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Blog Summary
Considering South Africa’s rigorous path to study medicine, aspiring students face substantial challenges in securing a spot at top universities. Essential prerequisites include strong academic performance in subjects like English, Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry, and Life Science during high school. Admission criteria vary between institutions such as the University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch University, each setting specific academic benchmarks and National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). For those missing direct entry, pursuing a General BSc degree offers a pathway to transfer into medical school later. Completing an MBChB degree takes approximately 6 years, followed by mandatory internship and community service. Alternatively, exploring opportunities abroad, like studying medicine in Zambia, presents viable alternatives for determined South African students.
Medicine is the foremost choice for most students after completing high school. However, becoming a doctor requires a lot of hard work, effort, consistent preparation, and perseverance. However, securing a medical seat in one of the best medical universities in South Africa is challenging, as the requirements to study medicine over there are huge. However, it is challenging but not impossible.
If you are a South African student aspiring to become a doctor, this is for you to learn more in detail about the requirements to study medicine in South Africa.
Requirements to Study Medicine (MBChB) in South Africa
- Educational Background
Primarily, the subjects you choose in high school determine your future. If you prefer to take up medicine as your career, you must pass your Grade 12 with English, Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry, and Life Science.
- Marks Required to Get into Medical Schools in South Africa
In South Africa, medical aspirants have two options to get into a medical school. The requirements to join an MBChB degree differ based on your choice between the options:
MBChB Right After High School
Limited medical seats and strict quotas make entry into a medical course extremely difficult. However, if you satisfy all the requirements to study medicine in South Africa, you can make it with a little more effort. The best part about medical universities in South Africa is they are transparent with their selection criteria.
Most South African medical universities have different requirements for students to enroll in their medical programs. However, there will not be much difference. Besides academic grades, medical aspirants have to take up National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). Students will be expected to perform exemplary to secure a medical seat in one of the best medical universities in South Africa. Above all, non-academic performance is also included in the selection criteria.
Here is a breakdown of what medical schools in South Africa expect in your application:
| University of Cape Town | University of Witwatersrand | Stellenbosch University | |
| Grade 12 | 60% | 40% | 45% |
| NBT | 30% | 40% | 30% |
| Non-Academic Performance | 10% | 20% | 25% |
The shared score is for you to get an overview of understanding what is expected in general. Besides, medical universities consider quotas in their selection criteria to benefit the disadvantaged students.
After General BSc
Students who could not make it directly to the MBChB course opt this. Even in medical schools, there will be dropouts that give a second chance for students who narrowly lost their opportunity to get into a medical degree. Students who could not make it in their first try start pursuing a general Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, which is similar to the MBChB degree.
When they are in their first year or at the beginning of their second year, they can get the opportunity to transfer to medical schools. However, you can get this transfer opportunity only if secured excellent academic performance in your BSc degree. Even though this option is highly competitive, you will have a clear idea of what is expected and work toward getting into the medical program through this transfer program.
Course Duration
An MBChB degree takes 6 years, including the foundation program. If you want to specialize further, it may take 10 years, depending on your choice of specialization.
Pre-Requisites to Become a Doctor in South Africa
After graduating with an MBChB degree, you have to take up an internship for a minimum of 2 years. As per the law of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), MBChB graduates have to do one year of community service before they start practicing medicine. Check the procedure to practice as a doctor in South Africa after completing an MBChB degree.
Alternative Options for South African Students to Study Medicine
Where there is a will, there is a way. Failing to secure a medical seat in South Africa cannot end your dream of becoming a doctor. You can have better opportunities when you look for them outside the country. Why don’t you choose to study medicine abroad from South Africa? Studying medicine abroad is a challenging yet exciting one that brings you more experience and exposure.
Zambia is known for its natural landmarks, democracy, biodiversity, economic growth, and economic reform. What is not known is that Zambia is the perfect study destination for international students to pursue a medical degree. Quality medical education, affordable tuition fee, low cost of living, better access to education, the higher probability of successful degree completion, and much more make it one of the best countries that can be considered for studying medicine abroad.
The Best Medical Schools in Zambia
There are several public and private medical schools in Zambia. Texila American University is one of those best medical schools in Zambia for its quality medical education, advanced infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories, qualified faculty, and international standard curriculum. It intakes students solely based on their merits in high school and performance during the interview. This seamless medical university in Zambia is noted for its excellence in preparing medical doctors for Zambia and the Southern Africa region.
TAU offers both the Health Professions Foundation Program and the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program. You can join any one of these programs based on your eligibility.
For HPFP (1 Year):
Grade 12 School Certificate or GCE with 5 credits or better, four of which must be English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Science.
For MBChB (5 Years):
‘A’ Level with Pass in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Life Science, and Physical Science
OR
An Associate Degree/Diploma in Health Science Program
TAU has got students from across the globe and is seamlessly providing educational services and transforming their lives and careers with the dedicated support of highly qualified faculty. Even when there is a global calamity like COVID-19, education has been made uninterrupted by implementing virtual classrooms. Study medicine at Texila American University in Zambia and achieve your dream of becoming a doctor whatever the odds life throws at you!
