South African students study medicine in Cuba through the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme rather than by applying directly to a Cuban university. Selection runs through provincial health departments and the national Department of Health.
Applying independently to a Cuban medical university outside the programme is a fundamentally different proposition, and the critical question becomes whether the qualification will be recognised for registration in South Africa afterwards.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- South African citizenship for the government programme
- A National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at the required levels
- Selection through your provincial health department
- Spanish language training, since Spanish is the language of instruction
- A service commitment in the South African public health system
- For independent study, confirmation that the qualification is recognised for South African registration
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Programme students complete most of their training in Cuba and return to a South African medical school for a final integration period before qualifying, because the curricula differ.
If you study medicine abroad independently, confirm with the Health Professions Council of South Africa before committing whether the qualification will be recognised for registration here. Foreign qualifications commonly require evaluation and additional examinations.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences are required for any medical route. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Spanish language competence is essential for study in Cuba. Programme students receive language training, but independent students would need to arrange it themselves.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A medical or health screening report and a police clearance certificate
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Places on the government programme are allocated by province and are limited. Selection considers financial need alongside academic results, since the programme targets students who could not otherwise study medicine.
Do not commit money to any agent offering placement at a foreign medical school without first confirming recognition with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. This is where the greatest financial risk lies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly to a Cuban medical university?
South African students normally go through the government programme. Applying independently raises the question of whether the qualification will be recognised here.
How do I check recognition?
Confirm with the Health Professions Council of South Africa before committing. Foreign qualifications commonly require evaluation and additional examinations.
Is Spanish required?
Yes, it is the language of instruction. Programme students receive language training.
Who selects students?
Provincial health departments, working with the national Department of Health.
Confirm selection criteria with your provincial health department, and confirm recognition of any foreign medical qualification with the Health Professions Council of South Africa before committing. See medicine requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.