Medical secretary courses have no single national entry requirement; the provider sets it. As an example, Gateway City College, a private college, lists entry as a Senior Certificate, a National Senior Certificate or a relevant NATED qualification. SAQA’s records for the N6 medical secretary qualifications assume Grade 12, an equivalent, or a relevant N5.
Medical secretary study is offered through NATED (N4 to N6) programmes. The N6 qualifications on SAQA’s register are past their registration end date, so confirm with the provider what it currently offers before you enrol.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Entry: Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate or a relevant NATED qualification (Gateway City College)
- Duration at Gateway City College: 1.5 years full-time, with 18 months of in-service training
- N6 level: SAQA records the N6 Medical Secretary part-qualification at NQF level 5, 60 credits, assuming an N5 Medical Secretary certificate
Other private colleges and TVET colleges set their own entry rules and durations, so request the requirements from each provider.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
SAQA’s National Certificate: Business Studies: Medical Secretary (N6, 120 credits) assumes a National Senior Certificate or FET Certificate at Level 4 (Grade 12), an equivalent qualification, or a relevant N5. Providers may apply their own selection on top of this.
See our admission requirements guide for how admission requirements and Grade 12 results are used generally.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
SAQA’s records and Gateway City College refer to a Grade 12 pass or a relevant NATED level rather than to specific school subjects or an APS. Ask the provider whether it sets subject or mark requirements.
The National N Diploma requires N4 to N6 plus a practical work component of 18 months or two years, depending on the occupational area, according to the SAQA record for the N6 Medical Secretary (67002).
Documents and Application Requirements
Providers list their own application documents. At minimum, expect to supply proof of identity and your school or NATED results. Ask the provider for its full list and for the in-service training arrangements, since the practical component forms part of the qualification.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Check the status of the qualification before paying. Both SAQA medical secretary records show a registration end date of 30 June 2023. The last date for enrolment is 30 June 2026 for 67002 and 30 June 2024 for 22458, so both enrolment windows have closed. Ask any provider which qualification it currently offers and how it is recognised.
Public university and TVET college entry requirements for this field vary and should be requested from the institution. Ask each provider for its fee in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the medical secretary course requirements?
At Gateway City College, a Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate or a relevant NATED qualification. SAQA’s N6 records assume Grade 12, an equivalent or a relevant N5.
How long does a medical secretary course take?
Gateway City College lists 1.5 years full-time plus 18 months of in-service training. Other providers differ.
Are medical secretary courses still registered with SAQA?
SAQA’s N6 medical secretary records have passed their registration end date of 30 June 2023, and their last enrolment dates (30 June 2026 and 30 June 2024) have also passed. Ask the provider what it currently offers.
What is the N6 Medical Secretary qualification?
SAQA records it as an NQF level 5 part-qualification of 60 credits that assumes an N5 Medical Secretary certificate.
Confirm current requirements with the provider and check the qualification on the SAQA register. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.