University of the Free State UFS School of Nursing



University of the Free State UFS School of Nursing

University of The Free State Nursing, The University of the Free State’s (UFS) School of Nursing remains at the forefront of nursing education with their innovative simulation, teaching and learning facilities. The School also houses the Academy for Continuing Nursing Education which presents Short Learning Programmes.

Undergraduate Degree

BSocSc (Nursing) is a four-year degree. After successful completion of BSocSc (Nursing) and meeting the minimum requirements prescribed for the education and training, students will be registered as a nurse (general, psychiatric and community health) and midwife with the South African Nursing Council. Graduates from the School of Nursing are in demand. Numerous work opportunities exist.

Undergraduate Programme: BSocSc (Nursing) – Selection criteria and application forms



Post Basic Qualification (Advanced Diplomas in Nursing)

The School of Nursing, University of the Free State, offers advanced diplomas at level 7 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). These diplomas, which culminate in a post-basic qualification, comprise both fundamental and core modules. After successful completion of the relevant qualification, students will be registered with the South African Nursing Council.

Advanced diplomas in 14 specialisation areas are offered at the School of Nursing, University of the Free State.


Admission requirements

  • A generic degree or diploma in nursing is required.
  • Students must be registered as general nurses with the South African Nursing Council or other recognised council.
  • Selection criteria are applicable to certain programmes.

Duration – The minimum study duration is one academic year.

Prospective students must apply to the programme before 30 September of every year.

Specialising areas are (*In abeyance)

  • Nursing Education
  • Health Care Management
  • Advanced Midwifery and Neonatology
  • Community Nursing
  • Child Psychiatric nursing
  • Critical Care Nursing (General)
  • Forensic Nursing
  • Gerontological Nursing *
  • HIV and Aids
  • Occupational Health Nursing
  • Operating Theatre Nursing (General)
  • Orthopaedic Nursing *
  • Paediatric Nursing
  • Primary Clinical Health Care
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Trauma and Emergency Care *

Post Basic Programme: For more information refer to the Postgraduate Degrees and Diplomas and application form.

Post Graduate Qualifications

The School of Nursing offers an MSocSc (Nursing), a two-year degree obtained by means of research and a dissertation.

See Also ->  Where Is The University of Free State Located

A PhD can be obtained by conducting high-level original research that contributes significantly to the science of nursing.



Post Graduate Programme: MSocSc (Nursing) and PhD – Application for Postgraduate Study

Short learning programmes

The Academy for Continuing Nursing Education was established within the School to present Short Learning Programmes. These programmes are accredited. They vary in duration from 1 to 10 days, and in most instances these days are not successive, which makes them more accessible to the working professional. These credits may also be acknowledged for present study requirements, or for studies undertaken in the future (subject to certain conditions).

Many of the short learning programmes are unique and are not offered elsewhere, or they are the first of their kind to be offered at all. Refer to the SLP-booklet and Application form.