Nursing bursaries are one of the main ways South African students can fund studies in the health sector.
Government and public institutions offer these bursaries to train skilled nurses for public hospitals and clinics.
Funding is aimed at students who want to study nursing or related healthcare qualifications at South African universities or universities of technology.
The bursaries cover tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes living allowances.
Applications for the 2027 academic year are expected to open soon.
Students should prepare early to ensure they meet deadlines and submit complete applications.
Which nursing bursaries open for 2027?
Several government bursary programmes are expected to open applications for nursing students.
These bursaries focus on critical healthcare fields to address shortages in South Africa’s public health sector.
Common bursary programmes that usually open around this period include:
- Provincial Health Department Nursing Bursaries.
- NSFAS Nursing Funding Programme.
- Department of Health Funza Lushaka Nursing Component.
- Military Health Nursing Bursaries via the SANDF.
- Public Hospital Graduate Nursing Bursaries.
Students must check official portals for exact opening dates and application requirements.
Eligibility Requrements for Nursing Bursaries
Eligibility depends on the bursary provider but generally includes:
- South African citizenship.
- Acceptance into a recognised nursing qualification at a public university or university of technology.
- Completion of matric with a minimum pass in mathematics, physical science, and life sciences.
- Demonstrated financial need in some bursary programmes.
- Commitment to work in the public health sector after graduation.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding as these bursaries are competitive.
Students must submit all required documents accurately and on time.
What nursing qualifications do these bursaries support?
Government nursing bursaries typically fund undergraduate and postgraduate nursing qualifications.
Commonly funded programmes include:
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (General, Community, Midwifery).
- Diploma in Nursing (R425 qualification).
- Postgraduate studies for specialised nursing fields.
- Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary programmes.
- Nursing Bridging Programmes for registered midwives or enrolled nurses upgrading to a degree.
Each bursary specifies the approved qualifications on the official application portal.
What documents are required for nursing bursary applications?
Applicants must submit supporting documentation to prove eligibility and financial need.
Commonly required documents include:
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Matric certificate or latest school results.
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised nursing programme.
- Proof of household income or financial need affidavit.
- Curriculum vitae if required by the bursary provider.
Students should ensure documents are certified, legible, and up to date.
Incomplete or incorrect documents may lead to automatic disqualification.
How do students apply for government nursing bursaries?
Applications are usually submitted online through official government or provincial portals.
The typical process is:
- Visit the official bursary portal of the Department of Health or NSFAS.
- Register a student account or log in if an existing account exists.
- Complete the online application form accurately.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
- Monitor application status through the portal.
Students should never submit applications through unofficial websites.
Why do many nursing bursary applications get rejected?
Applications may be rejected for several reasons:
- Missing or incomplete documents.
- Failure to meet academic or programme requirements.
- Late submission after the bursary closing date.
- Providing incorrect personal or financial information.
- Applying for an unapproved qualification.
Students should carefully review bursary guidelines and prepare documents in advance.
Submitting a complete and accurate application increases the chances of approval.
Contact information for Nursing Bursaries
Students should always contact bursary providers directly for accurate information.
The following official contacts are available:
- NSFAS Contact Centre: 0800 067 327 (Toll-free)
- NSFAS Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Department of Health: +27 (0)12 312 0000
- Department of Health Email: enquiries@health.gov.za
- Provincial Health Department bursaries: Check the respective provincial health website for contact emails and telephone numbers.
Students should always verify information through official portals before submitting applications.
