Nursing Bursaries 2026: Dept of Health Application Guide

Nursing bursaries for 2026 offer South African students a way to fund training in one of the country’s most needed healthcare professions. 

The Department of Health bursary system is primarily run by provincial departments of health and nursing colleges. 

These bursaries help students who want to study nursing at public nursing colleges or universities. 

Funding typically covers tuition fees, uniforms, textbooks, meals, and a monthly stipend. 

Many bursaries require students to sign a work-back agreement to serve in the public health system after qualification. 

While some bursaries are part of provincial health departments, others are listed under the national bursary umbrella for health sciences funding. 

These bursaries are essential because nursing training is expensive and highly competitive.

Prospective applicants should prepare early and understand each programme’s requirements and deadlines.

What Are the Department of Health Nursing Bursaries?

Department of Health nursing bursaries are financial support programmes offered by provincial health departments across South Africa. 

They pay for nursing training at accredited nursing colleges or universities. 

Most bursaries focus on the Diploma in Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing courses that are regulated by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). 

These bursaries cover tuition, living costs, and sometimes accommodation and study materials.

Applicants usually must sign a contract to work for a government health department after completing their studies.

Who Can Apply for Nursing Bursaries in 2026?

Eligibility varies by bursary provider, but most require the following:

1. Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
2. Have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with required subjects (English, Life Sciences, and Mathematics/Maths Literacy).
3. Meet minimum APS (Admission Point Score) criteria for nursing courses.
4. Be accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised nursing college or university.
5. Be prepared to sign a work-back agreement with the Department of Health for the number of years funded.

Some provincial bursaries may add requirements such as proof of residence, age limits, or preference for applicants from underserved communities. 

Always verify details with the specific bursary programme.

What Fields of Study Do Nursing Bursaries Cover?

Nursing bursaries fund training in recognised nursing qualifications required for registration with the SANC. 

These include:

1. Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric, Community Nurse).
2. Bachelor of Nursing (BCur / BNurs).
3. Diploma in Midwifery (where incorporated).
4. Higher certificates in nursing technical support were offered.

These qualifications combine theory and clinical practice and lead to professional nurse registration once completed successfully.

What Costs Do Nursing Bursaries Cover?

Department of Health nursing bursaries generally cover the following costs:

1. Tuition fees for the full duration of study.
2. Monthly stipend for living expenses.
3. Textbooks and study materials.
4. Uniforms and clinical equipment.
5. Accommodation support (where offered).

The exact support depends on the province and bursary terms. For provincial bursaries, the stipend and benefits may vary by budget and policy. 

Many bursaries require recipients to sign a work-back agreement to work for the Department of Health after qualifying.

How Do You Apply for Nursing Bursaries?

Application methods differ by bursary programme and province. Common steps include:

1. Check the bursary announcement from the provincial Department of Health or nursing college.
2. Collect the official application form if required (some provinces provide printed forms at health offices).
3. Complete the application form accurately.
4. Attach certified supporting documents such as ID, Matric results, proof of acceptance, proof of residence, and financial documents if needed.
5. Submit the application by the specified deadline through the method stated (online portal, post, or drop-off).

For bursaries linked to nursing colleges such as the Gauteng College of Nursing, applications are often made online through provincial job centres or official portals.

What Documents Are Needed With the Application?

When submitting a nursing bursary application, you generally need:

1. Certified copy of South African ID.
2. Certified National Senior Certificate (NSC) or latest academic results.
3. Letter of acceptance or proof of registration at the chosen nursing college or university.
4. Proof of residence.
5. Proof of household income or affidavit where required.
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV) where requested.

Some bursary schemes also ask for a police clearance certificate or a motivational letter explaining why you want to study nursing.

Always check the official bursary instructions for the full document list.

What Are the Typical Closing Dates for Nursing Bursaries?

Nursing bursary closing dates vary significantly by province:

1. Many provincial bursaries open around May each year and close around August or September.
2. For example, some provincial nursing bursary intakes have closed in previous cycles around 31 August.
3. Other provincial deadlines may differ each year, so always confirm with the bursary notice issued by the Department of Health in your province.

If a bursary closes before the year of study begins, it typically means that planning and applications need to start early in the calendar year before the academic intake.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your nursing bursary application:

1. The Department or nursing college will review all applications.
2. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews, assessments, or medical clearance.
3. Successful applicants will be notified by email or SMS.
4. You may be required to accept the bursary offer in writing and sign a bursary contract.
5. Once registered, you must meet annual academic progress requirements to keep the bursary.

Nursing bursaries often require commitment to work for the Department of Health in the province where funding was given once you qualify as a nurse.