How to Register with SANC: Complete Nursing Council Guide 2026

The <a href='/glossary#sanc'>South African Nursing Council</a> (SANC) is the statutory body regulating the nursing profession—the largest <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> profession in South Africa with over 300,000 registered practitioners. For nursing professionals, staffing agencies, and healthcare service providers targeting government healthcare contracts, SANC registration is a fundamental legal requirement that unlocks access to the extensive public health nursing market.

South Africa's public <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> system is the primary employer of nurses, with provincial health departments, public hospitals, clinics, and community health centres requiring verified <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> registration for all nursing positions. Whether you're a newly qualified nurse seeking your first registration, an agency placing locum nurses, or a healthcare company bidding on nursing services contracts, this guide explains everything you need to know about SANC registration.

What is SANC and Why Does It Matter?

<a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> was established under the Nursing Act (Act 33 of 2005) to protect the public by regulating nursing <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>education</a>, practice, and professional conduct. SANC maintains the official register of nurses, midwives, and nursing auxiliaries eligible to practice in South Africa.

For government <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a>, <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> registration verification is mandatory. The <strong>National Department of Health</strong>, provincial health departments, and public healthcare facilities require proof of valid SANC registration for all nursing personnel—whether permanently employed, agency-supplied, or contracted through nursing service providers.

SANC Registration Categories

Who Needs SANC Registration?

• <strong>All practicing nurses:</strong> Any person performing nursing functions in South Africa must be registered
• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>Healthcare</a> staffing agencies:</strong> Agencies placing nursing personnel in government facilities
• <strong>Nursing <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>education</a> providers:</strong> Training institutions offering <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a>-accredited programs
• <strong>Occupational health nurses:</strong> Nurses providing workplace health services
• <strong>Community health practitioners:</strong> Nurses in primary <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> and community settings
• <strong>Private sector nurses:</strong> Registration required whether working public or private

SANC Registration Requirements

For Newly Qualified South African Nurses

• Certified copy of South African ID document
• Original or certified academic certificates from <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a>-accredited nursing program
• Proof of completion of practical hours/clinical placement
• Pass in <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> professional examination (where applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Completed <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> registration application form

For Foreign Qualified Nurses

Foreign nurses seeking South African registration face additional requirements:

• <strong>SAQA Qualification Evaluation:</strong> Required for foreign nursing qualifications
• <strong>Good Standing Certificate:</strong> From originating nursing regulatory body
• <strong>Verification of Registration:</strong> <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> verifies with foreign council directly
• <strong>Adaptation Programme:</strong> May be required depending on qualification assessment
• <strong>Valid Work Permit:</strong> Immigration documentation permitting <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> work
• <strong>English Proficiency:</strong> May be required for non-English origin countries

Step-by-Step SANC Registration Process

For New South African Graduates

1. <strong>Complete Nursing Program:</strong> Graduate from <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a>-accredited nursing <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>education</a> institution
2. <strong>Complete Practical Requirements:</strong> Fulfill all clinical placement and practical hours requirements
3. <strong>Write Board Examination:</strong> Pass the <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> professional examination for your category
4. <strong>Gather Documentation:</strong> Obtain certified copies of ID, qualifications, and transcripts
5. <strong>Complete Application Form:</strong> Fill in <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> registration application accurately
6. <strong>Submit Application:</strong> Submit via <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> online portal or in person at SANC offices
7. <strong>Pay Registration Fee:</strong> Pay the applicable initial registration fee
8. <strong>Document Verification:</strong> <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> verifies qualifications with issuing institution
9. <strong>Receive Registration:</strong> Obtain your <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> registration number and certificate

SANC Registration Fees 2026

<strong>Processing Time:</strong> New applications for South African graduates typically take 4-8 weeks. Foreign qualification evaluations may take 3-6 months or longer.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

<a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> requires registered nursing practitioners to maintain competence through ongoing professional development:

• <strong>CPD Portfolio:</strong> Maintain a record of professional development activities
• <strong>Annual Declaration:</strong> Declare CPD compliance during annual renewal
• <strong>Audit:</strong> <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> may audit CPD records - maintain evidence for all activities claimed
• <strong>Required Activities:</strong> Workshops, conferences, courses, journal reading, peer review

SANC Registration for Tender Submissions

When bidding on government nursing services or <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> staffing tenders, typically required documentation includes:

• <strong>Valid <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> Certificates:</strong> Current registration certificates for all nursing staff to be deployed
• <strong><a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> Verification:</strong> Some tenders require real-time verification via SANC online system
• <strong>Category Confirmation:</strong> Proof that proposed staff hold appropriate registration category for required duties
• <strong>Specialist Qualifications:</strong> For specialized positions (ICU, Theatre, etc.), additional qualification proof
• <strong>Staff Lists:</strong> Complete lists of proposed nursing staff with registration numbers
• <strong>Agency Compliance:</strong> Proof that staffing agency has processes to verify and maintain nurse registration

Maintaining SANC Registration

• <strong>Annual Renewal:</strong> Pay annual fees before 31 March to avoid suspension
• <strong>Keep Details Current:</strong> Update <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> within 30 days of changes to address, employment, or contact details
• <strong>CPD Compliance:</strong> Maintain and declare professional development activities
• <strong>Report Matters:</strong> Report any disciplinary, criminal, or ethical matters that may affect practice
• <strong>Verify Status:</strong> Employers should verify staff registration status annually

Common SANC Registration Issues

Lapsed Registration

<strong>Issue:</strong> Failed to renew annual registration, resulting in lapsed status.

<strong>Solution:</strong> Apply for restoration by paying all outstanding annual fees plus restoration fee. Provide evidence of CPD compliance for lapsed period. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. During lapse, you cannot practice nursing legally.

Document Verification Delays

<strong>Issue:</strong> <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> cannot verify qualifications with issuing institution.

<strong>Solution:</strong> Contact both <a href='/glossary#sanc'>SANC</a> and your nursing <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>education</a> institution. Provide additional documentation such as academic transcripts, graduation confirmation letters. Allow 2-4 weeks for re-verification.

Related Resources

• <a href='/industries/healthcare'>Healthcare Industry Guide</a> - Complete overview of <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> tender requirements
• <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-hpcsa'>HPCSA Registration Guide</a> - For other <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>healthcare</a> professionals
• <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-sapc'>SAPC Registration Guide</a> - For pharmacy professionals
• <a href='/blog/how-to-get-coida-letter-good-standing'>COIDA Compliance</a> - Essential for all employers