{"id":131,"date":"2026-03-06T15:51:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/?p=131"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:51:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:51:34","slug":"department-of-health-nursing-learnership-2026-in-south-africa-apply-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/?p=131","title":{"rendered":"Department of Health Nursing Learnership 2026 in South Africa \u2013 Apply Now"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden transition-[max-height,opacity] duration-300 ease-out mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\" aria-hidden=\"false\">\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute inset-x-0 bottom-0 z-10 h-12 bg-gradient-to-b from-transparent via-token-bg-primary\/80 to-token-bg-primary transition-opacity duration-300 ease-out opacity-0 delay-200\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"119\" data-end=\"384\">The <strong data-start=\"123\" data-end=\"164\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">National Department of Health (South Africa)<\/span><\/strong> offers <strong data-start=\"172\" data-end=\"219\">Nursing Learnerships and bursary programmes<\/strong> for young South Africans who want to become professional nurses. These programmes are offered through <strong data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"383\">provincial health departments and public nursing colleges<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"644\">The <strong data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"439\">Department of Health Nursing Learnership 2026<\/strong> allows students to <strong data-start=\"459\" data-end=\"542\">study nursing while receiving financial support and practical hospital training<\/strong>. It is one of the best opportunities for people who want a <strong data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"643\">career in healthcare and patient care<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"646\" data-end=\"649\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1vdqzrt\" data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"707\">What Is the Department of Health Nursing Learnership?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"1008\">A nursing learnership is a <strong data-start=\"736\" data-end=\"769\">structured training programme<\/strong> where students receive both <strong data-start=\"798\" data-end=\"857\">theoretical education and practical hospital experience<\/strong>. Instead of paying full tuition fees, learners often receive financial assistance or a stipend while training.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1010\" data-end=\"1112\">Students usually train in <strong data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1091\">government hospitals, clinics, and nursing colleges<\/strong> across South Africa.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1114\" data-end=\"1117\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1sk52bo\" data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1152\">Nursing Qualifications Offered<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1229\">Most Department of Health programmes focus on these nursing qualifications:<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1re41o\" data-start=\"1231\" data-end=\"1285\">1. Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary Nurse)<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1382\">\n<li data-section-id=\"p5exhu\" data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1308\">\n<p data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1308\">Duration: <strong data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1308\">1 year<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1f8k62u\" data-start=\"1309\" data-end=\"1382\">\n<p data-start=\"1311\" data-end=\"1382\">Trains students to assist professional nurses in hospitals and clinics.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"8nqrrp\" data-start=\"1384\" data-end=\"1409\">2. Diploma in Nursing<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1488\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1hyy5gj\" data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1433\">\n<p data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1433\">Duration: <strong data-start=\"1422\" data-end=\"1433\">3 years<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"4qvhyp\" data-start=\"1434\" data-end=\"1488\">\n<p data-start=\"1436\" data-end=\"1488\">Prepares students to become <strong data-start=\"1464\" data-end=\"1487\">Professional Nurses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1589\">These qualifications combine <strong data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1563\">classroom learning and clinical training<\/strong> in healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1591\" data-end=\"1594\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1756fm0\" data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1623\">Learnership Requirements<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1625\" data-end=\"1719\">To qualify for the <strong data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1693\">Department of Health Nursing Learnership 2026<\/strong>, applicants usually need:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1721\" data-end=\"1926\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1a4zxe3\" data-start=\"1721\" data-end=\"1746\">\n<p data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1746\">South African citizen<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"lijrcb\" data-start=\"1747\" data-end=\"1770\">\n<p data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1770\">Age <strong data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1768\">18\u201335 years<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"wf0te2\" data-start=\"1771\" data-end=\"1808\">\n<p data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1808\"><strong data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1794\">Grade 12 (Matric)<\/strong> certificate<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1t5t9k5\" data-start=\"1809\" data-end=\"1850\">\n<p data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"1850\">English and Life Sciences recommended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"eu561n\" data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1873\">\n<p data-start=\"1853\" data-end=\"1873\">No criminal record<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1fvc11b\" data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"1926\">\n<p data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1926\">Medically fit to work in healthcare environments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1928\" data-end=\"2017\">Some nursing colleges may also require a <strong data-start=\"1969\" data-end=\"1990\">minimum APS score<\/strong> or an entrance assessment.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2019\" data-end=\"2022\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1gamgi9\" data-start=\"2024\" data-end=\"2042\">Monthly Stipend<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2044\" data-end=\"2156\">Learners who join Department of Health programmes may receive <strong data-start=\"2106\" data-end=\"2139\">financial support or stipends<\/strong> during training.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2182\">Estimated stipend range:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2296\">\n<li data-section-id=\"ka0pdi\" data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2296\">\n<p data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2296\"><strong data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2215\">R5,000 \u2013 R7,000 per month<\/strong> depending on the province and programme.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2298\" data-end=\"2362\">The stipend helps cover <strong data-start=\"2322\" data-end=\"2361\">transport, food, and study expenses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2364\" data-end=\"2367\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"t36yi3\" data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2390\">Training Locations<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2392\" data-end=\"2488\">Training is offered at <strong data-start=\"2415\" data-end=\"2456\">public nursing colleges and hospitals<\/strong> in different provinces such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2741\">\n<li data-section-id=\"eyrt5h\" data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2531\">\n<p data-start=\"2492\" data-end=\"2531\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Gauteng<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"hjs5dh\" data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2573\">\n<p data-start=\"2534\" data-end=\"2573\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">KwaZulu-Natal<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"pzvh1x\" data-start=\"2574\" data-end=\"2615\">\n<p data-start=\"2576\" data-end=\"2615\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Western Cape<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1l5awad\" data-start=\"2616\" data-end=\"2657\">\n<p data-start=\"2618\" data-end=\"2657\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Eastern Cape<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1upsd79\" data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"2699\">\n<p data-start=\"2660\" data-end=\"2699\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Limpopo<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1xaspf9\" data-start=\"2700\" data-end=\"2741\">\n<p data-start=\"2702\" data-end=\"2741\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Free State<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2743\" data-end=\"2823\">Each province runs its own <strong data-start=\"2770\" data-end=\"2822\">Department of Health nursing training programmes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2828\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"kysv8w\" data-start=\"2830\" data-end=\"2851\">Documents Required<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2903\">Applicants should prepare the following documents:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"3057\">\n<li data-section-id=\"16rks94\" data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"2921\">\n<p data-start=\"2907\" data-end=\"2921\">Updated <strong data-start=\"2915\" data-end=\"2921\">CV<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1l0tstn\" data-start=\"2922\" data-end=\"2962\">\n<p data-start=\"2924\" data-end=\"2962\">Certified copy of <strong data-start=\"2942\" data-end=\"2962\">South African ID<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"df3eqi\" data-start=\"2963\" data-end=\"2997\">\n<p data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"2997\">Certified <strong data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"2997\">Matric certificate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"48gttt\" data-start=\"2998\" data-end=\"3018\">\n<p data-start=\"3000\" data-end=\"3018\">Proof of residence<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ecuwcb\" data-start=\"3019\" data-end=\"3057\">\n<p data-start=\"3021\" data-end=\"3057\">Academic transcripts (if applicable)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3122\">Make sure documents are <strong data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3121\">certified within the last 3 months<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3124\" data-end=\"3127\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"18ijkpx\" data-start=\"3129\" data-end=\"3177\">How to Apply for the Nursing Learnership 2026<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3179\" data-end=\"3198\">Follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"3200\" data-end=\"3453\">\n<li data-section-id=\"49yjqd\" data-start=\"3200\" data-end=\"3260\">\n<p data-start=\"3203\" data-end=\"3260\">Visit your <strong data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3257\">provincial Department of Health website<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ns3gy\" data-start=\"3261\" data-end=\"3325\">\n<p data-start=\"3264\" data-end=\"3325\">Look for <strong data-start=\"3273\" data-end=\"3322\">Nursing Training or Learnership Opportunities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"cvgfip\" data-start=\"3326\" data-end=\"3381\">\n<p data-start=\"3329\" data-end=\"3381\">Download the <strong data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3362\">application form<\/strong> or apply online.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1to8k5f\" data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3453\">\n<p data-start=\"3385\" data-end=\"3453\">Submit the form with the required documents before the closing date.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"3455\" data-end=\"3533\">Applications are normally processed through <strong data-start=\"3499\" data-end=\"3532\">provincial health departments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3535\" data-end=\"3538\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"wujnih\" data-start=\"3540\" data-end=\"3560\">Important Warning<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3562\" data-end=\"3748\">Nursing learnerships are <strong data-start=\"3587\" data-end=\"3619\">completely free to apply for<\/strong>. If someone asks you to pay <strong data-start=\"3648\" data-end=\"3684\">application or registration fees<\/strong>, it is likely a scam.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3750\" data-end=\"3800\">Always apply through official government websites.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3802\" data-end=\"3805\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"hzqna5\" data-start=\"3807\" data-end=\"3867\">Why Apply for the Department of Health Nursing Programme?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3869\" data-end=\"3886\">Benefits include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3888\" data-end=\"4062\">\n<li data-section-id=\"78vad4\" data-start=\"3888\" data-end=\"3929\">\n<p data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"3929\"><strong data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"3929\">Government-funded nursing education<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"kew27\" data-start=\"3930\" data-end=\"3963\">\n<p data-start=\"3932\" data-end=\"3963\">Practical <strong data-start=\"3942\" data-end=\"3963\">hospital training<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"16xvgs2\" data-start=\"3964\" data-end=\"4004\">\n<p data-start=\"3966\" data-end=\"4004\">Monthly <strong data-start=\"3974\" data-end=\"4004\">stipend or bursary support<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1smbr5c\" data-start=\"4005\" data-end=\"4062\">\n<p data-start=\"4007\" data-end=\"4062\">Opportunity to work in <strong data-start=\"4030\" data-end=\"4062\">public hospitals and clinics<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4064\" data-end=\"4165\">For many South Africans, this programme is a <strong data-start=\"4109\" data-end=\"4164\">gateway to a stable and rewarding healthcare career<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>The National Department of Health (South Africa) offers Nursing Learnerships and bursary programmes for young South Africans who want to become professional nurses. These programmes <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/?p=131\" title=\"Department of Health Nursing Learnership 2026 in South Africa \u2013 Apply Now\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-circular-2026","category-vacancies"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=131"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":132,"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131\/revisions\/132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dpsa.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}