What you need in matric
You must have
- English
- Mathematics (not Maths Literacy)
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
Also good to have
- A very high overall average
- The NBT (National Benchmark Test)
Ways to become a doctor
The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.
MBChB (medicine)
To get in: About 38 APS or more. English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences. You need high marks in Maths, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. Most schools also use the NBT test, and some interview you. Entry is very competitive.
About ten university medical schools offer the MBChB. After it, you do a two-year internship and one year of community service, then register with the HPCSA. You register with the HPCSA and work as a doctor. Later you can train as a specialist.
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MBChB through the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro (Cuba) programme
To get in: Maths, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. You apply through your provincial Department of Health. You must be a South African citizen from that province, usually aged 18 to 30.
The government funds you to study medicine in Cuba, then you finish your training in South Africa and register with the HPCSA. You become a fully qualified doctor, the same as the local MBChB.
This is a funded route, often for students from rural areas. Apply through your provincial Department of Health.
Clinical Associate (BCMP)
To get in: About 30 APS or more. English, Maths, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. The marks needed are lower than for the MBChB.
Some universities offer the Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP). You work at district hospitals under a doctor. You register with the HPCSA as a Clinical Associate. You assess patients, diagnose, prescribe, and do minor procedures under a doctor.
Marks too low for the MBChB, or did not get a place? The Clinical Associate route lets you do real medical work in three years.
If you don’t get in yet
Getting into medicine is very hard, with few places. If you do not get in, you still have real options.
Train as a Clinical Associate
The three-year Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) lets you do real medical work at district hospitals, under a doctor. It needs lower marks than the MBChB.
Apply for the Cuba programme
The Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro programme funds you to study medicine in Cuba, then finish in South Africa. Apply through your provincial Department of Health.
Do a health science degree and reapply
Study a BSc in health or life sciences, do well, and apply for medicine again, or use a graduate entry route later. You can also upgrade your matric marks.
Get ready to apply →How to sign up to work
You sign up with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- You must register with the HPCSA to work as a doctor. You cannot practise without it.
- You register as a student, then do a two-year internship and one year of community service.
- After that, you register for independent practice and can work on your own.
- You give a police clearance and pay a fee each year.
- To specialise, you train more and register with the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa.
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