Many children say they want to become doctors when they grow up. For them, doctors are people who help patients, treat illness, and save lives. Even today, many students continue to dream of becoming doctors.
However, becoming a doctor is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, effort, discipline, and patience. Medical students need to work hard and manage their time well because doctors are trusted with people’s health and lives. To become a skilled doctor, students should carefully research accredited medical schools, admission rules, clinical training opportunities, and professional registration requirements.
Studying medicine in South Africa can be demanding because admission is highly selective and places are limited. At the same time, South African medical schools offer students exposure to diverse clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community-based health care. If you want to study medicine in South Africa, here is some updated information about medical degrees and the path to becoming a doctor in the country.
1. Can you study medicine in South Africa as an international student?
Yes, some South African medical schools consider international applicants, but policies differ by university and can be restrictive. For example, the University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences and the University of the Witwatersrand are listed as admitting foreign students for medical programs. However, international applicants should not assume that every medical school accepts them on the same terms.
Some universities limit international places or restrict eligibility. For example, the University of Pretoria states that only a limited number of places are available to non-South African citizens and that applicants from SADC countries may receive preference. The University of Limpopo states that its MBChB program is currently offered to South African students only. Because of these differences, international students should check the latest admission rules directly with each university before applying.
2. What are the requirements to study medicine in this country?
Requirements vary by university, but applicants generally need strong school results in English, Mathematics, and science subjects, along with any selection tests required by the university. At Wits, school-leaver applicants for the MBBCh need English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 5, Mathematics at Level 5, and Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences at Level 5. Wits also uses a Composite Index score based on school results and National Benchmark Test scores.
At the University of Pretoria, the 2026 MBChB minimum requirements for NSC/IEB applicants include English at Level 5, Mathematics at Level 6, Physical Sciences at Level 5, and an APS of 35. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission because medicine is a highly competitive program.
International applicants usually need to submit proof of identity, academic records, evidence that their school-leaving qualification is acceptable, and any documents required by the university. They must also meet South African immigration rules. A study visa generally requires a valid passport, proof of South African medical cover, an official acceptance or provisional acceptance letter, proof of funds, and other supporting documents.
3. In what language is the medical curriculum in South Africa?
South Africa has 12 official languages. However, many MBChB programs are taught in English. The World Directory of Medical Schools lists English as the language of instruction for medical programs at several South African universities, including the University of Cape Town, Wits, the University of Pretoria, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The University of Pretoria also states that its modules are presented only in English.
Students whose previous education was not in English should check each university’s English-language requirements. Some universities may require proof of English proficiency or equivalent evidence that the applicant can study successfully in English.
4. How difficult is it to study medicine in South Africa?
Getting into medicine in South Africa is difficult because the number of places is limited and selection is competitive. Wits notes that final selection depends on available places, academic results, and other entry requirements. The University of Pretoria states that 300 first-year MBChB students are selected annually, while Nelson Mandela University also emphasizes that places for the MBChB are limited and that selection is not first-come, first-served.
The academic workload is also demanding. Medical students study biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, public health, communication, ethics, and practical clinical skills over several years. Students should be prepared for a full-time program with a heavy workload and regular clinical exposure.
5. How many medical schools are in South Africa?
South Africa has 10 universities currently training MBChB medical students. North-West University is developing the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, which it says is expected to become South Africa’s 11th medical school and welcome its first cohort of students in 2028.
This means the number of medical schools is expected to increase, but students applying now should check which universities are currently accepting MBChB applications for the relevant intake year.
6. What are the components of the medical program in South Africa?
The standard school-leaver route for medicine in South Africa is usually a six-year MBChB or MBBCh degree. For example, Wits lists its MBBCh as a six-year, full-time program, and Stellenbosch University states that its six-year MBChB training is followed by two years of internship and then one year of community service.
The structure varies by university, but students usually move from foundational and integrated medical sciences into increasing clinical training. At the University of Pretoria, training from year 1 to the middle of year 5 includes theoretical, practical, and clinical training, while the second half of year 5 and year 6 form a student internship with clinical training in hospitals and clinics. These university years are followed by a two-year medical internship and one year of community service, which are not part of the university degree itself.
Some universities also offer graduate-entry options. For example, Wits offers a Graduate Entry Medical Programme that allows suitably qualified graduates to enter the MBBCh program in the third year, after which they complete years three to six.
7. What do you need to become a doctor in South Africa?
To become a medical doctor in South Africa, students normally need to complete an accredited MBChB or MBBCh degree. Medical students may also need to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as medical students according to their university’s requirements.
After graduating, medical graduates must complete a two-year medical internship before registration as community service medical practitioners. They must then complete one year of remunerated community service at an approved health establishment before they can register for independent practice. Doctors who qualified outside South Africa may have additional HPCSA registration requirements, so foreign-qualified applicants should check the HPCSA process directly.
I hope this article was helpful. If you are interested in funding opportunities, visit the Available Courses for International Students and Scholarships Page.
