The Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme is a South African government scheme placing selected students in Cuban medical universities. It is not an ordinary application to a foreign university: selection runs through provincial health departments and the national Department of Health.
Because it is a government programme with a service obligation, the requirements go beyond academic results and include citizenship, financial need and a commitment to work in the South African public health system after qualifying.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- South African citizenship
- A National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at the levels the programme requires
- Selection through your provincial health department
- Financial need, since the programme targets students who could not otherwise study medicine
- A commitment to serve in the South African public health system after qualifying
- Willingness to study in Spanish, which is the language of instruction
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Students complete the bulk of the medical training in Cuba and return to a South African medical school for a final integration period before qualifying, because the Cuban curriculum differs from the South African one.
On returning, graduates complete internship and community service in South Africa and register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required before you may practise, and only an accredited or recognised qualification leads to registration.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences are required, as they are for any medical route. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Spanish is the language of instruction in Cuba, and students complete language training before or at the start of the programme. This is a genuine demand rather than a formality.
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
Selection runs through provincial health departments, which advertise the programme and manage applications. Places are allocated by province and are limited.
The service obligation is a genuine legal commitment. Understand its terms, including its length and where you may be placed, before accepting a place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to study medicine in Cuba?
Through your provincial health department, which advertises and manages applications for the government programme. It is not an ordinary foreign university application.
What language is it taught in?
Spanish. Students complete language training before or at the start of the programme.
Do I come back to South Africa?
Yes. Students return to a South African medical school for a final integration period, then complete internship and community service here.
Is there a service obligation?
Yes. The programme carries a commitment to serve in the South African public health system after qualifying.
Confirm current selection criteria and application routes with your provincial health department and the national Department of Health. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required before you may practise, and only an accredited or recognised qualification leads to registration. See medicine requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.