Where can Registered Nurses specialize? SANC-accredited postgraduate diplomas in South Africa.

Welcome to Nurse Force.

If you’ve ever asked yourself:

“Where can I specialize?”

“Which institutions are actually accredited?”

“Is this program recognized by SANC?”

Then this guide is for you.

Using the official October 2025 accreditation lists from the South African Nursing Council (SANC) for universities and public nursing colleges, we’ve summarized where Registered Nurses (RNs) can pursue Postgraduate Diplomas (NQF Level 8) that lead to registration as a Nurse Specialist.

What qualification are we talking about?

Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8)

This qualification allows a Registered Nurse to register with SANC as a Nurse Specialist in a chosen field.

Specialties you can study.

These programs include specialties such as:

• Primary Care Nursing

• Nursing Education

• Health Services Management

• Mental Health Nursing

• Adult Critical Care Nursing

• Midwifery

• Perioperative Nursing

• Emergency Nursing

• Oncology & Palliative Nursing

• Occupational Health Nursing

• Nephrology Nursing

• Orthopedic Nursing

• Child Nursing

• Infection Prevention & Control

• Ophthalmic Nursing

Universities offering these programs (SANC accredited).

According to SANC’s October 2025 list, these programs are offered across provinces at institutions such as:

• Nelson Mandela University

• University of the Free State

• University of Johannesburg

• Tshwane University of Technology

• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

• University of the Witwatersrand

• University of KwaZulu-Natal

• Durban University of Technology

• North-West University

• Stellenbosch University

• University of the Western Cape

• University of Cape Town

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Source: SANC Education Institutions List https://www.sanc.co.za/education-institutions/

Very important to know.

Being on the SANC accredited list means the program is approved, but not necessarily currently active.

You must contact the institution directly to confirm:

• Whether the program is currently running

• Intake dates

• Entry requirements

• Application process

  
  

Join the nurse force network

If you would like to stay informed about opportunities like this and invite others to join the network, please use the registration link below:

👉 https://ee.seadsolutions.co.za/single/ephSA3V6