How Should You Choose Between Zambia and South Africa for Your Medical Education?

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Medical Education: An Overview

Medicine tops the most in-demand professions list for its demand, honor, fanciness, high pay, and so on. There is a dire shortage of doctors across the globe, especially in African countries. Since the demand does not match with the supply in such countries, the respective governments have taken various initiatives and awareness to make students take medicine as their profession.

Getting a medical admission in their native country may not be possible for everyone. Also, students may have a concern about the quality of medical education in their native place. In such scenarios, students choose to study medicine abroad.

It becomes a big challenge for students to choose the best country to study medicine in Africa due to the scarcity of information available for the students to make the correct and timely decision. Here we have discussed in detail how and why you have to choose a country and university to study medicine. Keep going!

How to Choose a Country to Study Medicine in Africa

Demand for doctors in African countries is huge. There is only 1 doctor for 10,000 people now, and it is expected that the shortage will reach 4.3 million by 2035. Respective governments must take proactive initiatives to meet that demand. This demand can also be met in just 10 years if a greater number of African students take up medicine as their career.

The standard of medical education has been improved over the years in African countries, especially in Zambia and South Africa. Moreover, medical universities in such countries are offering world-class medical education in an advanced learning environment. Universities like Texila American University in Zambia offer best-in-class medical courses in an infrastructure:  equipped with advanced laboratories, libraries, technology-enabled classrooms, and so on.

If you are a national of any of the African countries, consider the following pointers while choosing a country to study medicine in Africa:

• Eligibility Criteria – Before applying to a medical school abroad, review whether you have the eligibility to enroll in the program.
• University Recognition – Recognition of a university is important when it comes to medical education. MBChB degree pursued from an unaccredited university will not be considered by the medical councils. Watch out for the recognition and accreditation of the university before choosing.  
• Attrition Rate – Analyzing the attrition rate of the medical university is a key factor to be considered while choosing a foreign nation for your medical education. As it affects the reputation of the university, most universities do not maintain transparency in this aspect.  So, be vigilant.
• Climatic Conditions – Even though it is an external factor, considering the climatic conditions of a country is equally important as you may not be able to sustain it if it is adverse. Therefore, choose a country with a climatic condition that matches yours.

Which Is the Best Country to Study Medicine: Zambia or South Africa?

Zambia and South Africa have often been considered the best countries to study medicine. Both countries are emerging economies that have shown tremendous growth in all fields. There are plenty of medical universities offering quality medical education.

Here are a few facts about medical education in both countries.

Medical Education in Zambia

Zambia is a fast-growing economy. There prevails a huge shortage of healthcare professionals. Upon understating the situation, the Zambian government has taken several initiatives to address the health worker shortage by improving salaries and working conditions of doctors in Zambia. In such a way, it motivates students to choose their careers in the healthcare sector. If you choose to study MBChB degree in Zambia, the following are a few things you need to know:

Eligibility Criteria to Study Medicine in Zambia

Following are the minimum eligibility requirements to study medicine in Zambia

• 6 Years with HPFP
  • Grade 12 School Certificate or GCE with 5 Credits or Better, Four of Which Must Be English, Mathematics, Biology, and Science
• 5 Years
  • ‘A’ Level Cambridge with Pass in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics

Benefits of Studying Medicine in Zambia

Besides being an emerging economy, Zambia is well-known for its quality education. Zambia has many renowned medical universities that follow the international standard curriculum and world-class clinical training. Moreover, you can gain better exposure to all the medical aspects with an advanced learning environment.

Zambia is moving toward a mission to provide equitable access to cost-effective yet quality healthcare services to everyone. And has a vision to become a “Nation of Healthy and Productive People” by 2030. Thus, the country has relaxed various criteria for medical students.

Here are the top 9 benefits you can get if you choose Zambia to pursue your medical degree:

Flexible Admission

Students can apply for their medical degrees immediately after the completion of Grade 12. Your academic, personal, and extracurricular abilities will be considered for the selection criteria. Besides these, students may need to clear the interview of the selected body of the university depending upon the requirements of the medical schools.

Scholarships and Loan Facilities

Most universities announce 100% scholarships/bursaries for students. Aspiring students with exceptional academic performance and who meet the eligibility criteria framed by the university can avail themselves of scholarships/bursaries to complete their program without financial burdens. Others can also make use of the funding facilities and pursue their dream degree with ease.

International Employment Opportunities

As mentioned earlier, most of the medical schools in Zambia are renowned and accredited. You can check if your preferred medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Getting an MBChB degree from such a recognized medical school will enable you to practice across Africa upon meeting the eligibility criteria defined by the medical councils of the respective country.

Opportunity for Master’s Degree

Upon completing your MBChB degree and internship, you can choose to specialize through the postgraduate degree program available in Zambia. Most doctors in Africa choose to study Master of Public Health degree as it adds more value to their profile and profession. Furthermore, opportunities to pursue such advanced degrees are huge in Zambia.

No Quotas on Foreign Medical Students

Medical schools in Zambia do not limit seats for international students. There is no quota in effect in Zambia for the same. As long as the students meet the required eligibility criteria and have the prerequisites, medical schools in Zambia will accept their applications. This particular benefit attracts many international students to pursue their medical degrees in Zambia.

Plenty of Renowned Medical Universities

There are plenty of the best medical schools in Zambia to study the MBChB Program. They are the most renowned medical universities offering world-class medical education to students from across Africa. Listed below are a few top medical schools in Zambia:

• University of Zambia School of Medicine (Public Institution)
• Texila American University, Zambia (Private Institution)
• Copperbelt University of School of Medicine (Public Institution)
• Mulungushi University, Zambia (Public Institution)
• Cavendish University, Zambia (Private Institution)

No IELTS Required

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English proficiency test that is not a mandatory prerequisite to studying medicine in Zambia. However, since English will be the medium of instruction in all the medical schools in Zambia, students have to be able to communicate in English.

Safe, Favorable, and Hospitable Environment

Zambia is one of the safest countries in Africa where students can have a good lifestyle and a great experience. Besides, the climate is also favorable and rarely goes beyond 40°C or down below 0°C. Also, life in Zambia is quite peaceful, and students can have a better environment to concentrate on their studies.

Blissful Tourist Spots

Zambia is noted for its natural resources and tourist spots like Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls for its width of 1,708 m There are around 20 national parks in the country and various spots that attract millions of tourists every year. Choosing to study in Zambia will not only enhance your knowledge but also soothe your soul through its blissful nature.

Cons of Studying Medicine in Zambia

Selection criteria are very liberal, and medical seats are provided are in a first-come, first-served basis. Industry experts feel this as it may reflect in the quality of the medical professionals. However, the medical universities are declining this statement as they are providing quality education, thorough clinical training, and assessments.

Once a student completes his/her medical degree from one of the best medical schools in Zambia, they will be fully equipped and qualified to practice medicine anywhere across Africa upon clearing the licensing examination as per the local requirements.

Medical Education in South Africa

It has often been pitched that getting into a medical school is difficult. However, medical schools in South Africa follow a transparent selection criterion.

Eligibility Criteria to Study Medicine in South Africa

If you pass your Grade 12 with English, Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry, and Life Science, you are eligible to study medicine in South Africa. Besides academic performance in Grade 12, you are expected to excel in National Senior Certificate (NSC), National Benchmark Test (NBT), and non-academic performance (extracurricular activities).

Benefits of Studying Medicine in South Africa

Even though it is difficult to enroll in a medical degree in South Africa, you can gain the following benefits.

Bursaries and Funding

Most universities offer details about bursaries in South Africa (scholarship) in their handbook. You can make use of the funding and scholarship options that match your eligibility. Getting funds and bursaries for your medical education is not difficult if you secure a high score in your Grade 12 and other tests.

Quality Education

Since the country is moving toward a vision of producing quality medical professionals, all accredited medical universities offer quality medical education. Therefore, students do not have to worry about their learning experience. They will be trained enough to excel in the medical profession.

Cons of Studying Medicine in South Africa

Getting a medical seat in medical schools in South Africa is highly competitive. Only students with high scores (<90%) can enter into medical studies. There is no uniformity in the application process between medical schools. Renowned medical schools in South Africa consider the application only if you have cleared the NBT and NSC.

And there are only a minimal number of accredited medical schools in South Africa. If you fail to secure a medical seat in one of the schools, you have to look for options abroad. Since each university follows a “Quota System” and sets different parameters for selecting students, international students get a minimal opportunity to secure a medical seat in South Africa.

How Zambia Is Better Than South Africa to Study Medicine

Irrespective of your nationality, securing a medical seat in Zambia is easier than in South Africa if you meet the eligibility criteria. Besides flexible admission, Zambia is one of the best countries in Africa to study medicine for its renowned medical universities. Moreover, students can avail themselves of scholarships/bursaries to pursue their medical degrees without any financial burden.

Best Medical Universities in Zambia

With all the given information, you must have understood that Zambia is the best country in Africa to study medicine. Wondering which is the best university to study medicine in Zambia? As mentioned earlier, medical universities in Zambia have improved their standard over the year and proved to be the best by producing well-trained and qualified medical professionals. Following are the top three medical schools in Zambia that you can have as your first choice to study medicine there:

• University of Zambia School of Medicine (Public Institution)
• Texila American University, Zambia (Private Institution)
• Copperbelt University of School of Medicine (Public Institution)
• Mulungushi University, Zambia (Public Institution)
• Cavendish University, Zambia (Private Institution)

Benefits of Choosing Texila American University in Zambia

Among the universities listed above, Texila American University is a private institution that tops the other private medical schools in Zambia for its academic excellence. TAU is an elite medical school in Zambia for not only offering quality medical education but also providing a world-class learning environment with advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art laboratories.

Following are a few students from South Africa who are pursuing their MBChB degree in TAU, Zambia. Click on the names to read their experience studying medicine at TAU:

• Mr. Nkululeko Sinethemba Ngema, Student Doctor from South Africa, MBChB, TAU, Zambia
• Ms. Alisha Potgieter, Student Doctor from South Africa, MBChB, TAU, Zambia

TAU has got students from across Africa. By offering a diverse environment for medical students, TAU helps them get better exposure to disease patterns, medical practices, and clinical aspects in other African countries.

Whether you are from Zambia or other African countries, choosing Texila American University in Zambia would be the right move to excel in your medical career.