Where can i study to be a Caregiver in South Africa? This page contains information on where you can study (Caregiver training schools, requirements, where to register) in order to become a certified caregiver that the South African government requires. We also explore on how much is a caregiver course in South Africa.

A caregiver, also known as a care worker, plays a crucial role in the healthcare sector, providing physical, emotional, and social support to individuals who have difficulty performing basic daily tasks due to illness, disability, or age. In South Africa, caregiver courses equip individuals with the necessary skills to perform these roles professionally. This article explores the various caregiver courses available in South Africa.

Caregiver Courses in South Africa



What Do Caregiver Courses Entail?

Caregiver courses provide practical training and theoretical knowledge in aspects such as:

  • Basic healthcare and hygiene
  • Understanding human anatomy and physiology
  • First aid and emergency care
  • Patient care, including bed bath, pressure care, and mobility assistance
  • Nutrition and meal preparation
  • Dealing with special care conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke
  • Communication and record-keeping
  • Emotional and mental wellbeing support

Types of Caregiver Courses in South Africa

There are several caregiver courses available in South Africa, including:

  1. Short Courses in Caregiving: These are typically designed for individuals who wish to acquire basic caregiving skills quickly. Short courses may cover essential topics like home-based care, first aid, and elderly care.
  2. Certificate in Home-Based Care: This course is usually longer and more comprehensive, offering a deep understanding of home-based care principles. The curriculum often includes modules on anatomy and physiology, HIV/AIDS care, and health and safety measures.
  3. National Certificate in Ancillary Health Care: This is a one-year course focused on providing basic health care services under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The course often covers topics like health promotion, basic nursing care, and nutrition.
  4. Higher Certificate in Health Care Services Management: This is a more advanced course, suitable for those looking to take on managerial roles in healthcare services. It covers modules such as health care services management, health care legislation, and human resource management in health care.
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Where to Study Caregiver Courses in South Africa

Several institutions offer caregiver courses in South Africa. These include:

Career Opportunities for Trained Caregivers

Caregivers can find employment opportunities in various settings, including home-based care, old age homes, community care centres, hospitals, and non-governmental organizations. They can work with different demographics, such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

What Qualifications are Required to Become a Caregiver in South Africa?

How to become a caregiver in South Africa

First and foremost, you need to have a Home-based Care Training Certificate. According to the South African government, you need to be registered as a caregiver, the service provider that employs you must ensure that you undergo (or have undergone) home-based care training. Furthermore, you must possess a certificate that indicates that you received your training from an institution accredited by the South African Qualification Authority.

Where can i study to be a Caregiver in South Africa?

Below you will find accredited caregiver training programs in various parts of South Africa:

#1 The School of Khanya, Roodepoort: Caregiving Courses

  • Caregiving course,
  • First Aid 101 course,
  • Baby and Child Minidn course

#2 Victory Education Group, Pretoria: Caregiving Courses

  • Caregiving course,
  • First Aid 101 course

View more

#3 St John, Bloemfontein: Caregiving Courses

  • HIV/AID Awareness
  • Home Based Care – Non-Accredited Training (5 Days)
  • Occupational Certificate: Health Promotion Officer NQF Level 3

Apply here

#4 Hospice Wits, Johannesburg: Caregiving Courses

This is a caregivers training school in Johannesburg:

  •  Accredited NQF L2 Assisted Home Based Personal Carer Qualification (70 credits) SAQA ID 104779
  • Accredited NQF L3 Home Based Personal Carer Qualification (135 credits) SAQA ID 104792
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Apply here

How to register as a caregiver?

  1. Go to your nearest department of social development office.
  2. Complete Form 7.
  3. Submit a certified copy of:
    • your identity document or residence permit
    • proof issued by the training institution that you received training as a caregiver.
  4. Once registered you will be issued with a registration certificate.
  5. You can apply for a duplicate if you lose or destroy the original certificate.

How much is a caregiver course in South Africa

The price to study a Caregiver Course in South Africa can range from R3000 to R5000 depending on the following:

  • Type of school or college (public vs private)
  • Course content and modules
  • The duration of the course

Home-based Training Required Skills

  • Have excellent knowledge of emergency response and first aid (CPR)
  • Be able to acquire basic nursing skills
  • Have patience and concern for the well-being of the patient
  • Have knowledge of housekeeping activities and cooking with attention to dietary constraints
  • Have the willingness to adhere to health and safety standards
  • Be reliable and have integrity
  • Be friendly
  • Be neat and orderly
  • Be respectful and compassionate
  • Have good time management skills
  • Have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
  • Have strong ethics
  • Have physical endurance

How much do caregivers earn in South Africa?

Caregivers in South Africa can work in various settings, including government positions, private employment, and even abroad. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their earnings:

Women as family caregivers often earn informal payments ranging between R500 and R1,000 per month, which is significantly below the national minimum wage. This low compensation highlights the financial struggle faced by many caregivers. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which aims to support caregiving roles, offers a stipend, but the informal earnings remain the primary source of income for many caregivers. This situation underscores the need for better financial support and recognition of the essential work caregivers perform.

2. Privately Hired Caregivers

  • Salary Range: Privately hired caregivers in South Africa earn between R5,000 and R15,000 per month.
  • Factors Affecting Salary:
    • Qualifications and Experience: Caregivers with specialized training or extensive experience command higher wages.
    • Location: Caregivers in urban areas typically earn more than those in rural areas due to higher living costs and demand.
    • Job Responsibilities: The complexity and intensity of care required, such as 24-hour care or specialized medical support, can increase earnings.

3. International Earnings

  • United Kingdom (UK):
    • Hourly Rate: Caregivers in the UK earn between £8.50 and £15.00 per hour.
    • Annual Salary: This equates to an annual salary range of approximately £17,000 to £31,000.
    • Factors: Earnings depend on experience, certifications, and whether the caregiver is employed privately or through an agency.
  • United States (USA):
    • Hourly Rate: In the USA, caregivers earn between $11.00 and $22.00 per hour.
    • Annual Salary: This translates to an annual salary range of approximately $22,000 to $45,000.
    • Factors: Wage variations are influenced by state regulations, caregiver qualifications, and type of care provided.
  • Australia:
    • Hourly Rate: Australian caregivers earn between AUD 21.00 and AUD 35.00 per hour.
    • Annual Salary: This results in an annual salary range of approximately AUD 43,000 to AUD 73,000.
    • Factors: Salary depends on factors such as caregiver experience, region, and employer type.