Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand requires a National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement and very high results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, together with the composite score the health sciences faculty calculates. Wits also weights National Benchmark Test results.
Medicine is the most competitive programme at Wits and one of the most competitive in the country. Places are capped nationally, so meeting every published requirement and still not being admitted is a common outcome rather than an unusual one.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement
- Mathematics at a high level, with Mathematical Literacy not accepted
- Physical Sciences at a high level
- Life Sciences at the level the faculty requires
- The composite score the health sciences faculty calculates
- National Benchmark Test results, which Wits weights for health sciences
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The MBBCh at Wits is a six-year degree, followed by an internship and community service before independent practice. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required throughout.
The faculty publishes its composite score method and threshold, revised between intake years. Confirm the current figures against Wits health sciences admissions material for the year you are applying for.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required at high levels and Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. Life Sciences is required or strongly preferred.
Book National Benchmark Test sittings as early as possible, since dates are limited and results must be available before the faculty makes its decision. Late test results are a common avoidable cause of an application stalling.
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 SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Wits applies its admissions policy alongside academic results, including redress and access considerations. The effective standard is set by the strength of the applicant pool each year.
Apply to more than one medical school, since each runs its own selection process with different criteria. Have a considered second option, since related health science degrees are valuable careers in their own right. See medicine requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for medicine at Wits?
A bachelor pass with very high results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, the faculty composite score, and NBT results.
Does Wits require the NBT for medicine?
Wits weights National Benchmark Test results for health sciences. Book sittings early, since results must be available before the decision.
Can I study medicine with Mathematical Literacy?
No. Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required at all South African medical schools.
Does meeting the requirements guarantee a place?
No. Places are capped nationally and the effective standard is set by competition each year.
Confirm the current composite score method, threshold and NBT requirements with the Wits health sciences faculty. See medicine requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.