Medicine Requirements at South African Universities

Find the Medicine Requirements at South African Universities for 2027/2028 Academic session

Medicine Requirements at South African Universities 2027

Best Universities for Medicine in South Africa

Studying medicine in South Africa is highly competitive. Medical schools receive thousands of applications for a limited number of places, so meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission.

If you are planning to study medicine after matric, it is important to understand the requirements before applying. Universities may have different APS requirements, subject marks, NBT requirements, selection procedures and application deadlines.

This guide explains the medicine requirements at South African universities for 2027, including the requirements for Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, English, APS scores and other selection criteria.

What Are the Requirements to Study Medicine in South Africa?

Most students who want to study medicine in South Africa apply for an undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or an equivalent medical qualification.

Although requirements differ between universities, strong results are generally expected in:

English
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Other matric subjects

Many universities also use additional selection measures such as the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), university-specific scoring systems or selection policies.

There is no single national APS requirement for medicine. Each university sets its own admission and selection criteria.

For example, the University of Pretoria currently lists an APS of 35 for its 2027 MBChB, while UCT uses a different Academic Point Score system and requires a minimum of 450.

Medicine Requirements at South African Universities

The following universities are among the major institutions that students consider when applying to study medicine:

University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
University of Pretoria (UP)
Stellenbosch University
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of the Free State (UFS)
University of Limpopo (UL)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

The requirements below should be checked against the latest university prospectus before submitting an application.

1. University of Cape Town Medicine Requirements

The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers the six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

For MBChB, UCT currently publishes the following minimum academic requirements:

Subject/Requirement	Minimum
English	65%
Mathematics	70%
Physical Sciences	70%
Next three best subjects, excluding Life Orientation	70%
Academic Point Score	450
NBT	Intermediate range

UCT states that the MBChB programme takes six years. The university also warns that meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance because the number of applicants is very high compared with the number of available places.

UCT currently expects 240 first-year MBChB places.

For students applying for 2027, UCT’s application period opened on 1 April 2026 and closed on 31 July 2026.

Official source: https://health.uct.ac.za/home/undergraduate-programmes

Important UCT Medicine Requirements

Students should pay particular attention to:

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
English
NBT performance
Overall academic performance

A student who meets the minimum marks should not assume that admission is guaranteed.

2. University of the Witwatersrand Medicine Requirements

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh).

For applicants with a South African NSC, the published minimum requirements include:

Subject	Minimum
English Home Language or First Additional Language	Level 5
Mathematics	Level 5
Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences	Level 5

Wits uses a Composite Index (CI) when selecting applicants.

The Composite Index includes matric results and NBT performance. Wits states that matric academic results account for 75% of the index, while NBT results account for 25%.

Applicants must write the NBT at an approved in-person session; Wits states that online NBT results are not considered for this programme.

Wits also makes it clear that satisfying the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place because admission depends on the number of available places and the university’s selection process.

Official source: https://www.wits.ac.za/course-finder/undergraduate/health/medicine-and-surgery/

Wits MBBCh Selection

Wits considers:

English results
Mathematics results
Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences
Two additional subjects
NBT results
Overall academic performance

Students who already have a relevant university degree can also investigate Wits’ Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP).

3. University of Pretoria Medicine Requirements

The University of Pretoria (UP) offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, commonly referred to as the MBChB.

For the 2027 intake, UP lists these minimum requirements for applicants with an NSC or IEB qualification:

Requirement	Minimum
English	Level 5
Mathematics	Level 6
Physical Sciences	Level 5
APS	35

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.

Applicants currently in Grade 12 apply using their final Grade 11 results, while applicants who have already completed Grade 12 apply using their final NSC or equivalent results. UP specifically states that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

UP’s 2027 application closing date for South African and international applicants is listed as 30 June 2026.

Official source: https://www.up.ac.za/construction-economics/programmes/undergraduate/bachelor-of-medicine-and-surgery-mbchb/2027

UP Medicine Requirements at a Glance

Students applying to UP Medicine should aim for:

English Level 5 or higher
Mathematics Level 6 or higher
Physical Sciences Level 5 or higher
APS of at least 35
Strong Grade 11 or final matric results

Because admission is competitive, achieving the minimum APS should not be treated as an indication that admission is guaranteed.

4. Stellenbosch University Medicine Requirements

Stellenbosch University is another major South African institution offering medical education through its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Applicants should pay close attention to the university’s faculty-specific selection requirements.

Stellenbosch explains that admission requirements and selection procedures apply to individual programmes and that meeting minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission because places are limited.

Official source: https://www.su.ac.za/en/faculties/medicine

Before applying, students should check the latest undergraduate prospectus for:

Required matric subjects
Minimum subject percentages
Selection criteria
Application deadlines
Additional tests or documentation

5. University of KwaZulu-Natal Medicine Requirements

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers the six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) through the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine.

UKZN’s published requirements include:

English
Mathematics
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Level 5 in the required subjects
Life Orientation Level 4
At least a 65% aggregate

An important point for applicants is that UKZN uses a specific selection process for medicine. For the MBChB, applicants are ranked using their average percentage rather than the general APS ranking used for many other programmes.

For the 2027 intake, UKZN lists 30 June 2026 as the deadline for Medicine applications.

Official source: https://applications.ukzn.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2027-Undergrad.pdf

UKZN Medicine Requirements

Students should focus on:

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
English
Overall academic performance

Because UKZN does not simply use a standard APS cut-off for its MBChB selection, students should not compare their UKZN application solely with APS requirements from other universities.

6. University of the Free State Medicine Requirements

The University of the Free State (UFS) offers the MBChB through its School of Clinical Medicine.

Admission to Medicine at UFS is subject to a selection process.

UFS states that only a limited number of candidates are admitted to first-year study and that no late applications are considered. For the 2027 intake, the university provides a specific 2027 MBChB Selection Rules document for applicants.

Official source: https://www.ufs.ac.za/health/faculty-of-health-sciences-home/academic-information/undergraduate-admission

UFS Medicine Selection

Students should not rely on a single APS number when researching UFS Medicine.

Instead, check the current selection rules for:

Academic requirements
NBT requirements
Selection points
Application documentation
Selection dates
Other applicable criteria

The university’s selection rules can change between admission cycles.

7. University of Limpopo Medicine Requirements

The University of Limpopo (UL) offers medical training through its School of Medicine.

Applicants seeking first-year admission need a Grade 12 bachelor’s pass and must meet the university’s published requirements in subjects including:

English
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences

Medicine is subject to selection, so satisfying the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.

Official source: https://www.ul.ac.za/faculty-of-health-sciences/school-of-medicine/

8. Walter Sisulu University Medicine Requirements

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) offers medical education through its Faculty of Health Sciences.

Students interested in applying for Medicine should consult the latest WSU undergraduate prospectus because the required subjects, minimum marks, selection criteria and application deadlines may change.

Applicants should check the university’s official admission information before submitting an application.

9. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Medicine Requirements

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a specialised health sciences institution in Gauteng.

Because the university focuses specifically on health sciences, it is an important option for students interested in medical careers.

Prospective MBChB applicants should check the latest SMU undergraduate prospectus for:

Minimum matric requirements
Required subjects
Selection criteria
Application deadlines
Supporting documents

Medicine Requirements Comparison

The table below gives students a quick comparison of several major medical schools.

University	Qualification	Key Published Requirements	Selection
UCT	MBChB	English 65%, Maths 70%, Physical Sciences 70%, APS 450	Competitive + NBT
Wits	MBBCh	English L5, Maths L5, Life/Physical Sciences L5	Composite Index + NBT
UP	MBChB	English L5, Maths L6, Physical Sciences L5, APS 35	Competitive selection
Stellenbosch	MBChB	Faculty-specific requirements	Competitive selection
UKZN	MBChB	Required subjects, L5, 65% aggregate	Average percentage
UFS	MBChB	Selection-specific criteria	Formal selection
UL	MBChB	English, Maths, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences	Selection
WSU	MBChB	Check current prospectus	Selection
SMU	MBChB	Check current prospectus	Selection

What APS Score Do You Need for Medicine?

There is no universal APS score for Medicine in South Africa.

Universities calculate admission scores differently.

For example:

UP lists APS 35 for its 2027 MBChB.
UCT uses an Academic Point Score with a minimum of 450.
Wits uses a Composite Index rather than simply selecting applicants based on one APS number.
UKZN uses the applicant’s average percentage for MBChB ranking.

Therefore, an APS of 35 at one university cannot simply be compared with an APS or selection score at another institution.

What Matric Subjects Do You Need to Study Medicine?

The most important subjects for prospective medical students are generally:

Mathematics

Mathematics is required by many medical schools and often has a high minimum mark.

For example, UCT requires 70% Mathematics, while UP requires Mathematics at Level 6.

Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences is another important requirement.

UCT requires 70% Physical Sciences, while UP requires Level 5.

Life Sciences

Life Sciences is highly relevant to medical study and is explicitly considered by several universities.

However, the exact requirement differs between medical schools.

English

Strong English results are important because medical students must understand complex academic material, communicate with patients and complete extensive written work.

UCT requires 65%, while UP requires English Level 5. Wits requires English at Level 5.

Do You Need Life Sciences to Study Medicine?

There is no single answer that applies to every university.

Some universities specifically include Life Sciences in their admission criteria, while others allow Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences or use different selection methods.

For example, Wits accepts Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences at Level 5 for its published NSC requirements.

Always check the requirements of each medical school before deciding which universities to apply to.

Do You Need Mathematics to Study Medicine?

Yes, Mathematics is required for many South African medical programmes.

Examples include:

UCT: 70%
UP: Level 6
Wits: Level 5
UKZN: Mathematics is among the required MBChB subjects

Students who want to become doctors should take Mathematics seriously from Grade 10 onwards.

Do You Need Physical Sciences to Study Medicine?

Physical Sciences is required or considered by many medical schools.

For example:

UCT requires 70%.
UP requires Level 5.
Wits requires Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences at Level 5.
UKZN includes Physical Sciences among its MBChB requirements.

Strong Physical Sciences results can also help students prepare for the scientific components of medical school.

Do You Need to Write the NBT for Medicine?

At several universities, yes.

UCT requires applicants to write the National Benchmark Tests, while Wits incorporates NBT results into its Composite Index. UFS also uses NBT results as part of its medicine selection process.

The exact NBT requirements differ between universities.

Students should therefore check:

Which NBT tests are required
The registration deadline
The date by which results must be available
Whether online or in-person results are accepted

Is Medicine Difficult to Get Into in South Africa?

Yes.

Medicine is one of the most competitive university programmes in South Africa.

The main reason is the combination of:

High demand
Limited places
Strong academic competition
Additional selection criteria
University-specific admission processes

UCT currently expects only 240 first-year MBChB places, while UP states that only a limited number of applicants are admitted and that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Wits similarly states that places are limited and that compliance with minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Medicine

1. Aim Above the Minimum Requirements

Do not target the minimum mark.

Medicine is competitive, so stronger academic results can make your application more competitive.

2. Prioritise Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the most important subjects for medical applications.

3. Work Hard on Physical Sciences

A strong Physical Sciences result can help you meet admission requirements and prepare for university-level medical sciences.

4. Take Life Sciences Seriously

Life Sciences provides useful preparation for subjects such as anatomy, physiology and other biological sciences.

5. Prepare for the NBT

If your chosen university requires the NBT, do not leave preparation until the last minute.

6. Research Every University Separately

Do not assume that an APS score or subject requirement at one university applies everywhere.

7. Apply Before the Closing Date

Medicine applications can close earlier than applications for many other university programmes.

For example, UP and UKZN both listed 30 June 2026 deadlines for their 2027 Medicine applications, while UCT’s 2027 applications closed on 31 July 2026.

8. Have an Alternative Study Plan

Even excellent students may not receive a Medicine offer.

Consider alternative health-related qualifications such as:

Nursing
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Dentistry
Radiography
Medical Laboratory Science
Emergency Medical Care

How Many Years Does It Take to Study Medicine?

The undergraduate medical degree generally takes six years.

However, completing the degree is not the only step before independent medical practice.

For example, UCT states that after graduating with the MBChB, students complete two years of internship and one year of community service before they can practise independently as medical doctors.

Students who want to become specialists must complete additional postgraduate training.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Medicine in South Africa?

The cost of studying Medicine varies between universities and depends on factors such as:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Food
Books
Transport
Medical equipment
Registration and administrative fees

Students should check the current fee schedule of the university they plan to attend.

If funding is a concern, investigate:

NSFAS
University financial aid
Medical bursaries
Provincial bursaries
Healthcare company bursaries
Private scholarships

Students should carefully read the terms of any bursary because some funding programmes may include service obligations after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum requirements to study Medicine in South Africa?

Requirements differ by university, but strong Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English and often Life Sciences results are commonly expected. Universities may also use NBT results and additional selection criteria.

What APS do I need for Medicine?

There is no national APS requirement. UP currently lists APS 35 for its 2027 MBChB, while UCT uses a different scoring system with a minimum Academic Point Score of 450.

Can I study Medicine with Maths Literacy?

You should not assume that Maths Literacy will meet the requirements for medical school. Many major medical programmes specifically require Mathematics.

Can I study Medicine without Life Sciences?

It depends on the university and its current admission rules. Some universities explicitly require or consider Life Sciences, while others have different criteria.

What percentage do I need for Medicine?

There is no single national percentage. UCT, for example, requires 70% Mathematics and 70% Physical Sciences, while UP uses achievement levels and an APS requirement.

Is an APS of 35 enough for Medicine?

An APS of 35 meets the published minimum APS requirement for UP’s 2027 MBChB, but meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.

Do I need to write the NBT for Medicine?

Several universities use the NBT for Medicine. UCT and Wits require it as part of their selection processes, while UFS also uses NBT results in its selection process.

Which university has the lowest Medicine requirements?

It is not advisable to choose a medical school simply because it appears to have lower minimum requirements. Universities use different scoring systems and selection processes, and meeting the minimum does not necessarily mean you will be admitted.

When should I apply for Medicine?

Apply as early as possible once applications open. Medicine deadlines can be earlier than those for many other programmes, so students should monitor each university’s official application page.

Final Thoughts

The Medicine requirements at South African universities differ significantly. There is no single APS score, percentage or subject combination that guarantees admission to medical school.

Students should pay particular attention to Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English, while also preparing for the NBT where required.

For 2027 admission, universities such as UCT, Wits, UP, UKZN and UFS have their own selection systems and requirements. The most important step is to check the latest official university information before applying because requirements, deadlines and selection procedures can change.

If becoming a doctor is your goal, start preparing early. Strong Grade 11 results, excellent matric performance, careful application planning and a good understanding of each university’s selection process can put you in a much stronger position.

Best Universities for Medicine in South Africa

University of Cape Town (UCT)

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

University of Pretoria (UP)

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

University of South Africa (UNISA)

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

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