Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Specialty Programmes 2026 (X50 Positions)Department of Health

Job Description

The Department of Health is inviting suitably qualified and interested Professional Nurses to express interest in pursuing Postgraduate Diploma training in Nursing Specialty Programmes.

A total of 50 contract positions are available across several nursing specialties. Successful candidates will be considered for placement at accredited training institutions, subject to service needs and available training opportunities.

Programme Overview

Nursing Specialty Programmes Available

The 50 training opportunities are distributed across the following specialties:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery – X5
• Perioperative Nursing – X6
• Adult Critical Care Nursing – X7
• Emergency Care Nursing – X7
• Ophthalmic Nursing – X4
• Orthopaedic Nursing – X4
• Nephrology Nursing – X6
• Oncology Nursing – X4
• Child Nursing – X2
• Mental Health Nursing – X3
• Child Critical Care Nursing – X2

Total: 50 positions

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have one of the following nursing qualifications:

• Four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

OR

• Four-year Diploma in Nursing in terms of Regulation R.425

OR

• Diploma in General Nursing plus Midwifery

Applicants must also have:

• Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse and Midwife
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a registered Nurse/Midwife

A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the intended area of specialisation will be an added advantage.

Applicants who are able to secure admission at a higher institution of learning for one of the identified programmes will also have an added advantage.

Programme Purpose

The Department is seeking qualified Professional Nurses interested in pursuing postgraduate training in specialised areas of nursing.

Successful candidates will be considered for placement at accredited training institutions for the identified specialty areas, subject to:

• Departmental service needs
• Available training opportunities
• Training requirements

Clinical Placement

Candidates must be willing to undertake clinical exposure at various health facilities relevant to their field of study.

Clinical placement may include:

• Tertiary Hospitals
• Regional Hospitals
• Specialised Hospitals
• Other appropriate health facilities

The Department will determine clinical training sites according to service-delivery needs and programme requirements.

University Applications

Candidates are required to apply independently to accredited universities offering the relevant Postgraduate Diploma programmes.

Admission into a university programme remains the responsibility of the individual candidate.

The Department will not be responsible for:

• University application processes
• University admission outcomes
• Placement confirmation

Costs and Logistical Arrangements

Candidates should note that the Department will not take responsibility for logistical or study-related expenses, including:

• Tuition or registration fees
• Accommodation
• Travel and subsistence costs
• Other personal or study-related expenses

Important Information

Appointment to the programme does not constitute permanent appointment to a specific post.

Participation will be subject to:

• Training agreements
• Departmental service needs
• Deployment requirements upon completion of training