Which University Can I Study to Be a Doctor in South Africa?
Choosing a career in medicine is an important decision that begins with selecting the right academic institution. In South Africa, becoming a medical doctor is highly regulated. You must obtain a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree, commonly known as an MBChB (or MBBCh at some institutions).
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
While South Africa has many higher education centers, only ten universities are currently accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to provide this specific training. Understanding which institutions offer these programs is the first step in your journey toward the medical profession.
The Top Accredited Medical Schools in South Africa
The following universities are the primary destinations for aspiring doctors. Each has its own unique strengths, campus culture, and admission criteria.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT is frequently ranked as the top university in Africa. Its Faculty of Health Sciences is the oldest on the continent. The program is world-renowned for its research and was the site of the first successful human heart transplant.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Located in Johannesburg, Wits offers the MBBCh degree. It provides students with exposure to a diverse range of medical conditions due to its proximity to several large tertiary hospitals. Wits is known for a rigorous clinical training environment.
3. Stellenbosch University (SU)
Stellenbosch’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is based at the Tygerberg Campus in Cape Town. It is highly regarded for its focus on rural health and high-tech research facilities.
4. University of Pretoria (UP)
The University of Pretoria offers a community-based curriculum. This means students begin interacting with patients and communities early in their studies, helping them understand the social context of health in South Africa.
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine at UKZN is a leader in HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis research. It is a key institution for medical training in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
6. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Formerly known as MEDUNSA, SMU is unique because it focuses almost exclusively on health sciences. It has a long history of producing a large percentage of South Africa’s black medical professionals.
7. University of the Free State (UFS)
Based in Bloemfontein, UFS offers excellent clinical exposure through its partnership with the Universitas Academic Hospital. It is a great choice for students looking for a supportive academic environment.
8. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
WSU is famous for its “Problem-Based Learning” (PBL) approach. Instead of traditional lectures, students learn by solving real-world medical cases from the beginning of their degree.
9. University of Limpopo (UL)
The University of Limpopo focuses heavily on addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities. It is an ideal institution for those who wish to practice medicine in underserved areas.
10. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
NMU is the newest medical school in South Africa, having opened its doors in 2021. It uses an integrated, tech-forward approach to medical education centered in Gqeberha.
Universities That Do Not Offer Medicine
It is a common error to assume that every large university has a medical school. For example, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Rhodes University are prestigious institutions, but they do not offer the MBChB degree to become a doctor. Instead, they offer allied health programs like Pharmacy, Nursing, or Emergency Medical Care.
Similarly, UNISA (University of South Africa) does not offer an undergraduate medical degree because medicine requires intensive, hands-on clinical training that cannot be completed through distance learning.
Admission Requirements to Note
Securing a place in a South African medical school is exceptionally competitive. Most universities receive thousands of applications for only a few hundred spots.
- Academic Performance: You generally need an APS (Admission Point Score) of 35 to 45 or higher.
- Subject Requirements: High marks in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences (Biology) are mandatory.
- NBTs: Most universities require you to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT).
- Community Service: After the 6-year degree, all doctors in South Africa must complete two years of internship and one year of community service before they can practice independently.
