UKZN – B Nursing Undergraduate Degree

UKZN – B Nursing Undergraduate Degree

By enrolling for the Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, you can make a difference to your society and your country. South Africa is in a challenging and exciting era, and the changes that will occur involve all spheres of the society – including the health system. You can form an integral part of this dynamic process!

B Nursing is a 4 year degree in Nursing Science which will enable you to register with the South African Nursing Council, as a General Nurse, midwife, psychiatric nurse and community health nurse. On graduation you can work in a hospital, but also in a clinic, or a hospice, or a ship, or in specialised units such as Critical Care. You can also follow a research career, or study further to obtain a Masters or a Doctoral degree.

A Unique Programme:

The unique and very exciting nature of this programme can be seen in three ways.

  • First, there is a strong emphasis on Primary Health Care. This implies that you, the student, move away from the traditional hospital-based training to an active hands-on involvement in various communities. By so doing, you will work in close association with the people of that community, identify their specific health needs and plan strategies to meet these needs.
  • A second aspect that makes this programme so unique is the type of teaching-learning interaction that occurs between the student and the lecturer. Gone are the days of falling asleep during lectures! You now get actively involved in the process of acquiring new knowledge by learning from real problems. We use both case-based and problem-based learning.
  • Third, during the first and second year you will not be nursing during semester times, which gives you the opportunity to concentrate fully on being a university student.

A Stimulating School

The School of Nursing is one of the best in the country. This can be recognised by the following:

  • It is a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development in Africa.
  • It has one of the best track records for research in the country.
  • It has been in the forefront of nursing education development over the last ten years.
  • It attracts students from many countries.
  • It collaborates with Schools of Nursing from a range of countries.

Structure of the Course

First Year
Commence, usually, in the fourth week of January

  1. Fundamental Nursing
  2. Four (4) non-nursing semester modules from social science or other schools of the university. (16 credits per module).
  3. Anatomy.
  4. Physics and Chemistry (Special Science).
  5. Clinical work during all university vacations.
  6. Physiology during 2nd semester.

Second Year

  1. Four non-nursing subjects, Two of which must be on 2nd year level.
  2. Community Health Nursing: Health promotion and illness prevention.
  3. Physiology in the first semester
  4. Clinical work during all university vacations.

Third Year

  1. General Nursing including Unit Administration
  2. Nursing Research
  3. Pharmacology
  4. Three days a week will be spent in a hospital setting, as well as during university
    vacations.

Fourth year

  1. Midwifery
  2. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
  3. Primary Health Care
  4. Four days per week will be spent in the communities, as well as during university vacations.

Requirements

  1. You must have a matriculation exemption. If you are still in Standard 10/Grade 12, you may be included in the selection procedure, but your selection is conditional pending your final matric results.
  2. You need to be in reasonably good health (will have a physical examination)

Application requirements

APS score of 27/32, with compulsory NSC subject English 4 (HL/FAL)and Mathematics Literacy or Mathematics at Level 3 and Life Orientation Level 4, or matric exemption 32 points

How to apply

The Central Admissions Office handles admissions to all tertiary education institutions in the region, so make sure that you indicate that you want to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Your completed application form must be returned to the office by the 30 September, together with a completed Health Questionnaire, which is obtainable with the application form from the Central Application Office, COA contact details : 031 268 4444.

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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.
    • 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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