Life College of Learning

Training and development

Life Healthcare views its responsibility to contribute to the national pool of skills seriously, especially in the fields of nursing and health sciences. The Life College of Learning was established by the group in 1998. Life College of Learning is registered as a Private Higher Education Institution with the Department of Higher Education and Training since 2008. The College is accredited as a Nursing Education Institution with the South African Nursing Council and is also ISO9000:2008 certified.

Nurses form the cornerstone of Life Healthcare’s operations, and in this respect, our college’s nurse training programmes have proven to be strategically important to the success and solid reputation of our group. Our focus on clinical excellence underpins our commitment to delivering high quality care to our patients. The Life College of Learning has been instrumental in turning our group’s vision – to be a world class provider of quality healthcare for all – into reality.

The College has contributed to the development and empowerment of many South Africans, and is assisting in alleviating the national healthcare skills shortage. Several people from disadvantaged communities enrolled at the college are supported by various learnerships and bursaries provided by HWSETA.

The college managers provide visible leadership in the field of education and are actively involved in the Nursing Education Association (NEA), South African Nursing Council (SANC) and Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA). Excellent relations with these regulating bodies and tertiary institutions positions Life Healthcare well in addressing the challenges of skills shortages.

The Life College of Learning has over 1 000 students studying various educational programmes each year. Our excellent results in the registered examinations reflect the professionalism of our clinical educators, nursing staff and hospital management, as well as the quality of students selected. The group’s investment in the Life College of Learning, and in training and development of employees at all strata of the organisation, ensures that our people are empowered to attain excellence.

Our College has adopted an outcomes-based model of education and training, which promotes quality service delivery, and ensures that Life Healthcare’s values are reflected in the activities of the organisation.

Our college’s vision

To create a skilled workforce for Life Healthcare and the healthcare industry in order to provide cost effective, quality and competent patient care.

Our college’s mission

To retain and develop staff for Life Healthcare.
To ensure staff have career development opportunities.
To provide management at all levels with the necessary skills to conduct their work effectively.
To develop a competent workforce.
To work according to necessary legislation governing education, training and development in the healthcare industry.

Our learning centres

Our College comprises of seven learning centres throughout the country. The learning centres are situated in Springs, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Roodepoort and a classroom in Mossel Bay.

Our college’s programmes

All programmes offered by the Life College of Learning are accredited and include:

1. Nursing

Nursing courses offered:

Diploma: Bridging Course for enrolled nurses leading to registration as a General nurse – R.683
Post Basic programmes for specialised training in areas such as intensive care, operating theatre, trauma nursing and occupational health.

2. Health Sciences

Health Science courses offered:

Diploma in Operating Department Assistance ( 3 years)

3. Applications

Nursing applications – contact the nearest learning centre directly.
Health Sciences applications – Pretoria learning centre.

Contact us

Head Office

Luke Cheketri
Tel: 011 219 9885
Email: Luke.cheketri@lifehealthcare.co.za

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Learning centre list of contacts

Learning Centre	Physical address	Telephone
Cape Town Learning Centre	First Floor, The Park, Park Lane, Pinelands, Cape Town,7405	Tel (021) 506-5340 Fax (021) 506-5351 Anchen.Davids@lifehealthcare.co.za
KZN Learning Centre	Life St Joseph’s, 82 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Berea, Durban	Tel (031) 204-1445 Fax (031) 204-1444 Sarah.Samson@lifehealthcare.co.za
East London Learning Centre	The Hub, Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay	Tel (043) 704-3200 Julie.Stringer@lifehealthcare.co.za
East Rand Learning Centre	15 Middelsex Street, Spring Extension, Springs, 1559	Tel (011) 812-3960 Fax (011) 812-3962 Deborah.Colam@lifehealthcare.co.za
Port Elizabeth Learning Centre	Ground Floor, Oasim North, Havelock St. Central, Port Elizabeth, 6001	Tel (041) 501-1851 Fax (041) 501-1859 Koelsum.September@lifehealthcare.co.za
Pretoria Learning Centre	Room 6, Denneboom Park, Denneboom Rd, Die Wilgers, Pretoria, 0041	Tel (012) 816 8900 Sybella.vanWyk@lifehealthcare.co.za
West Rand Learning Centre	91 Leader Rd, Robertville, Roodepoort	Tel (011) 474-0400/1-6 Fax (086) 505-6610 Phumi.Ntsele@lifehealthcare.co.za
Classrooms	Contact
Life Bay View in Mossel Bay	Contact Cape Town Learning Centre

Our geographic spread of learning centres and classrooms

📌 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:

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

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

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

Visit the NSFAS Website

Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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.
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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.
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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:

Log into your MyNSFAS account.
Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
Upload any missing or corrected documents.
Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Facebook: NSFAS

📝 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.