To study Medicine (MBChB or MBBCh) in South Africa, applicants generally need a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 35 to 38, though competitive entry typically requires an APS of 40 to 45 (an overall average of 80% to 90%+). Admission strictly requires Pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English at a minimum of Level 5 (60%) or Level 6 (70%), with many institutions also requiring Life Sciences. Meeting the minimum APS score allows eligibility for review, but final selection depends on National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores, demographic quotas, and ranking among thousands of top applicants.
Understanding the APS Score for Medicine
The Admission Point Score (APS) is a standardized point system used by South African universities to convert National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) percentage results into points. Each subject percentage corresponds to a level from 1 to 7:
- Level 7 (80% – 100%): 7 Points
- Level 6 (70% – 79%): 6 Points
- Level 5 (60% – 69%): 5 Points
- Level 4 (50% – 59%): 4 Points
- Level 3 (40% – 49%): 3 Points
- Level 2 (30% – 39%): 2 Points
- Level 1 (0% – 29%): 1 Point
Minimum APS vs. Competitive Selection Score
A critical distinction for medical school applicants is the difference between the minimum threshold and the competitive score:
- Minimum APS Threshold (35–38): This is the baseline required to submit an application without automatic rejection by university administrative portals.
- Competitive Selection APS (40–45): Because each medical faculty receives between 5,000 and 12,000 applications for only 200 to 300 available seats, the successful applicants almost always achieve Level 6 and Level 7 results across all six core subjects.
The Role of Life Orientation
Most South African medical faculties (such as the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand) exclude Life Orientation when calculating the 6-subject APS score, using a maximum scale of 42 points. Some universities, like the University of Cape Town (UCT), use their own composite Faculty Points Score (FPS) or include Life Orientation at a reduced weight.
Core Subject Requirements for MBChB
Regardless of the university, medical faculties mandate a strict prerequisite subject combination. Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted for medical degree applications anywhere in South Africa.
| Subject | Minimum Required Level | Recommended Target Level | Notes |
| Mathematics (Pure) | Level 5 (60%) or Level 6 (70%) | Level 7 (80%+) | Foundational for biostatistics and pharmacology. |
| Physical Sciences | Level 5 (60%) or Level 6 (70%) | Level 7 (80%+) | Mandatory physics and chemistry foundation. |
| English (Home or FAL) | Level 5 (60%) | Level 6 / 7 (70%–80%+) | Critical for clinical communication and patient care. |
| Life Sciences (Biology) | Level 5 (60%) or Level 6 (70%) | Level 7 (80%+) | Strictly required by most universities (SU, UFS, SMU, UP, UKZN). |
| Two Other Academic Subjects | Level 5 (60%+) | Level 7 (80%+) | High marks in subjects like Accounting, History, or Geography boost overall APS. |
Medical School APS & Admission Requirements Across South African Universities
South Africa has ten accredited medical universities offering the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. Each institution implements distinct weighting formulas and selection policies.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT) – MBChB
- Minimum APS / Metric: UCT uses the Faculty Points Score (FPS) out of 600, plus the National Benchmark Tests (AQL and MAT) out of 300, creating a combined Academic Performance Score out of 900.
- Subject Minimums: English (60%), Pure Mathematics (60%), Physical Sciences (60%), and at least 50% in all other subjects.
- Selection Reality: Successful general-category applicants usually present an FPS of 450+ and strong NBT scores in the Intermediate or Proficient bands.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – MBBCh
- Minimum APS: 38 (calculated using English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences, and the next best two subjects, excluding LO).
- Subject Minimums: English (Level 5 / 60%), Mathematics (Level 6 / 70%), Physical Sciences or Life Sciences (Level 5 / 60%).
- Selection Process: A composite index consisting of academic results (75% weighting) and National Benchmark Tests (25% weighting).
3. University of Pretoria (UP) – MBChB
- Minimum APS: 35 (excluding Life Orientation).
- Subject Minimums: English Home Language or First Additional Language (Level 5 / 60%), Mathematics (Level 6 / 70%), Physical Sciences (Level 5 / 60%).
- Intake: Exactly 300 students are admitted into the first-year programme annually based on Grade 11 results and final NSC validation.
4. Stellenbosch University (SU) – MBChB
- Selection Model: Calculates an Academic Performance Mark based on the best 6 subjects (including Maths, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English).
- Subject Minimums: Mathematics (Level 6 / 70%), Physical Sciences (Level 5 / 60%), Life Sciences (Level 5 / 60%), Language of instruction (Level 5 / 60%).
- Additional Criteria: Completion of the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) and medical selection questionnaire.
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – MBChB
- Minimum APS: 35 (excluding Life Orientation).
- Subject Minimums: English (Level 5 / 65%), Mathematics (Level 5 / 65%), Physical Sciences (Level 5 / 65%), Life Sciences (Level 5 / 65%).
- Selection Policy: Managed under strict demographic quotas (Nelson Mandela School of Medicine quota system) with dedicated quotas for rural and quintile 1–3 school learners.
6. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – MBChB
- Minimum APS: 38 (excluding Life Orientation).
- Subject Minimums: Mathematics (Level 6), Physical Sciences (Level 6), Life Sciences (Level 6), English (Level 6).
- Selection Model: Highly competitive pre-selection based on matric performance in scientific disciplines.
7. University of the Free State (UFS) – MBChB
- Minimum APS: 36 (excluding Life Orientation).
- Subject Minimums: Mathematics (Level 5 / 60%), Physical Sciences (Level 5 / 60%), Life Sciences (Level 5 / 60%), English (Level 5 / 60%).
- Selection Criteria: Academic merit, NBT scores, and regional allocations for Free State and Northern Cape applicants.
8. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – MBChB
- Minimum APS: 35.
- Subject Minimums: English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences at Level 5 (60%+) minimum.
- Focus: Strong preference given to applicants from the Eastern Cape, rural districts, and underdeveloped communities utilizing problem-based learning (PBL).
9. University of Limpopo (UL) – MBChB
- Minimum APS: 35–38.
- Subject Minimums: Mathematics (Level 6 / 70%), Physical Sciences (Level 6 / 70%), Life Sciences (Level 6 / 70%), English (Level 5 / 60%).
- Focus: Prioritizes students from rural Limpopo and surrounding Southern African regions committed to primary healthcare.
10. Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – MBChB
- Minimum APS: 38+.
- Subject Minimums: Mathematics (Level 6 / 70%), Physical Sciences (Level 5 / 60%), Life Sciences (Level 5 / 60%), English (Level 5 / 60%).
- Focus: Distributed clinical training model focusing on comprehensive primary healthcare and community practice.
University Medicine APS Comparison Table
| University | Degree | Minimum Stated APS | Realistic Competitive APS | Compulsory Key Subjects |
| UCT | MBChB | 38+ / 450 FPS | 42+ (85%+ avg) | Maths, Phys Sci, English |
| Wits | MBBCh | 38 | 40–42 | Maths, Phys Sci / Life Sci, English |
| UP | MBChB | 35 | 40–42 | Maths, Phys Sci, English, Life Sci |
| Stellenbosch | MBChB | 38 | 41–43 | Maths, Phys Sci, Life Sci, English |
| UKZN | MBChB | 35 | 39–42 | Maths, Phys Sci, Life Sci, English |
| SMU | MBChB | 38 | 40–42 | Maths, Phys Sci, Life Sci, English |
| UFS | MBChB | 36 | 39–41 | Maths, Phys Sci, Life Sci, English |
| WSU | MBChB | 35 | 38–40 | Maths, Phys Sci, Life Sci, English |
| UL | MBChB | 35 | 39–41 | Maths, Phys Sci, Life Sci, English |
| NMU | MBChB | 38 | 40–42 | Maths, Phys Sci, Life Sci, English |
Non-Academic and Additional Selection Factors
Scoring a high APS is only the first hurdle in the medical application process. Most South African faculties assess candidates across multiple criteria:
- National Benchmark Tests (NBTs):Many universities require applicants to write the AQL (Academic and Quantitative Literacy) and MAT (Mathematics) tests. These standardized assessments verify school marks and carry formal weighting in composite admission formulas (e.g., UCT, Wits, UFS).
- Demographic & Transformation Categories:In compliance with national healthcare transformation goals, seats are distributed across designated sub-categories (Black African, Coloured, Indian, White, Rural/Quintile 1–3 schools, and SADC/International applicants). Cut-off scores vary across demographic groups.
- Provincial and Rural Quotas:Institutions like UKZN, UL, WSU, and UFS reserve designated quotas for students from rural backgrounds, specific provinces (e.g., Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, Northern Cape), or under-resourced schools.
- Biographical Questionnaires and SJTs:Universities like Stellenbosch and UFS may require personal statements, extracurricular verification, or Situational Judgement Tests to assess emotional resilience and ethical reasoning.
Alternative Pathways If Your APS Is Too Low
If you do not meet the direct matric entry requirements for an MBChB programme, several alternative pathways can lead to a medical qualification:
1. The Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP)
The University of the Witwatersrand offers the GEMP route, allowing students who have completed a prior Bachelor’s degree (such as a BSc, BPharm, or BHSc) with high marks to write the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT). Successful candidates enter directly into the 3rd year of the MBBCh degree.
2. First-Year BSc Internal Transfer
Enrolling in a general Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree majoring in Biological Sciences, Anatomy, or Physiology at universities like UP, UFS, or Wits offers a second chance. Achieving a 75%–85%+ grade point average in the first semester or first year allows students to apply for competitive top-performer internal transfer spots into Year 1 of MBChB.
3. Allied Health Sciences Degrees
Many students pursue fulfilling medical careers through allied health degrees with slightly lower APS thresholds (ranging from 30 to 36):
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhysT / BSc Physio)
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOccTher)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD / BDS)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BNur / BCur)
- Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP – Clinical Associate)
4. Matric Subject Upgrades
If your marks are just below the competitive band (e.g., 60% in Mathematics or Physics when 75%+ is needed), upgrading individual NSC subjects through an accredited matric rewrite centre or registering as a private candidate allows you to re-apply the following admission cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute minimum APS required to apply for Medicine in South Africa?
The absolute minimum APS to apply for an MBChB programme ranges between 35 and 38 (calculated on a 6-subject scale excluding Life Orientation). However, because medicine is the most competitive qualification in South Africa, meeting this baseline score does not ensure selection; realistic admission cut-offs generally sit at an APS of 40 or higher.
Can I study Medicine with Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics?
No. Every accredited medical school in South Africa strictly requires Pure Mathematics with a minimum final mark of 60% to 70% (Level 5 or Level 6). Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted under any circumstances for the MBChB or MBBCh degree.
Does Life Orientation count toward my Medicine APS?
At the vast majority of South African universities—including the University of Pretoria, Wits, UKZN, and SMU—Life Orientation is entirely excluded from the APS calculation for Health Sciences. Some universities, such as UCT, include Life Orientation in custom scoring calculations at a fractional weighting, but core academic subjects carry the primary selection value.
What are the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) and are they mandatory for Medicine?
The NBTs are national standardized tests designed to measure academic literacy, quantitative literacy, and mathematics competency. Medical faculties at institutions like UCT, Wits, and UFS use NBT scores alongside matric marks to calculate an applicant’s final selection rank. Applicants must register for and write the AQL and MAT tests during their Grade 12 year before the university application deadline.
How does the Wits GEMP programme work for graduates wanting to study Medicine?
The Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) at Wits allows university graduates who hold an undergraduate degree in science, health sciences, or related fields to enter directly into the third year of the MBBCh degree. Candidates must meet minimum undergraduate credit requirements in Anatomy, Physiology, and Biology and pass the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT).
What should I do if my Grade 11 marks do not meet the Medicine APS requirements?
Universities use Grade 11 final marks for provisional offers, meaning you should immediately seek academic support in high-weighting subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. Furthermore, you should apply for a strong secondary qualification (such as a BSc in Biological Sciences or Life Sciences) as your backup choice to facilitate an internal transfer or graduate entry route later.