level 3 or above
Life Orientation Level 3 or above
Minimum total Admission Point Score (APS) of 23, calculated from the required six subjects and excluding Life Orientation
Applicants must be South African citizens residing in Mpumalanga Province
All certificates will be subjected to verification, and qualifications that are not registrable with the South African Nursing Council (SANC), such as ABET, will not be considered.
Applicants will also be considered in accordance with the inherent requirements associated with nursing duties.
This opportunity is particularly suitable for young people who have completed Grade 12 and achieved the required marks in subjects such as Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and languages.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Applicants must satisfy all the requirements and go through the relevant selection process.
Prospective nursing students should carefully check their Grade 12 results and calculate their APS before applying.
What Happens After Selection?
Successful applicants will be required to attend lectures for theoretical knowledge as well as participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at placement facilities accredited by the South African Nursing Council.
Students will also be required to sign an agreement/contract with the Mpumalanga Department of Health.
The combination of classroom learning and practical exposure is intended to help students develop the knowledge and skills required to work in the nursing profession.
Documents Required for Shortlisted Applicants
Applicants who are shortlisted will be required to provide specific documents during the interview process.
These include:
Original National Senior Certificate
Certificates for verification by UMALUSI
Certified copy of an identity document, certified within three months of the closing date
Proof of residence from the local Municipality or Tribal Authority
Applicants should therefore ensure that their documentation is available and meets the stated requirements if they are invited to an interview.
How to Apply
Applications for the Mpumalanga College of Nursing 2027 intake must be submitted online through the official Mpumalanga Department of Health website.
The department specifically states that applications must be submitted online. Physically delivered, faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Applicants should use the vacancies section on the Mpumalanga Department of Health website to access the relevant nursing advertisement and online application.
Closing Date: 2 October 2026
Important Scam Warning
The Mpumalanga Department of Health warns applicants that no fees are payable for admission to the Mpumalanga College of Nursing.
Anyone soliciting or offering a bribe in exchange for admission is committing a criminal offence and should be reported to the relevant police or authorities.
Final Thoughts
The Mpumalanga College of Nursing Diploma in Nursing 2027 offers eligible young people an opportunity to pursue a three-year nursing qualification. Applicants between 18 and 36 years old who meet the academic requirements and are Mpumalanga residents should consider applying before the deadline.
