University of the Witwatersrand Medical School

University of the Witwatersrand Medical School

Medicine

This course trains students who have never been registered at a tertiary institution to become medical doctors. As a physician, you will be allowed to treat people for illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications and record patient information.

Qualification: MBBCh

School: Clinical Medicine

Faculty: Health Sciences

Duration: 6 years

Study mode: Full-time

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) degree is a 6 year, full-time course.
Duties include the examination and diagnosis of patients, the prescription of medicines, performing of minor operations and the provision of treatments for injuries, diseases and other ailments.
This course is the standard qualification for becoming a medical practitioner. Once qualified, it is a requirement that two years internship and one further year community service must be undertaken before the qualified doctor is permitted to pursue specialty training.
Eligible graduates may apply to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) which is a 4 year programme to be trained as Medical Doctors.

Entry Requirements

Health Sciences – View the Wits University Revised Health Sciences Admissions Policy 
Programme Minimum Admission Requirements Selection procedures
APS Subjects & achieved scale
Bachelor of Health Sciences

 

Bachelor of Health Sciences BHSc (Biomedical Sciences and Biokinetics)
(3 years)

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MB BCh (6 years)

Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
BSc(Physiotherapy)
(4 years)

Bachelor of Pharmacy BPharm
(4 years)

The Faculty of Health Sciences does not calculate an APS score. Several criteria are considered for selection (e.g. Academic performance and National Benchmark scores).English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5
Mathematics – 5
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science – 5If you are applying to the Faculty of Health Sciences, you will not be selected solely on your school leaving results, although they are very important. A composite index is calculated, taking into consideration

(1) your academic results for FIVE subjects and (2) National Benchmark Test scores. Only five subjects are used to derive a matriculation score, which is calculated according to the percentages obtained, NOT symbols.

These are English, Mathematics, Physical Science/ Life Sciences and the best two other subjects. (Dentistry requires Physical Science and Life Sciences and the best other subject).ALL applicants (excluding applicants who are applying to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme – GEMP only) are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT).

GEMP applicants may be invited to the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT). For more information on the WAPT please refer to:
www.wits.ac.za/health/gemp

ALL GEMP applicants need to prepare for the WAPT in case you are invited to write the test.
• ALL GEMP applicants who are invited to the WAPT will be expected to complete a Biographical Questionnaire on the day of the test.
• ALL applicants to BSc (Occupational Therapy) must spend time observing an Occupational Therapist and complete a certificate of attendance.

More about submitting applications

Career Opportunities

  • General practice doctor
  • Hospital doctor
  • Health promotion specialist

Apply now

Closing Dates

30 June
Faculty of Health Sciences (All programmes)
Bachelor of Architecture
B Audiology and B Speech-Language Pathology

30 September
All other University programmes
Financial Aid and Residence applications

 

Online applications
  • Complete an online application to study at Wits
  • Complete an online application for financial aid or residential accommodation
  • Download an application

Apply now

Bachelor of Dental Science
BDS (5 years)English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5
Mathematics – 5
Life Sciences and 
Physical Science – 5Bachelor of Nursing BNurs
(4 years)Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy- BSc(OT) (4 years)English HL or 1st Add Lang – 4
Mathematics – 4
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science – 4Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) (3 years)Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences (BOHS) (3 years)English HL or 1st Add Lang – 4
Mathematics – 4 or
Mathematical Literacy – 7
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science – 4

Application Process

Your application

  • You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
  • Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).

Documentation / Checklist

  • Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
  • If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.

Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.