The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a leading provider of distance learning nursing education, designed for healthcare professionals who wish to advance their qualifications while working. For the 2026 academic year, the primary pathway for enrolled nurses to become professional nurses is through the Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science (BA Cur) degree. This guide provides the essential information regarding this qualification, application procedures, and requirements.
Important Note on Terminology: In the context of UNISA and South African nursing, a “bridging course” typically refers to the pathway from Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse, which is achieved through a degree program, not a short certificate. There is no separate, standalone “bridging list” document; the primary qualification is the BA (CUR).
UNISA Nursing Courses 2026: Bridging List & Admission Requirements
1. The Primary Bridging Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science (BA Cur)
This is the core undergraduate degree for nurses. It is a comprehensive program consisting of **30 modules** with majors in Health Services Management, Education, and Community Health .
Who is this for?
This qualification is specifically designed for practicing nurses. The most critical admission requirement is current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
– You CAN apply if you are registered as a general nurse and a midwife. You will be admitted to the full BA (CUR) program .
– You CAN apply if you are registered as a general nurse but are NOT a midwife. You may only register for the BA (CUR)-HHS stream .
– You CANNOT apply if you are an enrolled nurse or an auxiliary nurse. These categories are not eligible for this degree. Enrolled nurses must first meet the requirements to register as a general nurse through other colleges before being eligible for this UNISA program .
Key Admission Requirements for the BA Cur (Bridging Course):
– Professional Registration: You must submit your Annual Practicing Certificate issued by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) with every registration. This proves you are a registered nurse and a midwife (or general nurse for the HHS stream) .
– Academic Requirements: You must meet the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) for degree study. This is based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent. Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission, as spaces are limited .
– Prior Qualifications: A copy of your official tertiary academic record(s) from any previous nursing training is required .
2. Application Dates for the 2026 Academic Year
The application window for UNISA’s 2026 academic year has passed. However, understanding these dates is crucial for planning your next application cycle.
– Application Opening Date: 21 August 2025 .
– Application Closing Date: 11 October 2025.
Crucial Information for 2026:
– Applications are now closed. The deadline for the 2026 academic year was in October 2025 .
– Late applications are rarely accepted. UNISA strictly adheres to these deadlines, and applications submitted after the closing date are typically not processed .
– Plan for the 2027 Academic Year. You should prepare to apply when the next application window opens, which will likely be around August to October 2026 for the 2027 academic year .
3. The Application Process (For Future Reference)
When applying, follow these steps carefully:
1. Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of R140.00 is required .
2. Apply Online: Visit the official UNISA website (www.unisa.ac.za) and complete the online application form for your chosen qualification (Undergraduate) .
3. Gather Your Documents: You will need certified copies of the following :
– Your school qualifications (e.g., National Senior Certificate).
– Your official tertiary academic record(s) from nursing college (internet copies are not accepted).
– Your ID document (for South African students) or passport (for international students).
– Your marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable).
– Sworn translations of any documents not in English or Afrikaans.
– Your SANC Annual Practicing Certificate .
4. Submit and Review: Fill in all your personal information accurately, upload the required documents, review your application for errors, and submit it before the deadline .
4. Admission Score and Selection
UNISA does not work on a first-come, first-served basis. They use a **structured points-based selection model** .
APS Calculation: Your Admission Point Score (APS) is calculated from your matric results. The required APS varies by program, but for a degree like BA Cur, it is higher than for a certificate.
Meeting Minimums is Not Enough: Meeting the minimum admission requirements does NOT guarantee you a space. Admission also depends on :
The number of applications received (programme demand).
The number of spaces available.
Academic staff capacity.
Your overall points score in the selection model, which may include contextual factors.
Multiple Applications: You can apply for up to three qualifications, ranked in order of preference. However, you can only accept one offer .
5. What if You Don’t Meet the Requirements for a Degree?
If you do not meet the APS or subject requirements for the BA Cur degree, UNISA offers Higher Certificates as alternative access or “bridging” programs . These are not nursing qualifications but can help you gain entry into a degree in another field or improve your academic standing. For example, a Higher Certificate in Health Sciences could provide a foundation for future study, but it would not replace the SANC registration requirement for the nursing degree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the “bridging course” for enrolled nurses at UNISA?
The bridging course is the Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science (BA Cur) degree. It is designed for nurses already registered with SANC as a general nurse and midwife to obtain a university degree and further their careers .
2. Can I apply for the nursing bridging course in 2026?
No, the application deadline for the 2026 academic year was 11 October 2025. You should prepare to apply for the 2027 academic year when applications open around August 2026 .
3. I am an enrolled nurse. Can I apply for the BA Cur?
No. The BA Cur requires you to be registered as a general nurse and a midwife (or a general nurse for the HHS stream). Enrolled nurses do not meet the SANC registration requirement for this specific degree .
4. What documents do I need to apply?
You will need your ID, school certificates, tertiary academic records, proof of application fee payment, and crucially, your SANC Annual Practicing Certificate .
5. Does meeting the APS guarantee I will get in?
No. Meeting the minimum APS only makes you eligible to be considered. Admission is competitive and depends on space availability and your ranking against other applicants .
6. How much is the application fee?
The non-refundable application fee is R140.00 .
7. Where can I find the official list of nursing modules?
Official module lists for the BA Cur program are available on the UNISA website. They are categorized by level (First, Second, Third) and include courses like Comprehensive Primary Health Care, Nursing Dynamics, and Health Services Management .
8. Who can I contact for more help?
You can contact UNISA’s student enquiries at 0800 00 1870. For specific departmental inquiries, you can try reaching the Department of Health Studies .
This information should provide a clear roadmap for understanding the nursing pathways at UNISA. While the 2026 applications are closed, preparing now for the next cycle will put you in a strong position.