Nurse Training Intake Zimbabwe 2027: Requirements and Next Steps
Quick answer: Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) recruited for all three 2027 nurse training intakes – January, May and September 2027 – in a single round that closed on 28 September 2026. To qualify for the three-year general nursing diploma you need five O-Level passes at grade C or better, including English Language and a science subject, and you must be aged 18 to 30 when training starts. Applying is free: the Ministry advertises only in the state press and does not use agents.
The 2027 application window has closed. What matters now is the shortlist, the interview and protecting yourself from people who sell fake "guaranteed places". If you missed this round, use this guide to get your papers ready for the next advert.
Which nurse training programmes were advertised for 2027?
Recent adverts from the Ministry, as republished by education news sites, cover several routes into nursing:
Diploma in General Nursing (3 years): January, May and September 2027 intakes at central, provincial, district and mission hospital schools. The deadline was 28 September 2026.
Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (3 years): May 2027 intake at Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
Primary Care Nursing Certificate (2 years): January, May and September 2027 intakes at rural and mission training schools, also closing on 28 September 2026.
Midwifery (1 year, for qualified nurses): January 2027 intake at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital. This one is open only to Registered General Nurses with at least two years' experience after qualifying, and you apply through your head of department.
The 2027 training start dates given in the adverts are 4 January, 3 May and 6 September 2027.
Entry requirements for general nurse training
At least five O-Level subjects at grade C or better.
English Language and one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Science, Physical Science, Combined Science or Physics) are compulsory.
The other three subjects cannot be practical subjects such as Art, Woodwork, Metal Work, Technical Graphics, Physical Education, or Fashion and Fabrics.
Age 18 to 30 on the date your training starts.
Results from a limited number of exam sittings. General nursing adverts and Chitungwiza Central Hospital's training page set a maximum of two sittings.
Full certificates only. Examination result slips are not accepted.
How primary care nursing differs
The two-year Primary Care Nursing Certificate asks for the same five O-Levels (English plus a science, no practical subjects). The 2027 advert allowed passes from up to three sittings and an age range of 18 to 45. That makes it a realistic route for older applicants and for people who rewrote some subjects.
Where applications go
There is no central online portal for these intakes. Zimbabwe tried a national electronic system for general nurse recruitment in 2019, then dropped it in January 2022 because it disadvantaged applicants in areas with poor internet. Recruitment now runs through the training hospitals, and at least half of each intake is meant to come from local districts.
Central hospitals (Chitungwiza, Mpilo, Parirenyatwa, Sally Mugabe and United Bulawayo Hospitals): letters go to the Chief Executive Officer, marked for the attention of the Principal Tutor.
Provincial, district and mission hospitals (for example Gweru, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Gwanda, Marondera, Victoria Chitepo, Karanda, Hwange and St Theresa): letters go to the Medical Superintendent, marked for the attention of the Tutor-in-Charge.
Always check the exact school and intake in the official advert. Not every school trains in every intake.
Shortlisting and interviews: what happens next
Only candidates who meet the criteria are shortlisted, and only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you are called for an interview, bring the originals and certified copies of these documents:
Birth certificate
National identity card
O-Level certificates
Marriage certificate, if your surname has changed
Two passport-size photos with your name written on the back
For primary care nursing: a recommendation letter from the head of the last secondary school you attended
Original certificates are physically checked on the interview day. The Ministry also checks student nurse applicants' results with ZIMSEC. Officials tightened this vetting in 2025 after student nurses were caught using forged certificates. Anyone who submits a fake certificate risks losing their place and facing prosecution.
How to avoid nursing placement scams
Training places are scarce, so fraudsters target families who want them. In March 2026, CITE reported on a Masvingo mother who sold her cattle after middlemen demanded about US$1,300, and later more money, to "secure" nursing places for her daughters. Neither daughter was called for an interview. One suspect was later remanded on fraud charges. Protect yourself with these rules:
No fee is charged for processing a nurse training application, so never pay anyone.
The Ministry does not use agents or third parties. Nobody can sell you a place, however well-connected they say they are.
Trust only adverts in the state press, such as The Herald and The Sunday Mail, and the Ministry's official channels. The Ministry has publicly disowned fake social media adverts, including a "nurse aide intake" promising jobs abroad.
Apply only after you have seen the official advert, and send your letter straight to the training school.
Report anyone who asks for money to the police and the training school.
Missed the 2027 intake? How to prepare for the next round
Check your O-Levels now. If you are missing English or a science subject, consider rewriting it so your certificates are ready before the next advert.
Get certified copies early of your ID, birth certificate and certificates.
Watch the press. The 2027 intakes were advertised as one round with a September 2026 deadline. Before that, the September 2026 intake had a July 2026 deadline. Dates change, so act only on the published advert.
Look at related careers. Browse healthcare jobs in Zimbabwe and current nurse jobs in Zimbabwe for roles you can apply for while you wait.
Frequently asked questions
Is the nurse training intake for 2027 still open?
No. The Ministry's adverts for the January, May and September 2027 general, mental health and primary care nursing intakes closed on 28 September 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly by the training schools.
How much does it cost to apply for nurse training in Zimbabwe?
Nothing. The Ministry of Health and Child Care does not charge an application or processing fee. Anyone asking for money to process your application or guarantee a place is a fraudster.
What is the age limit for nurse training in Zimbabwe?
For the three-year general nursing diploma, you must be 18 to 30 on the date training starts. The 2027 Primary Care Nursing Certificate advert accepted applicants aged 18 to 45.
Can I apply with Mathematics instead of a science subject?
The 2027 Ministry adverts make English Language and a science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Science, Physical Science, Combined Science or Physics) compulsory and do not offer Mathematics as an alternative. Chitungwiza Central Hospital's training page lists "science (or Mathematics)", so always follow the wording of the advert you are applying under.
How do I become a midwife in Zimbabwe?
You first qualify as a Registered General Nurse and work for at least two years. You can then apply through your head of department for the one-year midwifery programme, such as the January 2027 intake at Parirenyatwa or Mpilo.
Sources
MoHCC General and Mental Health Nurse Training – 2027 intakes (advert as republished by OpenClass)
MoHCC Primary Care Nurse Intakes 2027 (advert as republished by OpenClass)
Chitungwiza Central Hospital – Student Nursing and Midwifery Training
CITE – Govt tightens vetting of student nurses after fake certificate scandals (October 2025)
CITE – Bribery racket targets Zimbabwe's nursing school hopefuls (March 2026)
FactCheckZW – Health ministry is not offering nurse aide training
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By the Jobsiz Editorial Team. Facts checked on 23 October 2026.
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