GEMP Requirements in South Africa
GEMP stands for Graduate Entry Medical Programme. In South Africa, this usually refers to the Wits route that allows qualifying graduates to enter the third year of the MBBCh instead of starting medicine from first year. It is designed for students who already have a completed degree, or who are in their final year, and want to study towards becoming a doctor.
If you are searching for GEMP requirements, the most important thing to know is that this is not a postgraduate medicine degree. At Wits, GEMP is still part of the undergraduate MBBCh qualification, even though you apply with a previous degree.
What are the GEMP requirements?
To be considered for GEMP, you generally need a completed Bachelor’s or Bachelor of Technology degree, or you must be in your final year of study. Wits states that applicants need an average of at least 70% over the final two completed years of their degree for minimum consideration. National diplomas, technical diplomas and certificates are not accepted for this route.
You also need the required science subjects at first-year university level. For Wits GEMP, these include Biology or an accepted equivalent as a full course, plus Physics and Chemistry as half courses. These subjects must be completed at bachelor’s degree level or higher before the closing date.
There are also Mathematics and English requirements. Wits accepts applicants who meet the required school-level or university-level standard in both subjects. For many applicants, that means meeting the minimum mark in matric Mathematics and English, although a first-year university course can also satisfy the requirement in some cases.
Do you need NBT for GEMP?
No. Wits states that applicants applying for GEMP do not have to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). That makes GEMP different from the standard first-year medicine application route.
How does selection work for GEMP?
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Wits makes final selection based on available places and other entry requirements, and it calculates a composite academic score from your previous university results.
Applicants who meet the entry criteria and the academic average threshold may be invited to write the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT). Wits says the WAPT is a pass/fail selection test and that passing it does not guarantee a place.
What is tested in WAPT?
According to Wits, the WAPT covers three main areas:
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Molecular Medicine
This means applicants should not only focus on degree averages. You also need to be ready for a demanding academic selection process.
Documents you may need
Before you apply, prepare your key documents early. These usually include your ID or passport, academic transcripts, proof of completed or current degree study, and any supporting documents needed for language or international qualification checks. Requirements can change, so always confirm the latest list on the official university admissions page before submitting anything. Wits also applies separate immigration and English proficiency checks for international applicants.
Important things to know before applying
GEMP is a competitive route into medicine. Even if you meet the minimum marks and subject requirements, that only makes you eligible for consideration. It does not mean you will automatically get invited further or receive an offer.
If you do not yet have the required university Biology, Chemistry or Physics subjects, Wits notes that these can be completed separately through university study before applying.
Because admission rules, dates and supporting document requirements can change from year to year, always verify the latest official criteria with Wits Faculty of Health Sciences before you apply.
FAQ
What does GEMP stand for?
GEMP stands for Graduate Entry Medical Programme. At Wits, it is the graduate-entry route into the third year of the MBBCh degree.
Is GEMP a postgraduate degree?
No. Wits states that the MBBCh remains an undergraduate qualification, even when you apply through GEMP after completing another degree.
Do I need a previous degree for GEMP?
Yes. You usually need a completed bachelor-level degree, or you must be in your final year of one, to be considered.
Do GEMP applicants write NBT?
At Wits, no. GEMP applicants are not required to write the NBT.
Is meeting the minimum requirement enough to get accepted?
No. Minimum requirements do not guarantee admission. Selection is still competitive and depends on academic performance, testing and available space.