Bursaries and Scholarships for Nursing in South Africa

Bursaries and scholarships for nursing are available for individuals who are interested in studying nursing but are not able to raise the tuition fee for a nursing course. Before you check out the list of bursaries, however, below are the basic qualities that you need to register for a nursing course.

• Good academic record
• The desire to care for others, and the ability to provide that care
• Ability to conduct physical examinations, offer basic counseling, and administer medication.

Here are some of the bursaries and scholarships for nursing in South Africa.

1. Gauteng Government Nursing Bursaries

• The Gauteng Government Department of Health offers financial assistance in form of bursaries to candidates who intend to pursue a Diploma of Nursing course.
• These bursaries are available for students applying to study at one of the following college campuses – Ann Latsky Nursing Campus, Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing Campus, SG Lourens Nursing Campus, and Bonalesdi Nursing Campus.

2. KZN Health Nursing Bursaries

• The Government of Kwa Zulu Natal offers provincial bursaries to qualifying students who are from Kwa Zulu Natal. These bursaries apply to students who are already studying for a degree or diploma in nursing.
• Funding for this bursary is done on a sliding scale subject to the parent’s income.

3. HCI Foundation Bursary Program

• Next on the list of bursaries and scholarships for nursing in South Africa is the HCI Foundation Bursary Program, a program that helps academically deserving and financially needy students to pay for their studies.
• These bursaries are given to students pursuing undergraduate degrees in any field of study at any public university in South Africa.
• Recipients get partial bursaries for use towards their tuition fees, up to a maximum of R33,000 every year.

4. Western Cape Government Nursing Bursaries

• These bursaries are available for South African citizens who reside in the Western Cape Province.
• Students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Western Cape and a Diploma of Nursing at Western Cape College of Nursing (Athlone Campus, George Campus, Worcester Campus) can apply for these bursaries.

5. Mpumalanga Province Department of Health Bursaries

• Mpumalanga Department of Health Bursaries are offered at the Mpumalanga College of Nursing to citizens of Mpumalanga aged between 18 and 36.
• These bursaries are full bursaries applicable to the 3-year Diploma of Nursing.

6. Limpopo Department of Health Bursary

• The Limpopo Department of Health Bursary, another of the bursaries and scholarships for Nursing in South Africa, is given to financially needy and deserving students.
• This bursary covers registration fees, tuition, a textbook allowance, meals, and accommodation.
• South African citizens living in the Limpopo Province are encouraged to apply for this bursary.

7. Eastern Cape Department of Health Bursary

• The Eastern Cape Department of Health Bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, examination fees, textbooks, meals, and accommodation.
• To qualify for this bursary, you must be a South African citizen living in the Eastern Cape Province, and be willing to work in the rural areas on completion of your studies.

8. North West Department of Health Bursary

• The North West Department of Health Bursary is offered to students who reside in the North West Province of South Africa. These students must display academic excellence and show potential for becoming a great nurse.
• Applicants must be South African citizens who have lived in the North West province for at least a year before applying for the bursary.

9. Netcare Bursaries Program

• The Netcare Bursaries are offered to gifted and self-motivated young individuals who display a desire to care for those who are ill. These individuals should also display a desire to effect change in their communities.
• Applicants should be South African citizens who can provide proof of their need for financial aid.
• Studies are undertaken at any of the Netcare campuses at Western Cape, Gauteng South-West, Eastern Cape, Kwa Zulu Natal, and Gauteng North-East.

10. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

• NSFAS is a government organization under the Department of Higher Education and Training that provides financial aid to disadvantaged students who are not able to meet the cost of tertiary studies.
• NSFAS provides bursaries to South African citizens who intend to study at public universities or TVET colleges.
• This bursary scheme covers tuition fees, accommodation fees, textbooks, meals, and accommodation.

The bursaries and scholarships for nursing in South Africa listed above are definitely worth looking into if you are intending to get funding for your nursing course!