If you’re researching the best nursing colleges in Johannesburg, you’re looking at one of South Africa’s richest healthcare education hubs, spanning major public universities, hospital-affiliated training academies, and specialized private colleges. Johannesburg remains one of the best places in South Africa to study nursing, thanks to its world-class hospitals, accredited training institutions, and strong demand for qualified nurses. If you are planning to become a registered nurse, auxiliary nurse, or enrolled nurse, understanding the nursing colleges in Johannesburg and their fees is one of the most important steps before applying. This guide covers 12 of the top nursing colleges in Johannesburg, their programs, duration, certificates awarded, fees, and what you need to qualify.
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History of Nursing in South Africa
Nursing in South Africa has one of the longest formal histories in the world. The profession gained formal self-regulation on 8 November 1944, when the South African Nursing Council held its first council meeting and legally enforceable registration was established. This built on an earlier milestone, since South Africa had already introduced state registration for nurses back in 1891, one of the first countries globally to do so, largely thanks to the advocacy of pioneering figures like Henrietta Stockdale.
University-level nursing education took decades longer to establish. The push for a nursing degree had been championed since the early 1900s by the South African Trained Nurses Association, though securing funding remained a persistent obstacle until the University of Pretoria launched a four-and-a-half-year BA in Nursing in 1956, admitting its first group of 32 students. The University of the Witwatersrand also played a pioneering role, becoming one of the first South African universities to fully integrate nursing into academic education over the following decades.
Since then, nursing education in South Africa has evolved into the multi-tiered system seen today — spanning certificate and diploma-level colleges, hospital-affiliated training academies, and full university degrees. This layered structure is reflected directly in the range of nursing colleges in Johannesburg covered in this guide, from auxiliary nursing certificates to Bachelor of Nursing Science degrees at institutions like Wits and UJ.
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Best Nursing Colleges in Johannesburg
Below is a detailed breakdown of all 12 best nursing colleges in Johannesburg covered in this guide.
1. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits offers a full Bachelor of Nursing Science degree and is one of the most academically respected nursing colleges in Johannesburg, with strong research output and international recognition.
Address: 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg Contact: +27 11 717 1888
Programs offered & duration:
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) – 4 years
Certificate awarded: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree, leading to SANC registration as a Professional Nurse
Best for: students who want a research-driven university nursing degree.
2. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ runs an accessible, public-university BNSc program based at its Doornfontein campus, making it one of the more affordable degree routes among nursing colleges in Johannesburg.
Address: Doornfontein Campus, John Orr Building, Doornfontein, Johannesburg Contact: +27 11 559 4555
Programs offered & duration:
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) – 4 years
Certificate awarded: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree, leading to SANC registration as a Professional Nurse
Best for: students who want an affordable public-university nursing degree.
3. Ann Latsky Nursing College
Ann Latsky, based in Hurst Hill, has a long track record of producing nurses who go on to work across South African healthcare institutions, thanks to its established public college status.
Address: 37 Plunkett Ave, Hurst Hill, Johannesburg Contact: +27 11 644 8900
Programs offered & duration:
- Diploma in General Nursing – 3 years
- Diploma in Midwifery – additional 1 year (often combined with general nursing)
Certificate awarded: Diploma in Nursing, leading to SANC registration as a Professional Nurse
Best for: students who want an established public college with a strong healthcare-sector reputation.
4. Netcare Education
Netcare Education, located in Auckland Park, runs general nursing, midwifery, and critical care programs, with clinical placements across the wider Netcare hospital network, a major advantage for hands-on training.
Address: 2 Bunting Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg Contact: +27 11 628 7614
Programs offered & duration:
- Diploma in General Nursing – 3 years
- Midwifery specialization – additional certification
- Critical Care Nursing – post-basic, around 1 year
Certificate awarded: Diploma in Nursing (Professional Nurse), plus specialist certificates in midwifery and critical care
Best for: students who want private, hospital-affiliated clinical training with specialization options.
5. Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College
Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College sits alongside Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the world, giving students exposure to an enormous range of clinical cases.
Address: 26 Chris Hani Rd, Johannesburg Contact: +27 11 933 0967
Programs offered & duration:
- Diploma in General Nursing – 3 years
Certificate awarded: Diploma in Nursing, leading to SANC registration as a Professional Nurse
Best for: students who want maximum clinical exposure at a major public hospital.
6. Khanyisa Nursing School
Khanyisa Nursing School in Rosettenville offers certificate and diploma-level training with a state-of-the-art facility geared toward practical, hands-on skill-building.
Address: 234 Donnelly St, Rosettenville, Johannesburg Contact: +27 11 434 1241
Programs offered & duration:
- Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing – around 1 to 2 years
- Diploma in Nursing – around 3 years
Certificate awarded: Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, or Diploma in Nursing
Best for: students who want a practically focused college offering both entry-level and diploma qualifications.
7. Ukwazi School of Nursing
Located in Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort, Ukwazi School of Nursing offers structured nursing education aimed at preparing students for professional registration.
Address: 1 Constantia Boulevard, Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort Contact: +27 11 760 3098
Programs offered & duration:
- Diploma in General Nursing – around 3 years
Certificate awarded: Diploma in Nursing, leading to SANC registration
Best for: students based in the West Rand area of Johannesburg.
8. Life Healthcare: West Rand Learning Center
Part of the Life Healthcare Group, this Roodepoort-based center provides nursing training linked to the wider Life Healthcare hospital network.
Address: 91 Leader Rd, Robertville, Roodepoort Contact: +27 87 352 2727
Programs offered & duration:
- Diploma in General Nursing – around 3 years
- Post-basic specialization courses – around 1 year each
Certificate awarded: Diploma in Nursing, plus post-basic specialization certificates
Best for: students who want training linked to a large private hospital group.
9. Bonalesedi Nursing College
Bonalesedi Nursing College, based in central Johannesburg, offers nursing education aimed at producing competent healthcare professionals for the local market.
Address: 101 Carr Street, Johannesburg Contact: +27 11 877 1000
Programs offered & duration:
- Diploma in General Nursing – around 3 years
- Certificate-level auxiliary nursing programs – around 1 to 2 years
Certificate awarded: Diploma in Nursing, or Auxiliary Nursing Certificate
Best for: students who want a centrally located college with both certificate and diploma options.
10. Mpilo Royal College
Mpilo Royal College (PTY) LTD, based in Marshalltown, offers nursing programs from certificate to diploma levels, with experienced lecturers and modern training facilities.
Address: 21 Kruis St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg Contact: 011 402 2297
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Programs offered & duration:
- Certificate in Nursing – around 1 to 2 years
- Diploma in Nursing – around 3 years
Certificate awarded: Certificate or Diploma in Nursing
Best for: students who want a Marshalltown-based college offering both entry-level and diploma routes.
11. Gem Auxiliary Nursing School
Gem Auxiliary Nursing School specializes in training auxiliary nurses, with small class sizes and personalized instruction for individualized attention.
Address: 21 Kruis St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg Contact: 011 331 0660
Programs offered & duration:
- Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing – around 1 year
Certificate awarded: Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing
Best for: students who want a focused, fast route into auxiliary nursing practice.
12. Kunokhanya Training Academy
Kunokhanya Training Academy focuses on providing nursing education to previously disadvantaged individuals, with a mission to address South Africa’s nursing shortage through competent, compassionate graduates.
Address: 30 Von Brandis St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg Contact: 011 331 0205
Programs offered & duration:
- Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing – around 1 to 2 years
- Diploma-level nursing programs – around 3 years
Certificate awarded: Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, or Diploma in Nursing
Best for: students seeking an access-focused college with a strong social mission.
Requirements to Study Nursing in Johannesburg
To gain admission to most nursing colleges in Johannesburg, prospective students generally need:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent, with a minimum level 4 in English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Sciences
- Some institutions also require a level 4 in Physical Sciences
- A background in health or social sciences, while not always mandatory, can strengthen an application
- An interview and a motivational letter outlining interest in the nursing profession
- Some schools require a healthcare-related aptitude test or evidence of prior exposure to a medical setting, such as volunteering
Meeting these requirements is the first step toward securing a place at any of the nursing colleges in Johannesburg on this list.
Fees at Nursing Colleges in Johannesburg
Costs vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public university or a private college:
- Public universities (e.g., University of Johannesburg, Wits): annual tuition of roughly ZAR 35,000 to ZAR 60,000, covering tuition and basic materials
- Private institutions (e.g., Netcare Education, Life Healthcare College of Learning): fees typically start around ZAR 60,000 per year and can exceed ZAR 100,000 for specialized or advanced courses
- Additional costs to budget for across most nursing colleges in Johannesburg include textbooks, uniforms, clinical placement fees, and living expenses if relocating
Private institutions often justify their higher fees with smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction, which can be a meaningful advantage for hands-on learning.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in Johannesburg?
Training duration depends on the qualification path:
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) at universities like Wits or UJ – around 4 years, combining theory and clinical training
- Diploma in Nursing at colleges like Netcare Education or Ann Latsky – around 3 years, also leading to professional registration
- Certificate-level auxiliary nursing programs – around 1 to 2 years, for a faster entry point into the profession
- All programs require a set number of supervised clinical practice hours in real healthcare settings
After graduation, students must pass the South African Nursing Council (SANC) licensure examination to practice legally as a nurse.
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How Much Do Nurses Earn in Johannesburg?
Nurse salaries vary by experience, specialization, and employer:
- Entry-level registered nurses typically earn between ZAR 200,000 and ZAR 300,000 per year
- Experienced nurses, especially those specializing in intensive care, pediatrics, or surgical nursing, can earn ZAR 400,000 to ZAR 600,000 annually
- Private hospital and clinic nurses often earn more than public-sector counterparts, due to competitive pay structures and demand for specialized skills
- Shift differentials, overtime, and additional certifications can further boost overall earnings
FAQs About Nursing Colleges in Johannesburg
Which is the best nursing college in Johannesburg? The University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg are widely regarded as the top nursing colleges in Johannesburg for degree-level education, while Netcare Education and Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College stand out for hospital-based clinical training.
How much does it cost to study nursing in Johannesburg? Public universities charge roughly ZAR 35,000 to ZAR 60,000 per year, while private nursing colleges in Johannesburg typically start around ZAR 60,000 and can exceed ZAR 100,000 for specialized programs.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Johannesburg? A Bachelor of Nursing Science degree takes about 4 years, a diploma in nursing typically takes 3 years, and certificate-level auxiliary nursing programs take around 1 to 2 years.
What certificates do nursing colleges in Johannesburg award? Depending on the institution, students can earn a Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, a Diploma in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree, all leading to SANC registration.
What are the requirements to study at nursing colleges in Johannesburg? Most require a National Senior Certificate with at least a level 4 in English, Mathematics, and Life Sciences, along with an interview and motivational letter.
How much do nurses earn in Johannesburg? Entry-level registered nurses earn between ZAR 200,000 and ZAR 300,000 per year, rising to ZAR 400,000–600,000 for experienced or specialized nurses.
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Conclusion
Johannesburg offers one of South Africa’s most complete ranges of nursing colleges, from internationally recognized university degrees to hospital-affiliated diplomas and certificate-level auxiliary training. Whichever of these nursing colleges in Johannesburg you choose, weigh program duration, fees, and clinical training opportunities carefully, and confirm current requirements directly with the institution before applying.
