Medical School Requirements In South Africa

Often, most institutions have different entrance requirements for medicine programs. However, the difference in those grades is slight. Again, the selection board does not depend on academic grades alone.

A student must also perform exemplary in their National Benchmark Tests (NBTS)

Studying medicine in South Africa requirements also include no-academic abilities of a student. Such skills include social awareness, leadership, sports, work experience, etc.

The grades are split into three sub-categories as follows in three of the largest medical universities in South Africa:

Wits University

  • NSC Results: 40%
  • NBT Results: 40%
  • Non-academic Performance: 20%

University of Stellenbosch

  • NSC Results: 45%
  • NBT Results: 30%
  • Non-academic Performance: 25%

University of Cape Town

  • NSC Results: 60%
  • NBT Results: 30%
  • Non-academic Performance: 10%

Requirements to Study Medicine in South Africa

  • Educational Background

Primarily, the subjects you choose in high school determine your future. If you prefer to take up medicine as your career, you must pass your Grade 12 with English, Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry, and Life Science.

  • Marks Required to Get into Medical Schools in South Africa

In South Africa, medical aspirants have two options to get into a medical school. The requirements to join an MBChB degree differ based on your choice between the options:

  1. MBChB Right After High School

Limited medical seats and strict quotas make entry into a medical course extremely difficult. However, if you satisfy all the requirements to study medicine in South Africa, you can make it with a little more effort. The best part about medical universities in South Africa is they are transparent with their selection criteria.

Here is a breakdown of what medical schools in South Africa expect in your application:

 University of Cape TownUniversity of WitwatersrandStellenbosch University
Grade 1260%40%45%
NBT30%40%30%
Non-Academic Performance10%20%25%

The shared score is for you to get an overview of understanding what is expected in general. Besides, medical universities consider quotas in their selection criteria to benefit the disadvantaged students.

  • After General BSc

Students who could not make it directly to the MBChB course opt this. Even in medical schools, there will be dropouts that give a second chance for students who narrowly lost their opportunity to get into a medical degree. Students who could not make it in their first try start pursuing a general Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, which is similar to the MBChB degree.

When they are in their first year or at the beginning of their second year, they can get the opportunity to transfer to medical schools. However, you can get this transfer opportunity only if secured excellent academic performance in your BSc degree.

Even though this option is highly competitive, you will have a clear idea of what is expected and work toward getting into the medical program through this transfer program.

  • Course Duration

An MBChB degree takes 6 years, including the foundation program. If you want to specialize further, it may take 10 years, depending on your choice of specialization

How long does it take to study medicine in South Africa?

Six years, How long does it take to study medicine in South Africa? Most medicine courses, unlike others, take the longest period to complete. Overall, they may take six to ten years, depending on the area one wants to specialize in. Currently, an MBChB degree takes six years.

What are the requirements to study medicine in South Africa?

You must have a minimum aggregate of at least 70%. Your Maths, Physics, and Life Science must be at least 50%. In reality, most applicants will have averages in the range of 75-85%. Stellenbosch also offers the possibility of transferring from a degree in life sciences or natural sciences at the end of the first year.