If you have always dreamed of becoming a professional nurse, the Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) is accepting applications for its Student Nurse Intake 2027. The programme provides qualifying South African youth living in Gauteng with an opportunity to study towards a Diploma in Nursing while gaining practical clinical experience at public healthcare facilities across the province.
Nursing is an important healthcare career that combines academic study, clinical training, patient care and professional responsibility. For applicants who meet the admission requirements and successfully complete the selection process, this programme can provide a foundation for a long-term career in South Africa’s healthcare sector.
Applications are completed online only, and the stated closing date is 26 September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Gauteng College of Nursing Student Nurse Intake 2027 Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) |
| Programme | Student Nurse Intake 2027 |
| Qualification | Diploma in Nursing |
| Location | Gauteng, South Africa |
| Target Applicants | South African citizens residing in Gauteng |
| Application Method | Online only |
| Closing Date | 26 September 2026 |
| Clinical Training | Gauteng public hospitals and clinics |
| Work Integrated Learning | Yes |
| Programme Training | Academic and practical clinical training |
The programme is designed to combine classroom-based nursing education with practical exposure in healthcare facilities.
About the Gauteng College of Nursing
The Gauteng College of Nursing provides nursing education and practical training for people preparing for careers in healthcare.
The 2027 student nurse intake gives qualifying applicants an opportunity to study towards a Diploma in Nursing while developing practical skills required in clinical environments.
Nursing students do not learn only through classroom instruction. Clinical exposure is an important component of their development because students need to understand how theoretical knowledge is applied when caring for patients.
The programme therefore provides an opportunity to develop academic knowledge, practical competence and professional skills.
Gauteng College of Nursing Campuses
Successful applicants may be placed at one of the following Gauteng College of Nursing campuses:
- Ann Latsky Campus.
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Campus.
- SG Lourens Campus.
- Bonalesedi Campus.
Applicants should understand that their preferred campus does not necessarily guarantee placement there. According to the information provided, placement will depend on the College’s selection process and available space.
Who Can Apply for the 2027 Student Nurse Intake?
The opportunity is aimed at qualifying South African applicants who live in Gauteng Province.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Reside in Gauteng Province.
- Meet the relevant academic admission requirements.
- Apply online before the closing date.
- Be prepared to complete classroom-based education and practical clinical training.
Applicants can apply using different school-leaving qualifications, including a Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate or National Vocational Certificate, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Current Grade 12 learners can also apply using their Grade 11 final results, subject to the stated admission requirements.
Senior Certificate Requirements
Applicants with a Senior Certificate must meet the requirements specified for the relevant subjects.
The stated requirements are:
- English HG: D or SG: C.
- Biology HG: D or SG: C.
- Mathematics HG: D or SG: C.
- M Score of 17.
Candidates should carefully check their original school results before submitting an application.
National Senior Certificate Requirements
Applicants with a National Senior Certificate must meet the following requirements:
- English: Level 4.
- Life Sciences: Level 4.
- Mathematics: Level 4; or
- Mathematical Literacy: Level 5.
- APS Score: 27 or higher.
The information provided also states that Life Orientation counts only half towards the APS calculation.
Applicants should calculate their APS carefully according to the applicable admission rules rather than assuming that every subject contributes equally.
National Certificate (Vocational) Requirements
Applicants applying with a National Certificate (Vocational) must meet the specified subject requirements.
Fundamental Subjects
Applicants must obtain at least 50% in the relevant fundamental subjects, including:
- English First Additional Language.
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- Life Orientation.
Vocational Subjects
Applicants must obtain at least 60% in the specified vocational subjects, including:
- South African Health Care System.
- Public Health.
- The Human Body and Mind.
- Community Oriented Primary Care.
Candidates should ensure that their subjects correspond with the requirements before applying.
Current Grade 12 Learners
Current Grade 12 learners are allowed to apply.
Instead of waiting for their final Grade 12 results, applicants can use their Grade 11 final results for the application, provided those results meet the relevant National Senior Certificate admission requirements.
This gives current learners an opportunity to begin the application process before completing Grade 12.
However, applicants should remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.
Skills and Personal Qualities for Nursing
Nursing is both academically and emotionally demanding.
For this reason, applicants should consider whether they have the personal qualities required to work in a healthcare environment.
The information provided identifies several important skills and attributes, including:
- Compassion.
- Empathy.
- Honesty.
- Integrity.
- Patience.
- Communication skills.
- Leadership potential.
- Organisation.
- Computer literacy.
- Numeracy.
- Problem-solving.
- Ability to work with people.
- Flexibility.
- Study skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Passion for nursing.
These qualities can help nursing students cope with the demands of clinical training and patient care.
Why Communication Is Important in Nursing
Communication is an essential nursing skill.
Nurses interact with patients, families, doctors, other healthcare professionals and members of the wider healthcare team.
Clear communication can help ensure that information is understood and that patients receive appropriate care.
Applicants should therefore develop both written and verbal communication skills during their studies.
Nursing Requires Compassion and Professionalism
Healthcare professionals work with people who may be experiencing pain, illness, anxiety or difficult circumstances.
Nurses therefore need to demonstrate empathy while maintaining professional standards.
Integrity and honesty are equally important because healthcare workers have significant responsibilities when caring for patients.
For students considering nursing as a career, understanding these responsibilities is just as important as meeting the academic requirements.
Selection Process
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the Gauteng College of Nursing programme.
Applicants who progress through the selection process may be required to complete additional assessments and verification procedures.
These may include:
- Psychometric assessment.
- Qualification verification.
- Medical surveillance.
- Physical examination.
- Document verification.
Only candidates who successfully complete the required selection stages may receive an offer to join the programme.
This means applicants should prepare carefully and ensure that all information submitted during the application is accurate.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload the required supporting documentation during the online application process.
The information provided states that applicants should submit:
- Senior Certificate.
- National Senior Certificate.
- National Vocational Certificate.
Alternatively, applicants may submit:
- Grade 12 statement of results; or
- Final Grade 11 results if they are currently in Grade 12.
If shortlisted, applicants will be required to present original supporting documents at the selection centre.
Make sure that uploaded documents are clear and readable.
Work Integrated Learning and Clinical Training
A major component of nursing education is practical experience.
Successful applicants will be required to participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and practical clinical training.
This training will take place in Gauteng public hospitals and clinics.
Students should therefore be prepared for an environment that differs from ordinary classroom learning.
Clinical training may require students to work according to healthcare facility schedules and operational requirements.
Important Conditions of the Programme
Successful applicants will be expected to:
- Sign an agreement with the Gauteng Department of Health.
- Attend lectures.
- Participate in Work Integrated Learning.
- Complete practical clinical training.
- Train at Gauteng public hospitals and clinics.
- Work shifts.
- Work weekends when required.
- Work public holidays when required.
- Participate in night duty as part of training.
Applicants should consider these requirements before applying.
Nursing is a career that requires flexibility because healthcare services operate around the clock.
Estimated Salary and Benefits
The information supplied for the Gauteng College of Nursing Student Nurse Intake 2027 does not state a specific salary, stipend or employee benefits package.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that medical aid, pension contributions or other employment benefits are included unless these are confirmed by the relevant authorities.
| Benefit / Financial Information | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary / Stipend | Not specified in supplied information |
| Medical Aid | Not specified |
| Pension Fund | Not specified |
| Life Insurance | Not specified |
| Disability Cover | Not specified |
| Employee Wellness | Not specified |
| Bonuses | Not specified |
| Paid Leave | Not specified |
| Training | Nursing education and clinical training |
| Work Integrated Learning | Yes |
| Practical Experience | Public healthcare facilities |
The primary value of the programme described here is the opportunity to obtain a nursing qualification and develop practical clinical experience.
Career Opportunities in Nursing
A Diploma in Nursing can provide a foundation for a career in the healthcare sector.
After completing the required education, registration and professional requirements applicable to their career pathway, nurses can work in different healthcare environments.
Potential areas of nursing practice can include:
- Public hospitals.
- Private hospitals.
- Clinics.
- Community healthcare.
- Primary healthcare.
- Maternal and child healthcare.
- Geriatric care.
- Emergency care.
- Mental healthcare.
- Occupational healthcare.
Further education and professional development can allow nurses to pursue more specialised career paths.
Nursing and Healthcare Career Development
Healthcare is a broad industry with opportunities extending beyond nursing.
People who develop experience in healthcare can explore careers involving:
- Nursing.
- Healthcare administration.
- Public health.
- Community health.
- Health education.
- Healthcare management.
- Clinical support.
- Health research.
Additional qualifications can also support progression into leadership and management positions.
For example, experienced healthcare professionals may eventually move into supervisory, education, management or specialist roles depending on their qualifications and professional registration.
Why Study Nursing?
Nursing can be a meaningful career for people who want to work directly with communities and contribute to patient care.
Nurses play an important role in healthcare facilities and work alongside other professionals to support patients.
The profession also requires lifelong learning.
Healthcare practices, technology, treatment approaches and professional standards continue to develop, meaning nurses need to maintain and improve their knowledge throughout their careers.
For someone who enjoys working with people, solving problems and serving communities, nursing can provide a rewarding professional pathway.
How to Apply for the Gauteng College of Nursing Intake 2027
Applications must be completed online only.
Applicants should follow the application instructions carefully.
Step 1: Access the Application Portal
Visit the designated Gauteng Nursing Intake online application portal.
Step 2: Register
Create your profile on the application system using your correct personal information.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Enter your academic and personal information accurately.
Check your subjects and results before continuing.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Upload clear copies of the required supporting documents.
Make sure the documents are readable and correspond with the information entered on your application.
Step 5: Review Your Application
Before submitting, check:
- Your personal information.
- Contact details.
- Academic results.
- Qualification information.
- Uploaded documents.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit the completed application before the closing date.
Email and hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
Gauteng College of Nursing Closing Date
The closing date for the Gauteng College of Nursing Student Nurse Intake 2027 is:
26 September 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.
Late applications will not be considered.
It is advisable to apply early rather than waiting until the final day, particularly if you need to obtain documents or resolve problems with the online application system.
Important Notes for Applicants
Before submitting your application, remember:
- Check that you meet the academic requirements.
- Confirm that you reside in Gauteng.
- Use the correct application portal.
- Register your profile before completing the application.
- Upload clear supporting documents.
- Check your academic results carefully.
- Keep confirmation of your submitted application.
- Be prepared for additional selection assessments.
- Remember that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
- Be prepared for classroom and clinical training.
- Be willing to work shifts, weekends, public holidays and night duty during training.
The information supplied states that applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualification does the programme offer?
The programme leads to a Diploma in Nursing.
Who can apply?
South African citizens who reside in Gauteng Province and meet the applicable academic requirements can apply.
Can current Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Current Grade 12 learners can apply using their Grade 11 final results, provided they meet the stated admission requirements.
What APS score is required for NSC applicants?
The stated requirement is an APS score of 27 or higher, with Life Orientation counting only half towards the calculation.
Can Mathematical Literacy applicants apply?
Yes. The stated NSC requirements allow Mathematical Literacy at Level 5 instead of Mathematics Level 4.
Where will students receive practical training?
Students will participate in clinical training at Gauteng public hospitals and clinics.
Are there different GCON campuses?
Yes. The campuses listed are Ann Latsky, Chris Hani Baragwanath, SG Lourens and Bonalesedi.
Does meeting the minimum requirements guarantee admission?
No. Applicants must successfully complete the applicable selection stages.
What assessments may shortlisted applicants undergo?
The selection process may include psychometric assessment, qualification verification, medical surveillance, physical examination and document verification.
Can applications be emailed?
No. Applications are online only. The supplied information states that emailed or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 26 September 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Gauteng College of Nursing Student Nurse Intake 2027 provides an opportunity for qualifying Gauteng residents to begin their journey towards a professional nursing career.
The programme combines academic education with Work Integrated Learning and clinical training, allowing students to develop knowledge and practical skills in public healthcare environments.
However, prospective applicants should understand that nursing requires dedication, compassion, discipline and the ability to work under pressure. Clinical training can also involve shifts, weekends, public holidays and night duty.
If you meet the academic requirements and genuinely want to build a career in healthcare, this is an opportunity worth considering.
Prepare your documents, check your academic results and submit your Gauteng College of Nursing application before 26 September 2026. Do not wait until the final day. After applying, continue exploring nursing programmes, healthcare careers, healthcare learnerships, internships, bursaries and other professional development opportunities that can help you build a long-term career in South Africa’s healthcare sector.