Best Universities for Medicine in South Africa

Discover the best universities for medicine in South Africa, including UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch and UKZN, plus MBChB requirements, APS scores and fees.

Studying medicine is a goal for many South African matric learners, but getting into medical school is highly competitive. Students need strong results in subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English, while universities also use their own selection processes.

South Africa has a number of universities offering the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or equivalent medical degree. However, the requirements, selection methods, number of places and application deadlines differ between institutions.

If you are looking for the best universities for medicine in South Africa, this guide compares the major medical schools, their programmes, admission requirements and what prospective medical students should know before applying.

Best Medical Universities in South Africa

There is no single official national ranking that determines which university has the “best” medical school. Instead, students should compare universities based on the quality and structure of their medical programme, clinical training, research opportunities, facilities, admission requirements and career opportunities.

Some of the leading universities to consider include:

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 the Western Cape (UWC)
University of Limpopo (UL)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

1. University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of South Africa’s most competitive universities and has a well-established Faculty of Health Sciences.

UCT offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) as a six-year undergraduate programme.

For the published admission criteria, UCT lists minimum results including:

English: 65%
Mathematics: 70%
Physical Sciences: 70%
70% for the next three best subjects, excluding Life Orientation
APS: at least 450
National Benchmark Tests: Intermediate range

UCT states that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance because the Faculty receives a very high number of applications for a limited number of places. The university currently lists 240 places for the MBChB programme.

The programme includes extensive training at hospitals, clinics and other community settings around Cape Town.

UCT Faculty of Health Sciences

Why consider UCT for Medicine?

UCT may be a strong choice for students looking for:

A research-intensive medical school
Extensive clinical training
Exposure to major hospitals
Strong academic facilities
Opportunities for postgraduate medical specialisation

2. University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is another major medical school in South Africa.

Its medical qualification is the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh).

The programme prepares students for careers in medicine, including areas such as:

General medical practice
Surgery
Paediatrics
Pathology
Radiology
Family medicine

Wits describes the MBBCh as a qualification that can lead to a wide range of medical careers.

Because medicine is highly competitive, applicants should carefully check the current Wits admission and selection criteria rather than relying on an APS figure from an older prospectus.

Wits Medicine and Surgery

Why consider Wits?

Wits is particularly attractive to students who want:

Clinical exposure in Johannesburg
Research opportunities
A major teaching hospital environment
Exposure to diverse medical cases
A pathway into postgraduate medical training

3. University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria (UP) has one of South Africa’s established Schools of Medicine.

UP offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) over six years.

For , UP lists the following minimum requirements for NSC/IEB applicants:

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

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. UP also states that selection is based on academic performance and that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

The university’s Yearbook states that after completing the MBChB, graduates must register with the HPCSA as interns and complete at least two years of internship, followed by one year of community service before applying for registration as an independent practitioner.

University of Pretoria MBChB

Why consider UP for Medicine?

UP offers students:

Six-year MBChB training
Extensive clinical exposure
Access to a major health sciences faculty
Research and postgraduate opportunities
Medical training in Pretoria and surrounding facilities

4. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University is another leading option for students interested in medicine.

Its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers the MBChB programme and provides clinical education through its affiliated healthcare facilities.

Stellenbosch uses faculty-specific selection criteria, and the university warns that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee a place because demand is high and the number of available places is limited.

Students should check the university’s current medicine selection guidelines before applying because requirements and selection procedures can change between admission cycles.

Stellenbosch University Medicine and Health Sciences

Why consider Stellenbosch?

The university may suit students looking for:

Strong medical and health sciences research
Structured clinical training
Modern academic facilities
A university environment in the Western Cape

5. University of KwaZulu-Natal

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

The programme is designed to take six years.

UKZN’s published requirements include:

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

The university lists 30 June as the application closing date for the programme.

UKZN also states that MBChB applicants are ranked using their average percentage rather than the general APS ranking used for many other programmes.

UKZN MBChB programme

Why consider UKZN?

Students can benefit from:

Six-year medical training
Clinical bedside teaching
Problem-based learning
Rural clinical exposure
Research opportunities

6. University of the Free State

The University of the Free State (UFS) has a School of Clinical Medicine offering the MBChB.

Medicine at UFS is highly selective. The university states that only a limited number of candidates are admitted into the first year and that applications are subject to a selection process.

UFS also publishes a detailed MBChB selection policy rather than relying only on a simple APS cut-off. Its selection process considers academic performance and other factors under the university’s published rules.

UFS Faculty of Health Sciences undergraduate admission

Why consider UFS?

UFS can be an attractive option for students interested in:

Medical education in Bloemfontein
Clinical training
Health sciences research
Community and regional healthcare exposure

7. University of the Western Cape

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is an important institution in South African health sciences education.

Students researching medical careers should note that UWC’s health sciences offering should be checked against the current undergraduate programme list rather than assuming every major medical qualification is offered there.

For students considering health-related careers, UWC offers programmes in areas such as dentistry and other health sciences.

UWC Faculty of Dentistry and health sciences information

8. University of Limpopo

The University of Limpopo (UL) has a School of Medicine and offers medical training through its Faculty of Health Sciences.

The university states that applicants for first-year medical study need a Grade 12 bachelor’s pass and must meet minimum requirements in:

English
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences

The university also indicates that selection applies to applicants seeking admission to medicine.

University of Limpopo School of Medicine

Why consider UL?

UL can be particularly attractive to students interested in:

Medical education in Limpopo
Community healthcare
Rural and underserved healthcare environments
Clinical training in the region

9. Walter Sisulu University

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

The university is based in the Eastern Cape and has a strong focus on producing healthcare professionals who can serve communities in the region.

Students interested in WSU Medicine should consult the university’s current prospectus for the latest MBChB admission and selection requirements.

10. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

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

The institution focuses heavily on health sciences education and research, making it an important option for students considering careers in medicine and other healthcare professions.

Prospective MBChB applicants should check the university’s latest admission requirements and selection process before applying.

Medical Universities Comparison

University	Medical Qualification	Typical Duration	Location
UCT	MBChB	6 years	Cape Town
Wits	MBBCh	6 years	Johannesburg
UP	MBChB	6 years	Pretoria
Stellenbosch	MBChB	6 years	Cape Town
UKZN	MBChB	6 years	Durban
UFS	MBChB	6 years	Bloemfontein
UWC	Health sciences	Varies	Cape Town
UL	MBChB	6 years	Limpopo
WSU	MBChB	6 years	Eastern Cape
SMU	MBChB	6 years	Pretoria

What Are the Requirements to Study Medicine in South Africa?

Medicine is one of the most competitive university programmes in the country.

Although requirements vary, prospective medical students will commonly need strong results in:

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
English

A bachelor’s-level matric pass is normally required.

However, there is no single national APS score for medicine.

For example, UP’s MBChB requirements list an APS of 35, while UCT uses an Academic Point Score of at least 450 alongside specific subject percentages and NBT performance.

This demonstrates why students should check each medical school’s requirements individually.

Do You Need Life Sciences to Study Medicine?

Life Sciences is highly relevant to medicine, but the exact admission requirements differ between universities.

Some medical schools explicitly require Life Sciences, while others may structure their selection criteria differently.

Students should check the current admission requirements of every medical school they plan to apply to.

Do You Need Mathematics to Study Medicine?

Yes, Mathematics is an important requirement at many South African medical schools.

For example:

UCT requires 70% Mathematics in its published criteria.
UP requires Mathematics at Level 6 for its MBChB.
UKZN lists Mathematics among its compulsory subjects for MBChB admission.

If you are currently in Grade 10 or Grade 11 and want to study medicine, achieving a strong Mathematics result should be one of your priorities.

Do You Need Physical Sciences for Medicine?

Physical Sciences is also commonly required.

This is particularly important because medical programmes include subjects involving chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology and other scientific concepts.

For example, UCT requires 70% Physical Sciences, while UP requires Level 5 and UKZN requires Level 5 in Physical Sciences for its published MBChB requirements.

What APS Do I Need to Study Medicine?

There is no universal APS requirement.

Some examples illustrate the differences:

UP: APS 35 for the MBChB.
UCT: APS 450 under its published scoring system.
UKZN: MBChB applicants are ranked using average percentage rather than the standard APS ranking used for many other programmes.

Do not compare these numbers directly because universities use different scoring systems.

How Competitive Is Medical School Admission?

Very competitive.

Medical schools have limited spaces and receive large numbers of applications.

UCT, for example, currently lists 240 MBChB places and explicitly warns that meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance.

UP also states that meeting its minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

UFS similarly states that only a limited number of candidates are admitted to the first year.

This means students should aim well above the minimum requirements wherever possible.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor in South Africa?

The MBChB itself generally takes six years.

However, becoming an independently practising medical doctor involves additional professional training.

For example, UP states that after the MBChB, graduates must complete at least:

Two years of internship
One year of community service

before applying for registration as an independent practitioner.

Students who later want to become specialists will need additional postgraduate training.

What Can You Do With an MBChB?

After completing medical training and the applicable professional requirements, doctors can work in areas such as:

General practice
Surgery
Paediatrics
Internal medicine
Psychiatry
Emergency medicine
Family medicine
Radiology
Pathology
Public health
Research
Medical academia

Doctors can also pursue specialist careers after completing the required postgraduate training.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Medicine

1. Aim for excellent matric results

Meeting the minimum requirement should not be your only goal.

Medical school is competitive, so strong results can improve your chances.

2. Prioritise Mathematics and Physical Sciences

These subjects are required by many medical schools.

3. Take Life Sciences seriously

Even where the exact admission criteria differ, Life Sciences provides useful preparation for medical studies.

4. Research each medical school’s selection process

Do not assume that every university calculates APS or ranks applicants in the same way.

UKZN, for example, uses average percentage for MBChB ranking rather than the general APS ranking used for many other programmes.

5. Apply before the deadline

Medical programmes can have earlier application deadlines than other university programmes.

For example, UKZN currently lists 30 June for its MBChB programme.

6. Apply to several universities

If medicine is your goal, consider applying to multiple medical schools where you meet the relevant requirements.

7. Have an alternative plan

Medicine is extremely competitive.

A student who does not receive an MBChB offer can consider other healthcare careers such as:

Nursing
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Medical laboratory science
Radiography
Dentistry
Emergency medical care

Medical School Fees and Funding

Studying medicine can be expensive because students may need to pay for:

Tuition
Accommodation
Textbooks
Meals
Transport
Equipment
Registration costs

Students should investigate:

NSFAS
University financial aid
Medical bursaries
Provincial government bursaries
Hospital and healthcare bursaries
Private-sector scholarships

Some medical and health sciences bursaries may have additional obligations, such as working in a particular province or organisation after graduation.

Always read the bursary agreement carefully before accepting funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which university is the best for Medicine in South Africa?

There is no single official answer. UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UFS, UL, WSU and SMU are among the universities students can research when looking for medical programmes.

What is the best medical school in South Africa?

The answer depends on what you value. Consider academic quality, clinical exposure, research, facilities, location, costs and admission requirements rather than relying on one ranking.

What APS do I need for Medicine?

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

Can I study Medicine without Life Sciences?

The answer depends on the university. Check the specific admission requirements before applying.

Can I study Medicine without Mathematics?

Most South African medical programmes have a Mathematics requirement. For example, UCT and UP require strong Mathematics results.

How many years is Medicine in South Africa?

The MBChB or equivalent undergraduate medical degree generally takes six years. Additional internship and community service requirements apply before independent practice.

Is it difficult to get into medical school in South Africa?

Yes. Medical schools receive many applications but have limited places. UCT, UP and UFS all explicitly indicate that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Can I become a specialist after an MBChB?

Yes. After completing the required medical training and professional registration, doctors can pursue postgraduate training in specialist fields.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best university for Medicine in South Africa is an important decision, particularly because medical school admission is highly competitive.

UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UFS, UL, WSU and SMU are among the institutions worth researching. However, the best choice depends on your matric results, preferred location, programme requirements, selection process and career plans.

If you are still in high school, focus on achieving strong results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English. Do not wait until matric results are released before researching admission requirements.

Most importantly, check the latest university prospectus and programme page before applying. Medicine has limited places, and universities can change their requirements, selection procedures and deadlines from one intake to another.

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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