Nursing and Midwifery (BCur)

By the end, you have strong foundations in biology, anatomy and caring skills, and you know exactly how to apply to study nursing. This path prepares you for formal study; it does not qualify you to nurse.

Career pathwayAbout 90 hours3 stagesFree

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Career pathway. This is a regulated career. Online learning gives you strong foundations and a clear plan, but you will need to study and register formally to work in it. The route is explained on this page.

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Nurses and midwives care for patients, give medication, support doctors and deliver babies. South Africa has a shortage of nurses. It is a regulated profession: you must study at an accredited institution and register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

Turn on JavaScript to track your progress. The lessons are:FoundationsBuild science foundations: biology and the human body.Task: Make your own one-page summary sheets for five body systems (heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, digestion) and test yourself weekly.Core skillsLearn caring skills, infection control, first aid and ethics.Task: Complete a recognised first aid course if you can, or volunteer at a clinic, hospice or old-age home for 20 hours. Write what you learned about patient dignity and hygiene.Applied practicePrepare your application.Task: List three SANC-accredited nursing schools or universities, their entry requirements and closing dates, and draft your motivation letter.

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What competent looks like

Explains major body systems
Knows hand hygiene and infection control
Shows respect, patience and confidentiality
Has basic first aid knowledge
Knows the SANC qualification and registration route

The South African route

Study a SANC-accredited Diploma in Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing (BCur) and register with SANC. Provincial health departments offer nursing bursaries; check your province's website each year.

Free resources

Accredited institutions and registration
SANC
Biology and human body practice
Khan Academy

These links go to free courses and sites run by other organisations. We chose them in October 2026 but do not run them, so check costs, dates and entry requirements on their site. Broken link? Tell us.

Jobs it can lead to

Nursing student
Care worker or home-based carer
Ward assistant
Community health worker