Durban and the broader KwaZulu-Natal region have a strong selection of both private and public nursing education institutions. Below is a breakdown of the accredited nursing schools in and around Durban, along with the latest available fee structures for the current academic year.
List of Nursing Schools in Durban and Their Fees (Current Year)
Quick Summary Table
| Institution | Type | Programmes | Approximate Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life College of Nursing (KZN) | Private | Higher Certificate, Diploma | R35,000 – R60,000 |
| Netcare Education (Durban) | Private | Higher Certificate, Diploma, Post‑grad | R60,000 – R70,000 |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | Public University | Bachelor’s Degree, Post‑graduate | R6,000 – R7,000 |
| UKZN (Howard College) | Public University | Bachelor of Nursing | R7,000 – R8,000 |
| Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School | Private | Various | Contact institution |
| St Aidans Hospital Nursing School | Public Hospital | Diploma (Bridging), Certificates | Low (Govt subsidised) |
| Bethesda Hospital Nursing School | Public Hospital | Diploma, Certificates | Low (Govt subsidised) |
| Church of Scotland Hospital NS | Public Hospital | Diploma, Certificates | Low (Govt subsidised) |
Life College of Nursing – KwaZulu-Natal Campus
Life College of Nursing has a campus located in Westville, Durban.
Location: 36 Essex Terrace, Berea West, Westville, Durban
Contact: admin.kzn@lifehealthcare.co.za / Tel: 031 270 2205
Programmes and Estimated Fees:
| Programme | Duration | Estimated Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary) | 1 Year | R35,000 – R40,000 |
| Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse) | 3 Years | R45,000 – R60,000 |
Requirements:
– Higher Certificate: Grade 12 with passes in Life Sciences and English
– Diploma: Matric with Level 4 in Life Sciences and English; Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy
Application Note: As of the most recent update, the KZN campus was not currently offering courses. It is vital to contact the campus directly for the current status before applying.
Netcare Education – Durban Campus
Netcare Education is a leading private healthcare training provider with a campus in Durban North.
Location: Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal
Contact: applications.kzn@netcare.co.za
Current Fee Structure:
| Programme | Duration | Annual Tuition | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate in Nursing (Auxiliary) | 1 Year | ~R60,000 | ~R16,000 |
| Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse) | 3 Years | ~R68,000 per year | ~R16,000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma | 1 Year | ~R70,000 | ~R18,000 |
| In Service Certificate (6 Mth) | 6 Months | ~R27,500 | N/A |
Payment Information:
– Fees above are for self-funding students
– Balance payable in monthly instalments after deposit
Contact for Applications: Netcare Education applications are managed through KR Education (www.kreducationsa.com).
Public Universities in Durban (DUT & UKZN)
For those seeking a university degree, these institutions offer the Bachelor of Nursing (R425) programme.
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
DUT offers a Bachelor of Nursing programme that prepares students for registration as professional nurses.
Contact: 031-373 2606 / nokuthulas@dut.ac.za
Indicative Fees (Diploma level):
For Diploma programmes, the annual fee guideline is approximately R6,000 per year. However, a basic diploma may have a lower base tuition fee, which likely excludes additional levies and materials.
Note: Exact university degree fees can fluctuate annually. It is highly recommended to check the DUT website or contact the financial aid office for the precise cost of the Bachelor of Nursing programme before applying.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
UKZN offers the Bachelor of Nursing and various postgraduate diplomas in specialties like Critical Care, Midwifery, and Nursing Education.
Contact: 031-260 2499
Fees: Estimated tuition for a standard undergraduate degree (R425) is approximately R7,000 – R8,000 per year. Accurate fee statements are available on the myUKZN student portal upon registration.
Public Hospital Nursing Schools in KZN
These schools are affiliated with the Department of Health. They offer the Diploma in Nursing (R683 – Bridging Course) and Enrolled Nursing Certificates (R2175 / R2176). Fees for these public institutions are significantly subsidised by the government, making them the most affordable option.
| Nursing School | Location | Programmes Offered | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Aidans Hospital Nursing School | Durban | R254, R683, R2175, R2176 | 031-314 2270 |
| Bethesda Hospital Nursing School | Ubombo (KZN) | R254, R48, R683, R2175, R2176 | 035-595 1004 |
| Church of Scotland Hospital | KZN | R683, R2175, R2176 | 033-493 0835 |
| Eshowe Hospital Nursing School | Eshowe | R2175, R2176 | 035-473 4500 |
| Iris Marwick Hospital NS | KZN | R2175, R2176 | 033-342 0130 |
Programme Code Key:
– R683: Diploma in Nursing (Bridging Course for Enrolled Nurses)
– R2175: Certificate in Enrolled Nursing (2 years)
– R2176: Certificate in Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (1 year)
– R254: Diploma in Midwifery (Post-basic)
These institutions are listed by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as accredited public nursing colleges in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Private Nursing Schools in Durban
Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School
Chatsmed Candlelight Nursing School has a presence in Durban.
Location: KwaZulu-Natal (Durban Campus)
Accreditation: Registered with the Department of Education and the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
Important Information on Fees:
Specific fee structures for Chatsmed are not publicly listed in their standard SANC registration documents. Fees typically vary based on the intake and the specific programme selected (e.g., Auxiliary Nursing vs. Bridging Course).
Action Required: Prospective students must contact the campus directly to obtain a current fee quote and confirm intake availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the cheapest nursing school in Durban?
A: The most affordable options are the Public Hospital Nursing Schools (e.g., St Aidans, Bethesda). They are heavily subsidised by the government. Public universities like DUT and UKZN also offer lower fees than private colleges.
Q: How much does private nursing school cost in Durban?
A: Private nursing education is more expensive. Life College charges between R35,000 and R60,000 per year. Netcare Education charges between R60,000 and R70,000 per year for their diploma programmes.
Q: Does Netcare Education have a campus in Durban?
A: Yes, Netcare Education has a campus in Durban North. Applications are processed through KR Education.
Q: Is the Life College campus in Westville currently open?
A: Reports indicate that courses may not currently be offered at the Life College Westville campus. Applicants are strongly advised to contact Life College directly to verify availability before applying.
Q: Does DUT offer a degree in nursing?
A: Yes, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) offers a Bachelor of Nursing degree (R425).
Disclaimer: All fees and programme details are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the institution before applying.