To study medicine in South Africa you need a bachelor pass with Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at high levels, a very high APS, and success in each medical school own selection process. Medicine has the most competitive admission of any undergraduate programme in the country.
Meeting the published minimum is nowhere near sufficient. Medical schools receive many times more qualifying applications than they have places, so the effective entry standard is set by competition and by selection criteria beyond marks.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Medical school admission is assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass with a very high APS
- Mathematics at a high level, with Mathematical Literacy not accepted
- Physical Sciences at a high level
- Life Sciences at the level the school requires
- English at the level the school requires
- Selection criteria beyond marks, which differ by school
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The MBChB is a six-year degree at most South African medical schools, followed by an internship and community service before you can practise independently. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required throughout.
Each medical school runs its own selection process. Some use an admissions test, some weight a personal questionnaire or interview, and most apply criteria reflecting their transformation and regional access commitments alongside academic results.
Because selection criteria differ so much, apply to several schools rather than one, and read each school own published criteria rather than assuming they are alike.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required at high levels and Mathematical Literacy is never accepted. Life Sciences is required or strongly preferred at most schools.
The APS required is among the highest of any programme, but a high APS alone does not secure a place. Schools look at performance in the specific science subjects as well as at the total.
Advanced Programme Mathematics is viewed positively at some schools. Confirm whether it counts towards the APS at each one.
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
- Admissions test results, where the school requires them
- A completed personal questionnaire or motivation, where required
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Places are strictly capped nationally, which is the fundamental constraint. Meeting every published requirement and still not being admitted is a common outcome rather than an unusual one.
Have a considered second option. Related health science degrees such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, radiography and nursing are valuable careers in their own right, and at some institutions strong performance in a science degree can support a later application to medicine.
Applying to study medicine abroad is a route some students take. If you consider it, confirm with the Health Professions Council of South Africa whether the qualification will be recognised for registration in South Africa before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need for medicine?
Among the highest of any programme, and it differs by school. Meeting it does not secure a place, since selection extends well beyond marks.
Can I study medicine with Mathematical Literacy?
No. Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required at all South African medical schools.
Do medical schools use entrance tests?
Some do, and others weight questionnaires or interviews. Criteria differ by school, so read each one separately.
What if I am not accepted?
Related health science degrees are valuable careers, and at some institutions strong performance in a science degree can support a later application.
Confirm selection criteria with each medical school, and confirm recognition of any foreign qualification with the Health Professions Council of South Africa before studying abroad. Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each institution for your intake year. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.