Nursing at (UNISA) University of South Africa
In 1975, the Department of Nursing Science, now the Department of Health Studies, was established under the leadership of Professor Charlotte Searle. The aim was to meet the need of thousands of nurses for post-registration distance education at University level.
The Department intended to provide access to education, to many nurses who could not meet the costs of traditional university education, or cope with the difficulties of attending a residential university. During the past 30 years, distance education for nurses and other health professionals developed into strengthening the health professions.
Today it is a WHO Collaborating Centre. It provides a powerful means of education and development of the health professions in general, and nursing in particular. The University of South Africa is a sub-chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.
Healthcare problems within Africa demand concerted efforts in re-evaluation of systems and methods for effective education of health professionals. Acceptance of changing philosophies and methods of providing health care is essential. So is the concentration on appropriate research. The Department of Health Studies is prepared for the challenge of equiping its students with research skills and expertise to assist in reaching global health needs.
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science
Admission and re-admission requirements
Qualification admission requirements
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning.
Applicants have to be registered with the SA Nursing Council (SANC) or equivalent registering body as a professional nurse.
Applicants, who do not comply with the above requirements, should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Student fees and funding your studies
Application fee
Pay the application fee once you’ve received your student number:
- R105 for online applications
- R160 for hard copy applications
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.
Student fees
Click here to find out more about Unisa’s student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Contact us
Departmental secretary:
Ms NM Monyae
Tel: + 27(0)12 429 6338(W)
Fax: + 27(0)12 429 6688(W)
Email: shabanm@unisa.ac.za