UKZn – Bachelor of Nursing Advanced Practice (BNAP)

UKZn – Bachelor of Nursing Advanced Practice (BNAP)

A Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Practice) is a three year degree (if taken full time) which is offered post registration as a general nurse. The aim is to allow these nurses to advance themselves academically and clinically.

If a student completes less credits than is necessary for a degree, s/he can obtain either a Diploma in Nursing or a Certificate in Nursing, depending on the number of credits obtained.

There are the following BNAP options Or streams:

*One can work towards a BN (Adv Prac) through one of the following streams:

  • A Comprehensive Practice Degree: This is aimed at people who need one or more of the four basic registrations (General Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Midwifery). The student will choose the necessary modules which will lead to comprehensive registration, and also to a degree.
  • An Advanced Clinical Degree: A person can also obtain one or two advanced practice (post-basic) registrations by choosing from a series of specialist modules. For instance, a BN (Adv Prac: Oncology and Palliative Care) will demand that one completes Core, specialisation and elective modules. Refer to qualifications matrix, page 8
  • A Non-Clinical Degree: Nurses interested in nursing education or management can take a degree in which these qualifications are obtained and in addition complete the core and elective modules.

The school works with the School of Open Learning, which offers foundational and elective courses.

Open Learning is a modern trend in education which tries to remove the barriers which keep adults from learning. Nurses who have to work full time to support themselves and their families, who cannot obtain study leave, and who are far from educational facilities have found all these factors barriers to further education. The University of KwaZulu-Natal addresses these barriers by making some modules available at a distance, in a mixed mode.

Distance Learning means that the student and the teacher are separated by distance for most of the period of study.

The teacher bridges the distance by using aids such as workbooks, study guides, telephone contact, and decentralised libraries and other resources. Some of the nursing modules are offered in this way.

Mixed Mode means that the teaching/learning process includes both face-to-face contact, as well as resource-based teaching. For instance, the General Nursing 1 module is a mixed mode module. Students are given cases which they have to study and prepare at home. They also have classroom sessions, which allow face-to-face teaching. Usually the balance between resources and contact is 50:50.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • All students who register for any of these programmes must be a registered nurse.
  • Since these are university programmes, all students must have University exemption. Please remember that even if you did not have
  • University Exemption based on your matric certificate, you can obtain mature age exemption if you are 24 years or older.
  • One cannot register for a specialist module namely, Advanced Mental Health Nursing and Advanced Midwifery, if you do not have
  • the basic module on which it is based.

International students:

These students must process their registration with the South African Nursing Council prior to registration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Their qualifications must have been evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority.

PROGRAMME OPTIONS

TABLE 1: STUDENTS WHO EXIT WITH 384 CREDITS OBTAIN A DEGREE IN NURSING

Compulsory Core Modules:

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  • General Nursing 1a 32C
  • General Nursing 1b 32C
  • General Nursing 2a 32C
  • General Nursing 2b 32C
  • Nursing Research Theory 16C
  • Nursing Research Project 32C
  • Nursing Philosophy 16C
  • Fundamental modules Non-Nursing 64CDIPLOMA IN NURSINGTABLE 2: STUDENTS WHO EXIT WITH 256 CREDITS OBTAIN A DIPLOMA IN NURSING

    Core Modules:

    • General Nursing 1a 32C
    • General Nursing 1b 32C
    • General Nursing 2a 32C
    • General Nursing 2b 32C
    • Fundamental Modules 64C

 

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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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