Department of Health Nursing Learnerships

Department of Health Nursing Learnerships

Then this is the ideal career path for you. The health department of South Africa aims at providing assistance to all citizens to live a long and healthy life. A career within the health industry can also be very rewarding, as well as one in nursing. Nursing contains many other fields except for just simply attending to a patient’s needs as a bedside nurse.

The Department aims to not only educate the workforce within the medical industry but also the public in leading healthy lives. They aim at preventing, as well as fighting diseases with proper access, efficiency, quality and equity delivered to all communities.

As a nurse, it is necessary to tend to your community be they an individual or groups using your educational skills and your personal talents. The South African nursing council which is a statutory health professional council regulates the nursing profession.

Here are some of the colleges accepted by the Department. Excelsior Nursing College in the North West province offers nurses to be trained and educated, this training is recognized in South Africa and in most countries worldwide. This is accomplished by the proper training approach and the adding of new technology.

The main campus in Klerksdorp which is associated with the North West University in Potchefstroom.  This connection gives the university campus the standards in which college must adhere to. The North West Provincial Department of Health recognizes the college as a Nursing Educational Institute.

They offer qualifying candidates a great opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience within the medical field through their learnerships.

Department of Health Nursing Learnerships Available

Applicants intending to apply for a learnership with this Government Department must be interested in following a career within the medical field.

Applicants can look to apply within the following fields:

  • Community Nursing
  • Midwifery
  • Psychiatry
  • General Nursing

Depending on Province and District, some of these learnership opportunities will be for a 12 month period only, where others can stretch over 4 years.

Department of Health Nursing Learnerships Requirements

Applicants ready to move on and into a career field within the health industry will be required to adhere to all stipulations as set out by the Department. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 35 are preferred.

Applicants must have the following:

  • Candidates must be a citizen of South African
  • Applicants must be in possession of a valid ID document
  • Applicants must hold a valid Matric / Grade 12 certificate
  • Applicants must stay within the area they are applying in
  • Applicants must not be employed
  • Applicants must be proficient in English, read, write and speak
  • Applicants with Life Science and Biology subjects will be beneficial
  • Applicants must be computer literate

Applicants with the following attributes and/or competencies are preferred:

  • Applicants with a love of people and great patience
  • Applicants with problem-solving abilities
  • Applicants with leadership and organizational skills
  • Applicants who can keep calm during pressure and crisis
  • Applicants who are flexible with a touch of humor
  • Applicants with great life skills, compassion, and a caring nature
  • Applicants with a love for studying
  • Applicants that are honest and reliable

Applicants will need to sign a learnership agreement with the department for the duration of their program. Included in this opportunity may be lectures, training, and even some studying. Candidates will be required to work at Government hospitals and/or clinics for the duration of their learnership and may be asked to work shifts, weekends or holidays.

Department of Health Nursing Learnerships Application

Department of Health learnership applications online is not accessible. Interested candidates can download the Application form when it becomes available, or collect one from their nearest Department of Health. Candidates must complete this form and submit it with all relevant documentation to the Department of Health within their area.

Each Province is divided into Districts and each of these will have a number of intakes for learnerships available. Candidates are encouraged to consult their nearest Department of Health for information concerning open learnerships and the fields.

Please note that applications sent by e-mail, registered mail or fax will not be accepted. Applications must be delivered to your local Department of Health office. All certified documentation will be verified by the Department. Candidates with a disability are also welcome to apply.

Only applicants who make the shortlist will be contacted. These will be required to partake in a series of assessments and a shorter list will be compiled. Those remaining on the shortest list will be interviewed. Therefore applicants who have not heard anything within a month or two after closing date of applications may deem their application as being unsuccessful.

Applicants who are successful will be required to complete a medical examination, medical surveillance and also a security verification process.

Department of Health Nursing Learnerships Closing Date

The closing date of learnerships provided by the Department will differ according to the province you are in. Some provinces close early yearly as in February, where others only close their applications in May.

Applicants must ensure all documentation is valid, certified and attached to their application. Applications must be signed by the applicant and all fields completed in full. With these learnerships the Department of Health intends to supply professionals throughout all Provinces within public service.

If your passion is to help those around you and care for the sick, then you may be on the right path. Good luck to all applicants, may your dreams become a reality.

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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.
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  • 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.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
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  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
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  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ 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.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 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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