Applicants applying to Gauteng College of Nursing will have to select the nursing course they prefer to study at GCON.
With that being said, applicant candidates seeking admission offers are expected to meet the minimum admission requirements of the nursing program they choose to study at GCON.
So, here are the courses and their minimum admission requirements.
GCON Diploma In Nursing
Applicants applying to Gauteng College of Nursing to read for a Diploma in Nursing must meet the below minimum admission requirements.
- English 4 SC: HG D or SG C
- Life Science 4 SC: HG D or SG C
- Mathematics 4 SC: HG D or SG C
- Mathematics Literacy 5
- And any other 3 subjects
Minimum APS should be 27 for (National Senior Certificate) and 17 for (Senior Certificate).
GCON Advanced Diploma In Midwifery
Applicants who want to study for an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery at the Gauteng College of Nursing in their online application must meet these minimum admission requirements for the program.
- NQF Level 6
- Registration as a General Nurse at NQF Level 6 with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
- Recognition of prior learning access and credit transfer is applicable as per the national and institutional policies
GCON Postgraduate Diploma Programmes
Nurses who want to upgrade their qualifications with a postgraduate diploma programme will be considered a study space offer if they meet the minimum admission requirements.
- A National Senior Certificate or an equivalent certificate and any of the following
- Diploma in Nursing with Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (NQF Level 7)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (NQF Level 7/8)
Additional requirements include
- Proof of current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
- At least (2) years of experience after registration as a
- Professional Nurse or
- General Nurse and Midwife
- The 2 years include the year of community service
- 1 year experience in the specialized clinical nursing unit related to the specific programme or programme of interest.
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Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.