Nursing at (US) Stellenbosch University

Nursing at (US) Stellenbosch University

Department of Nursing​ and Midwifery

Today the Department of Nursing and Midwifery has strengthened their programme offering in both clinical and non-clinical programmes with an average of 650 postgraduate students and an 85% throughput and completion rate.  Postgraduate programmes include honours, masters and doctorate degrees, and postgraduate diplomas in Primary Health Care, Critical Care Nursing, Operating Room Nursing, Advance Midwifery, Advance Psychiatry, Nursing Education, and Nursing Management.  The Department has an active role in the Basic Nursing Degree offered as a shared degree on a “Common Teaching Platform” in the Western Cape with the University of the Western Cape as the enrolling university and SU an offering university.

Nursing at (US) Stellenbosch University General Information

A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. To be considered for selection to the four-year B of Nursing degree programme an
applicant shall hold the National Senior Certificate (NSC), endorsed by Umalusi with
admission to Bachelor’s degree studies, or an equivalent qualification with an aggregate
of at least 50% (level 4) (excluding Life Orientation) and at least 40% (level 3) for
Mathematics, and at least 50% (level 4) for Life Sciences.
On account of the outstanding merit of most applicants, meeting the minimum
entrance requirements is by no means a guarantee for successful selection.

2. Since approximately 25-30% of the selected applicants do not accept the selection offer,
more applicants are selected initially in order to eventually reach the goal of 50 in total.

3. A maximum of two places are reserved for applicants who meet the minimum
admission requirements, and are admitted at the request of the Rector on account of
extraordinary considerations (as determined by the Rector).

4. The annual revision of the number of students admitted to the programme depends on:
• Training capacity in terms of human resources, infrastructure and the clinical
training platform
• Regional and national needs
• Enrolment planning of the University

5. Only applicants who have indicated B of Nursing as a first choice on their application
will be considered.

6. Candidates cannot defer their selection from one year to another. If an applicant is
successful, but does not take up their selection, such an applicant will normally have to
apply anew to be considered for selection in future.

7. As soon as the final National Senior Certificate marks (or equivalent) become available
in January of the following year, these marks and/or the improved NBT results are used instead of the Grade 11 marks and the
original NBT results respectively, and the waiting list order is adjusted accordingly.

Teaching & Learning

Postgraduate Diplomas in Nursing

General Information
Programmes and/or specific modules may be presented by means of interactive telematic education technology.

» Click here to view the brochure of postgraduate programmes

Short courses

Certificate in Basic Midwifery

Applications open on 1 March and close on the following dates:

31 May:  Applications close for the programme MB,ChB in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

30 June:  Applications close for all other undergraduate programmes.

30 June:  Residence applications close.

31 August: Applications close for Stellenbosch University financial assistance.

31 October: Applications close for Diploma in Public Accountability (Telematic Education).

30 November: Applications for NSFAS bursaries close.

​Please note that no late applications will be considered.​

 APPLICATION FEE​

Application fee (R100) can be paid as part of the online application process.

Please note that applicants from schools with a quantile 1 to 3, as well as international students, do not need to pay the application fee. Quantile 1 to 3 schools are schools which are identified by the Department of Basic Education as schools situated in disadvantaged environments. If you are unsure about the status of your school, please ask the school. The online application system will automatically exempt you from the application fee when you apply.

Cash payments may also be made in person at the cashiers at the Administration building A (Stellenbosch Campus).  

Read more about payment options at www.maties.com or contact our Client Service at 021 808 9111 or info@sun.ac.za.​

Stellenbosch University’s online application system
Step 1: Before you apply 

Make sure that you understand the University’s Admission Policy, and the admission and selection criteria of the different faculties before you apply. The policy, criteria and guidelines are available at Undergraduate Prospective Student website at www.maties.com, or you can contact our Client Service on +27 21 808 9111 or info@sun.ac.za. For postgraduate studies, please visit the Prospective Postgraduate Student website at www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies .

Step 2: Take note of the closing dates

Undergraduate closing dates for all students, including international students: 
31 May: Applications close for the programme MB,ChB in the Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences.
30 June: Applications close for all other undergraduate programmes.
30 June: Residence applications close.
31 August: Applications for Stellenbosch University financial assistance close. 

Postgraduate closing dates for all students:
Visit the Prospective Postgraduate Student website (www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies) for a list of the closing dates of all the postgraduate programmes offered for the intake year. 

Closing dates for financial assistance:
31 August: Applications close for Stellenbosch University financial assistance.

Step 3: Click applicable button for application instructions 

Contact Us

Tel: +27 21 938 9036
E-mail:  nursing@sun.ac.za

Postal address:
University Stellenbosch
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
Division of Nursing Science
PO Box 241
Cape Town
8000
South Africa

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

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.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  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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