If you have always dreamed of becoming a professional nurse and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, the Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) Student Nurse Intake for 2027 could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
The Gauteng Department of Health has officially invited eligible applicants to apply for admission into the Diploma in Nursing programme offered at the Gauteng College of Nursing. Successful applicants will study at one of the college’s accredited campuses while receiving both classroom education and practical clinical training in Gauteng public hospitals and clinics.
This opportunity is highly competitive and attracts thousands of applications every year. Understanding the official requirements, preparing the correct documents, and submitting your application correctly can significantly improve your chances of being considered.
Quick Overview
- Programme: Diploma in Nursing (Student Nurse) – 2027 Intake
- Institution: Gauteng College of Nursing (Gauteng Department of Health)
- Province: Gauteng
- Application Method: Online only
- Closing Date: 26 September 2026
- Who Can Apply?: South African citizens residing in Gauteng Province
Campuses
- Ann Latsky Campus
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus
- SG Lourens Campus
- Bonalesedi Campus
Minimum Qualification
- Senior Certificate
- National Senior Certificate
- Current Grade 12 learner
- National Vocational Certificate (Primary Health)
About Gauteng College of Nursing
The Gauteng College of Nursing is one of South Africa’s largest public nursing education institutions. It operates under the Gauteng Department of Health and trains future professional nurses who will work in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities throughout the province.
Students enrolled at the college receive a combination of:
- Classroom-based theoretical education
- Laboratory practical sessions
- Clinical placements
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
- Professional development
The Diploma in Nursing prepares graduates for registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC), subject to meeting all professional requirements applicable at the time of qualification.
The programme equips graduates with the knowledge and practical skills required to deliver quality healthcare in public and private healthcare environments.
Campuses Offering the Programme
Applicants may be placed at one of the following campuses:
- Ann Latsky Campus
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus
- SG Lourens Campus
- Bonalesedi Campus
Placement is determined through the Gauteng Department of Health’s selection process.
Official Entry Requirements
According to the official Gauteng Department of Health advertisement, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be residing in Gauteng Province.
- Register a profile on the Gauteng Professional Job Centre system before applying.
- Apply online before the closing date.
- Possess one of the following:
- Senior Certificate
- National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- National Vocational Certificate (Primary Health)
- Currently be in Grade 12
No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
Official Academic Requirements
Option 1: Senior Certificate
Applicants must have:
- English HG D or SG C
- Biology HG D or SG C
- Mathematics HG D or SG C
- M Score of at least 17
Option 2: National Senior Certificate (NSC)
Applicants must obtain:
- English Level 4
- Life Sciences Level 4
- Mathematics Level 4
OR
- Mathematics Literacy Level 5
Plus:
- APS of 27 or higher
Please note:
- Life Orientation counts as half of its score when calculating the APS.
Option 3: National Vocational Certificate (Primary Health)
Applicants must achieve:
50% in Fundamental Subjects
- English First Additional Language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
AND
60% in Vocational Subjects
- South African Health Care System
- Public Health
- The Human Body and Mind
- Community Oriented Primary Care
Current Grade 12 Learners
Current Grade 12 learners may also apply.
Your final Grade 11 results must already meet the National Senior Certificate admission requirements.
Official Competencies and Personal Attributes
The Gauteng Department of Health is looking for applicants who demonstrate:
- Passion for nursing
- Compassion and empathy
- Honesty
- Patience
- Problem-solving skills
- Leadership ability
- Organisational skills
- Flexibility
- Calmness under pressure
- Good communication skills
- Numeracy skills
- Computer literacy
- Study skills
- Ability to relate well with people
These qualities are essential because nursing involves caring for patients from diverse backgrounds in demanding healthcare environments.
Selection Process
According to the official information, shortlisted applicants will undergo several additional assessments.
These include:
- Psychometric assessment
- Medical surveillance
- Physical examination
- Verification of qualifications
- Verification of supporting documents
Completing every stage of the recruitment process does not automatically guarantee final admission into the programme.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants will be required to upload scanned copies of:
- Senior Certificate
OR
- National Senior Certificate
OR
- National Certificate (Vocational)
OR
- Grade 12 statement of results
OR
- Grade 11 final results (for current Grade 12 learners)
If shortlisted, applicants must take the original supporting documents to the selection centre for verification.
Important Programme Commitments
Successful applicants must:
- Sign an agreement with the Gauteng Department of Health.
- Attend all lectures.
- Participate fully in Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
- Complete clinical placements in Gauteng public hospitals and clinics.
- Work shifts.
- Work weekends.
- Work public holidays.
- Work night duty where required.
Clinical practice forms a compulsory component of the Diploma in Nursing.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online here
Before applying:
- Register your profile on the Gauteng Professional Job Centre system.
- Complete every section of the application carefully.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit your application before 26 September 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.
Edupstairs Application Guidance
The following advice is provided by Edupstairs and is not part of the official Gauteng Department of Health advertisement.
Apply Early
Avoid waiting until the final day.
Government application portals often experience heavy traffic near closing dates.
Check Your APS Carefully
Many unsuccessful applicants simply miscalculate their APS.
Double-check every subject before applying.
Upload Clear Documents
Poor-quality scans may delay verification.
Ensure documents are:
- Easy to read
- Complete
- Correctly orientated
- Saved in the required format
Prepare for Psychometric Assessments
Psychometric tests often assess:
- Reasoning ability
- Communication
- Personality traits
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
These assessments are designed to determine whether applicants possess qualities suitable for nursing.
Learn About Nursing Before the Interview
If invited for interviews or assessments, understand:
- The role of a professional nurse
- Ethical behaviour
- Patient confidentiality
- Teamwork
- Basic healthcare principles
Demonstrating genuine motivation often leaves a positive impression.
Practice Computer Skills
Since applications are completed online and healthcare increasingly uses electronic systems, improving your computer literacy can be beneficial throughout your studies.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Many applications fail because candidates:
- Apply after the closing date.
- Do not meet the academic requirements.
- Upload incorrect documents.
- Forget to register a profile first.
- Submit incomplete applications.
- Calculate their APS incorrectly.
- Provide unreadable document scans.
- Ignore official communication requesting additional information.
Taking time to review your application before submission can help avoid these common errors.
Career Opportunities After Completing the Diploma
A Diploma in Nursing can open doors to various career opportunities within the healthcare sector. Depending on registration requirements, further studies, and available vacancies, graduates may pursue roles in:
- Public hospitals
- Community health centres
- Primary healthcare clinics
- Specialised hospital units
- Occupational health settings
- Private healthcare facilities
Many nurses also continue their professional development through postgraduate studies and specialised nursing qualifications.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
Nursing is far more than a career—it is a profession built on service, compassion and lifelong learning. If you genuinely enjoy helping others, remain calm under pressure and are committed to continuous personal and professional growth, this Diploma in Nursing could be the first step towards a rewarding healthcare career.
Before submitting your application, ensure that you meet every official requirement, calculate your APS correctly, upload clear supporting documents and apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Who can apply?
South African citizens residing in Gauteng Province who meet the academic requirements.
-
Can current Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Grade 11 final results must already meet the required NSC admission criteria.
-
Can applicants from other provinces apply?
According to the official requirements, applicants must reside in Gauteng Province.
-
Is there an application fee?
The official advertisement does not mention any application fee.
-
Can I email my application?
No. Applications are accepted online only.
-
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 26 September 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted.
-
Will shortlisted applicants write assessments?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates will complete compulsory psychometric assessments and additional verification processes.
-
Does passing the assessments guarantee admission?
No. The Gauteng Department of Health clearly states that completing all recruitment and selection processes does not guarantee final selection.
-
Will practical training be part of the programme?
Yes. Students will complete compulsory Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Gauteng Department of Health hospitals and clinics.
-
What happens if I do not receive feedback?
If you do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
This article is intended to explain the Gauteng College of Nursing Student Nurse Intake 2027 using information published by the Gauteng Department of Health. Applicants should always rely on the official application portal and official communications for the most up-to-date requirements, selection procedures and announcements.
Editorial Integrity
At Edupstairs, our goal is to make official education and employment opportunities easier to understand. We independently explain opportunities using publicly available official information and add practical guidance to help applicants prepare effectively. Where details are not specified in the official advertisement, we clearly state this rather than making assumptions or unsupported claims.
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