Life Nursing College Intake 2026

Life Nursing College Intake 2026

Life Nursing College Application Information

 Internal applicants (Life Healthcare employees): Please use the company intranet to apply.

 External applicants: Please go to your nearest Life College of Learning learning centre to complete the application form.

Courses offered:

 Diploma in General Nursing (offered at all the learning centres)

 Diploma in Operating Department Assistance (offered at the Pretoria learning centre only)

 Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science – post basic (only offered at East London, West Rand and KZN learning centres.)

 New undergraduate nursing programmes will be effective as per the SANC (South African Nursing Council) in 2026.

Application details:

  • Applications must be submitted by 31 August.
  • Online applications on Life Healthcare website (www.lifehealthcare.co.za).
  • Proof of non-refundable administration fee; together with the required supporting documentation to be submitted online.
  • All applications will follow the college selection process.

Application information

Admission requirements:

  • Grade 12 (Standard 10) or equivalent qualification.
  • Current enrolment as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council.
  • At least six months recent experience in general wards.

Note: Enrolled nurses with a Grade 10 (Standard 8) certificate may apply pending approval by the South African Nursing Council.

Download course brochure

Diploma in General Nursing

Bridging course for enrolled nurses leading to registration as a general nurse (SANC regulation no. 683)

  • The Life College of Learning trains over 1 000 students per year. The multi-learning centre model enables Life Healthcare to offer relational practice-based nursing.
  • Accredited as a private higher education institution by the Council for Higher Education and by Umalusi as a further education and training institution.
  • The college is geared to train professional nursing personnel of world-class quality for the extensive Life Healthcare hospital network, as well as for other institutions that are in need of trained nurses.
  • Standards are maintained and moderated by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth and the South African Nursing Council.

Modules:

First year
Module 1 : Integrated general nursing science I.
Module 2 : Applied social sciences I. Module 3 : Nursing dynamics I.

Second year
Module 1 : Integrated general nursing science II.
Module 2 : Applied social sciences II. Module 3 : Nursing dynamics II.

Outcomes
On completion of the diploma you will be a qualified general nurse, registered with the South African Nursing Council. This will enable you to practice in this capacity in the South African healthcare system. Your scope of practice will allow you to provide general nursing care. You can advance your career in nursing through further studies.

TARGET GROUPS : Enrolled nurses who want to further their career and become registered nurses. COURSE INFORMATION Duration Two years. Commencement date January/June. Cost As per annual fee structure.

Admission Requirements

■ Grade 12 (Standard 10) or equivalent qualification.

■ Current enrolment as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council.

■ At least six months recent experience in general wards.

Note: Enrolled nurses with a Grade 10 (Standard 8) certificate may apply pending approval by the South African Nursing Council.
Start Date: 04 June 2026
Duration: Two years
Cost: As per annual fee structure

APPLICATION Applications must be submitted by 31 August.

■ Online applications on Life Healthcare website (www.lifehealthcare.co.za).

■ Proof of non-refundable admisistration fee; together with the required supporting documentation to be submitted online.

■ All applications will follow the college selection process.

DIPLOMA IN OPERATING DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE

Target Group: Access to the programme is open, conditional to the admission requirements and the students’ access to the facilities that will enable both theoretical and clinical learning to take place under recognized supervision.

The following demographic profile is envisaged: The following demographic profile is envisaged: • Age: 18-30 years old • Gender: male or female • Interest: healthcare

Duration: Three (3) years of full time study

Commencement date: January of each year

Cost: As per annual fee structure

Admission requirements:

• Minimum statutory NSC requirements for entrance into higher education, diploma entry level must be met

• A recognised qualification deemed to be equivalent by the college senate and professional body

• Language English at NSC achievement rating of 4 (50-59%)

• Mathematical literacy at NSC achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or mathematics at 3 (40-49%)

• Computer literacy at NSC achievement rating of 3 (40-49%)

• Life Sciences at NSC achievement rating of 4 (50-59%)

APPLICATIONS

• Applications must be submitted by 31 August.

• Online application on the Life Healthcare website (www.lifehealthcare.co.za).

• Proof of non-refundable administration fee, together with the required supporting documentation to be submitted online.

• All applicants will follow the college selection process.

DIPLOMA IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING SCIENCE

Electives: Critical care nursing science Emergency nursing science Operating theatre nursing science Orthopaedic nursing science

TARGET GROUPS Registered nurses who want to specialise in a particular field of nursing.

COURSE INFORMATION

Duration One academic year.

Commencement date March.

Cost As per annual fee structure.

Admission requirements

■ Current registration with the South African Nursing Council as a nurse.

■ At least three months’ experience in the particular field of specialisation.

■ Proof of current position.

■ Letter of recommendation from your manager.

APPLICATION

Applications must be submitted by 31 August.

■ Online applications on Life Healthcare website (www.lifehealthcare.co.za).

■ Proof of non-refundable administration fee, together with the required supporting documentation to be submitted online.

■ All applicants will follow the college selection process.

Life Nursing College Downloads

Application information

Life College of Learning map

Diploma in General Nursing

Diploma in Operating Department Assistance

Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
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  5. Upload Required Documents

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  6. Submit Your Application

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  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
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🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
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📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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