Institution: Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON)
Department: Gauteng Department of Health
Programme: Student Nurse Intake 2027
Qualification: Diploma in Nursing (R.171)
Study Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Available Campuses: Ann Latsky, Bonalesedi, Chris Hani Baragwanath and SG Lourens
Minimum Qualification: Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate or National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4
Minimum APS: 27 for National Senior Certificate applicants
Application Opening Date: 11 October 2026
Closing Date: 30 October 2026
Application Method: Online Only
Application Fee: No fees payable for admission

Overview

The Gauteng Department of Health, through the Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON), is inviting applications for the 2027 Student Nurse Intake.

This opportunity is available to qualifying South African citizens who reside in Gauteng Province and completed their matriculation in Gauteng.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to study towards a Diploma in Nursing (R.171) at one of the Gauteng College of Nursing campuses.

The programme combines academic learning with practical nursing experience in healthcare facilities operated by the Gauteng Department of Health.

Students will participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL), gaining practical experience in hospitals and clinics as part of their nursing education.

Applicants must meet the prescribed academic requirements and successfully complete the relevant recruitment and selection assessments.

Applications open on 11 October 2026 and close on 30 October 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the official online nursing intake portal. Walk-in applications will not be accepted.

Available Gauteng College of Nursing Campuses

Successful applicants may study at one of the following campuses:

1. Ann Latsky Campus

Province: Gauteng
Programme: Diploma in Nursing (R.171)

2. Bonalesedi Campus

Province: Gauteng
Programme: Diploma in Nursing (R.171)

3. Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus

Province: Gauteng
Programme: Diploma in Nursing (R.171)

4. SG Lourens Campus

Province: Gauteng
Programme: Diploma in Nursing (R.171)

Applicants should follow the campus selection instructions provided on the official application portal.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To qualify for the Gauteng College of Nursing 2027 intake, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Reside in Gauteng Province.
• Have completed their matriculation in Gauteng Province.
• Possess an accepted school-leaving certificate.
• Meet the relevant subject and academic performance requirements.
• Be eligible to participate in the recruitment and selection process.
• Not currently be enrolled at another tertiary or higher education institution.
• Not currently receive the government or state-funded financial assistance specified in the advertisement.

The college accepts applicants with one of three qualifying school-leaving certificates.

1. National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) Requirements

Applicants who completed the National Senior Certificate must meet the following requirements:

Subject	Minimum Requirement
English	Level 4
Life Sciences	Level 4
Mathematics	Level 4
Mathematical Literacy	Level 5
Admission Point Score (APS)	27 or higher

Applicants must meet the Mathematics Level 4 or Mathematical Literacy Level 5 requirement.

Important APS Information

The minimum required APS is 27.

When calculating the APS, Life Orientation contributes exactly half of its achievement level, without rounding.

Applicants should ensure that they calculate their APS according to the official Gauteng College of Nursing requirements.

2. Senior Certificate (Standard 10) Requirements

Applicants who completed the old Senior Certificate must meet the following requirements:

Subject	Higher Grade	Standard Grade
English	D	C
Biology	D	C
Mathematics	D	C

Additional Requirement: An M score of 17 or higher.

Applicants must meet the applicable subject requirements and the minimum M score.

3. National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 Requirements

Applicants with an NC(V) Level 4 qualification must meet the following academic requirements.

Fundamental Subjects – Minimum 50%

• English First Additional Language.
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
• Life Orientation.

Vocational Subjects – Minimum 60%

• SA Health Care System.
• Public Health.
• The Human Body and Mind.
• Community Oriented Primary Care.

Applicants must meet the prescribed minimum results in both the fundamental and vocational subjects.

Programme Overview – Diploma in Nursing (R.171)

The Diploma in Nursing is designed to prepare students for professional responsibilities within healthcare environments.

Students will undertake academic learning and practical training relevant to nursing practice.

A compulsory part of the programme is Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at Gauteng Department of Health hospitals and clinics.

The official advertisement requires successful applicants to participate in practical training, including shifts on weekends, public holidays and at night.

Key Responsibilities During Nursing Training

Successful applicants will be expected to fulfil the learning and practical training requirements of the programme.

1. Academic Learning

– Participate in the prescribed Diploma in Nursing learning programme.

– Attend required academic activities.

– Complete assigned coursework and assessments.

– Develop the theoretical knowledge required for nursing practice.

– Meet the academic requirements of the college.

2. Work Integrated Learning

• Participate in compulsory practical training.
• Attend assigned training placements at Gauteng Department of Health hospitals and clinics.
• Complete required workplace learning activities.
• Follow instructions from authorised nursing educators and clinical supervisors.
• Meet the practical learning requirements of the programme.

3. Shift-Based Practical Training

Students must be prepared to participate in practical training that includes:

• Day shifts.
• Night shifts.
• Weekend shifts.
• Public holiday shifts.

These shifts form part of the programme’s Work Integrated Learning requirements.

4. Professional Development

Students will be expected to develop the knowledge, conduct and professional competencies required by the nursing programme.

Specific clinical responsibilities will be determined by the college, the curriculum and the supervision arrangements at training facilities.

Applicants Who Will Not Be Considered

The Gauteng College of Nursing has specified important restrictions.

1. Applicants Receiving Government-Funded Financial Assistance

Applicants who currently receive a bursary, scholarship, financial assistance or funding for tertiary, higher education or vocational studies from any of the following will not be considered:

• Government departments.
• Provincial governments.
• Public entities.
• State-funded schemes, including NSFAS.

2. Applicants Already Registered at Another Institution

Applicants who are already enrolled at another tertiary or higher education institution will not be considered.

This includes students registered at:

• Universities.
• Universities of technology.
• TVET colleges.
• Nursing colleges.
• Other tertiary or higher education institutions.

The restriction applies regardless of whether the applicant is studying:

• Full-time.
• Part-time.
• Through distance learning.

Applicants should carefully review these restrictions before submitting an application.

Compulsory Assessment and Selection Process

The Gauteng College of Nursing recruitment process includes several stages.

Stage 1: Online Application

Applicants must complete and submit the official online application.

Stage 2: Application Screening

Applications will be reviewed against the eligibility and academic requirements.

Stage 3: Psychometric Assessment

All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a compulsory psychometric assessment.

Stage 4: Medical Surveillance

Applicants who successfully complete the psychometric assessment will be required to undergo medical surveillance.

Stage 5: Document Verification

Successful applicants from the psychometric assessment stage must undergo verification of their submitted documentation.

Stage 6: Final Selection

Applicants who meet the requirements and successfully complete the selection process may be considered for admission.

Important: Completing the recruitment and selection process does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must scan and upload the following original documents in PDF format:

1. Identification Document

A scanned copy of the applicant’s original identification document.

2. School-Leaving Certificate

A scanned copy of the applicant’s original qualifying certificate:

• Senior Certificate; or
• National Senior Certificate; or
• National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4.

The documents must be uploaded through the official online application portal.

Applicants should ensure that the scans are clear, readable and saved in PDF format.

Important Application Rules

Applicants must take note of the following:

• Applications must be submitted online.
• No walk-in applications will be accepted.
• Required documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
• Applicants must provide accurate information.
• The department may verify applicant eligibility through official records.
• Applicants who do not comply with the eligibility requirements may be disqualified.
• Only successful candidates will be contacted.
• No admission fees are payable by applicants.

What Happens If You Are Selected?

Successful applicants will be required to:

Sign a Learning Contract

Students must sign a learning contract with the Gauteng College of Nursing.

Participate in Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete practical training in Gauteng Department of Health hospitals and clinics.

Work Required Shifts

Practical training may include nights, weekends and public holidays.

Comply With Programme Requirements

Students must fulfil the academic and practical requirements of the Diploma in Nursing programme.

Skills and Personal Qualities for Nursing Students

Although the advertisement focuses primarily on academic and eligibility requirements, the following qualities may be useful for applicants pursuing nursing studies:

• Good communication skills.
• Compassion and empathy.
• Willingness to learn.
• Teamwork.
• Responsibility.
• Attention to detail.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Professionalism.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Respect for patients and colleagues.
• Time management.
• Commitment to healthcare service.
• Ability to adapt to shift-based training.

These are suggested qualities relevant to nursing education and are not additional formal admission requirements stated in the advertisement.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may be suitable for:

• South African citizens who reside in Gauteng.
• Applicants who completed Matric in Gauteng.
• Grade 12 applicants with an APS of 27 or higher.
• Applicants who meet the required English, Life Sciences and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy levels.
• Qualifying Senior Certificate holders.
• Qualifying NC(V) Level 4 holders.
• Individuals interested in nursing careers.
• Applicants willing to complete practical training in hospitals and clinics.
• Candidates prepared to participate in night, weekend and public holiday shifts.
• Applicants who are not currently enrolled at another tertiary institution.
• Individuals who are not currently receiving the prohibited government-funded study assistance.

Possible Nursing Selection Interview Questions

The official advertisement confirms a compulsory psychometric assessment for shortlisted applicants but does not state that interviews will be conducted.

Nevertheless, applicants preparing for a nursing selection process may consider the following questions:

1. Why do you want to become a nurse?
2. Why have you chosen Gauteng College of Nursing?
3. What do you understand about the responsibilities of a nurse?
4. Why is patient confidentiality important?
5. How would you assist someone who is anxious or distressed?
6. How do you handle stressful situations?
7. Why is teamwork important in healthcare?
8. Are you prepared to work night shifts, weekends and public holidays?
9. How would you respond to instructions from a clinical supervisor?
10. What qualities make a good nurse?
11. How do you manage your study time?
12. How would you handle a disagreement with another student?
13. What does professionalism mean in a healthcare environment?
14. How do you approach difficult problems?
15. Why should you be selected for the nursing programme?

These are general preparation questions and are not confirmed questions from Gauteng College of Nursing.

Tips for a Successful Nursing Application

1. Check Your APS

Ensure that you meet the required APS of 27 or higher if applying with a National Senior Certificate.

Remember that Life Orientation contributes half its level without rounding.

2. Confirm Your Subject Results

Check that you meet the required achievement levels for English, Life Sciences and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

3. Prepare Your Documents

Scan your original ID and qualifying school-leaving certificate in PDF format.

4. Confirm Your Eligibility

Ensure that you reside in Gauteng and completed your matriculation in Gauteng.

5. Check Your Funding Status

Do not apply if you are currently receiving the government or state-funded tertiary education assistance excluded by the programme.

6. Check Your Registration Status

Applicants already enrolled at another tertiary institution are not eligible.

7. Submit Before the Deadline

Do not wait until the last day to complete your application.

---

APPLICATION PROCESS

---

OTHER VACANCIES

OUTsurance OSS Hastings Learnership – Centurion | Matric | No Experience Required | R9,000 Stipend – Open Until Filled

• TWK Agri IT Trainee 2026 – Pietermaritzburg | Grade 12 | Permanent Position | Apply by 12 November 2026
• Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) 2027 – South Africa | 12-Month Graduate Internships | Applications Open
• Managed People Solutions Learnership 2026 – Pretoria CBD | Grade 12 | No Experience Required | R3,500 Monthly Stipend
• Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Programme 2027 – KwaZulu-Natal | Grade 12 | Engineering, Science, Finance, Health and More
• Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme 2027 – Johannesburg | Grade 12 | Apply by 15 November 2026