After reading through this article, you will not only think of Zulu when you think of South Africa, you will also think of studying medicine in South Africa. You will discover some of the best universities in South Africa that can help you achieve your dream of becoming a medical doctor with ease and in style.
The amazing “rainbow nation” which currently speaks 11 official languages has 13 medical schools. While the University of Cape Town is arguably the best medical school, the other schools listed in this article have quality medical programs that they offer to interested candidates.
Healthcare in South Africa, just like every serious nation, is of high importance to the government. Thus, the government of South Africa is pushing in the necessary funds to see that healthcare in South Africa is vibrant. Likewise, people are voting for more medical schools in the country so that there can be availability of the needed trained medical personal.
List of Medical Schools in South African
- University of Cape Town
- University of Witwatersrand
- Stellenbosch University
- University of KwaZulu Natal
- University of Pretoria
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- University of the Free State
- University of Limpopo
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Western Cape
- Northwest University – South Africa
- Nelson Mandela University
Now let’s dive into details;
10 Best Medical Universities in South Africa
The listing below is not necessary a ranking of university of any sort. These schools are recommended here based on testimonies and just for informational purpose only.
#1: The University of Cape Town
As the oldest university in South Africa the University of Cape Town or UCT is a public university, established in 1829 and located in Cape Town It is one of the colleges in South Africa with high ranking. US News ranks UCT medical school as 91th in the world (Subject Ranking). Meanwhile, the university sits in the 114th position of Best Global Universities.
As graduates from this school, you will get a great education and practical skills in the field of medicine. The University of Cape Town’s medical school is under the Faculty of Health Sciences. UCT’s department of Medicine has up to 19 divisions which include Organogram, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Cardiology, Clinical Haematology, Clinical Pharmacology, Endocrinology, Dermatology, etc. To help you study with ease, UCT provides scholarships to students just like most other schools.
#2: The University of the Witwatersrand
Another early university in South Africa is The University of the Witwatersrand or the Wits. Established in 1896 Wits is one of the best universities to study medicine in South Africa. . This public research university is located in Johannesburg.
Wits have been ranked by US News as the 135th school in the world for clinical medicine and the 197th best global university. At Wits South Africa, you can get an MB BCh degree the traditional way for six years as well as a graduate degree for four years concurrently. The School of Clinical Medicine is considered one of the most reputable medical schools in South Africa. Established 100 years ago, it is ranked among the top 100 universities for clinical, preclinical, and health subjects by the Times Higher Education World Ranking system. It is composed of several schools including Clinical Medicine, Anatomical Sciences, Oral Health Sciences, Public Health, and others. The students have the opportunity for practical experiences in five major hospitals and several clinics. Today, more than 25 000 graduates are all around the world improving the healthcare systems in many countries.
#3: University of KwaZulu-Natal
Founded in 2004 University of KwaZulu-Natal or UKZN is one of the recent public universities in South Africa. It has fast resin to become one of the most reputable universities in South Africa. With a total of 26,000 students comprising both undergraduates and graduates. Already, the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s school of clinical medicine ranks 279th in the world, according to US News and World Report.
Committed to growing health professionals and researchers who would cater to the health needs of Africans, KwaZulu-Natal or UKZN currently has 29 medical discipline including Clinical & Professional Practice, Anesthetics, Cardiology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dermatology, General Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology etc.
#4: The University of Pretoria
Another fast rising university in South Africa is The University of Pretoria or Tuks. This public university started in 1908. Tuks is a well-attended university in Pretoria, with a student population of over 38,000 students. According to US News Tuks is the 511th in the world. The other schools in the faculty are the School of Dentistry, Health Care Sciences, and Health Systems & Public Health. Through the University of Pretoria’s school of medicine, you can take degrees in MBChB, MPharm Med, MPhil (Philosophy and ethics of mental health), BClinical Medical Practice, etc.
#5: Sefako Makgatho University
Sefako Makgatho University or SMU is the newest public university in South Africa. The university started in 2014 and already has a school of medicine under its Health Sciences Faculty. SMU is a visionary college. Its vision to be a leading African University School of Medicine, epitomizing excellence and global competitiveness, addressing the needs of rural communities through innovative and robust research initiatives speaks volume.
Playing side by side with the big leagues they already are among one of the best medical universities in South Africa offering with varieties of academic programs in the discipline. You can study a bachelor’s and master’s degree in MBChB, MBChB (ECP), M Med (Anesthesiology), M Med (Anatomical Pathology), M Med (Cardio-Thoracic Surgery).
#6: The University of the Free State
One of South Africa’s oldest public universities The University of the Free State or UFS was established in 1904 with a total of 26,000 enrollment student. What is more interesting is that UFS teaches its degree programs in the English language and Afrikaans. UFS is one of the best colleges in South Africa where you can get a medical degree. UFS offers a wide range of medical programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of its programs include Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dermatology, Family Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Medical Physics.
#7: The University of Limpopo
This public university began operating in 2005 but already records a total student enrollment of over 20,000 undergrads and postgrads. The University of Limpopo is another popular university in South Africa where you can get a medical degree. The University has no notable global ranking, but its medical degree program is one of the best in South Africa. In Limpopo, just like most of the universities in South Africa, the faculty of Health Sciences houses the School of Medicine departments.
The University of Limpopo is the nine (9) departments in the medical school corporate to offer the MB ChB degree, whereas each accredited discipline offers postgraduate specialization degrees (M Med.). Some of the departments in Limpopo’s school of medicine include the Department of Medicine; Department of Surgery; Department of O&G, Women’s Health; and Department of Pediatrics & Child Health.
#8: Walter Sisulu University
Walter Sisulu University It is a comprehensive University in South Africa where you can get one of the best medical degrees in Africa. Walter Sisulu University or WSU started in 1977. This South African university which began offering medicine in 1985 with a traditional program, and then later adopted the innovative curriculum based on problem-based learning and community-based education is one of the best universities in South Africa.
Walter Sisulu University curriculum integrates early clinical exposure progressively through to the final year. Like other Medical Schools in South Africa, WSU’s Faculty of Health Sciences offers its Medicine programs. Additionally, you will find the department of family medicine and rural health, Department of Human Biology, Department of Internal medicine and Pharmacology, etc.
#9: The University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg or UJ is another comprehensive university in South Africa that began operation in 2005. This South African university has over 48,000 students, speaking of the high quality of its degree programs. However, UJ does not have any clearly designated Medicine School but it has a vibrant Health Science department.
The Faculty of Health Science at the University of Johannesburg offers students preferred learning experience. This experience is innovative and problem-based focused. UJ’s Emergency Medical Care and Complementary Medicine are the closest to a medical degree you can get from its Faculty of Health Sciences.
#10: The University of Western Cape
The University of Western Cape or UWC is another old Public University in South Africa. It began its operations in 1959 but got its university status in 1970. Although the university does not offer a clear cut path to a medical degree, its faculty of Community and Health Sciences has a School of Natural Medicine.
UWC’s School of Natural Medicine offers comprehensive education and training in one of four disciplines, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (CMA), Phytotherapy, Naturopathy, and Unani-Tibb. Students who complete any of these programs will be able to register with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) within their field of specialty.
Requirements to Study Medicine in South Africa
To be eligible to study in a medical school in South Africa, you need to bear in mind that, South African medical schools love quality, and this makes them only accept the smartest students. As expected, these students would have proved themselves to be professionals by scaling through all the eligibility requirements.
- 100 points for your letter of motivation
- You average must be at least 75%
- Your NBT results should be 300 points
- You have a guaranteed offer if your total points are higher than 880
- You must have at least 60% for English, Physics, and Maths.
Additional Information:
Each university has its own system on their website where future students can apply and enroll in the degree programs. Besides the regular documents such as a high school diploma, and proof of scholarship, letters of recommendation might be also required as a part of the application. Your high school grades and courses are a strong and important factor when it comes to admission into these schools. The selection process can be quite competitive, so make sure you prepare well and if English is not your first language it is recommended that you take on some preparatory courses.
Scholarships you may like to Apply:
Chinese Government 2022/2023 Fully-Funded Scholarship Scheme
UNSW Sydney Academic Scholarships for International Students
University of New Heaven Presidential Scholarships for International Students
Shell Career Training Program in Reservoir Engineering
Tiger Brands Young Talent Opportunities for Young South Africans
International Excellence Scholarship at London Metropolitan University, UK
Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program at Yale University
Burger King Mclamore Foundation Scholarship 2022/2023
Hertie School New Perspectives Scholarship for International Students
2022 Davenport University Scholarships for International Students
WAEL Oil and Gas Recruitment for Graduates and Experienced Professionals
Arco Marine and Oilfield Services Limited (AMOSL) Graduate Opportunities
UNSW Global Academic Award to Study in Australia 2022
2022/2023 Marian University International Scholarships for Study in USA
Postdoctoral Fellowship on Food Security and the Environment at Stanford University
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme Sub-Saharan Africa (Masters and PhD Studies) 2022 Scholarship.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Graduate Development Programme 2022 (Paid Traineeship)
University of Toronto Fung Yiu King Memorial Scholarship
University of Copenhagen PhD Positions 2021-2022 [Paid Positions]
British Council International Collaboration Grants 2021 (£3.5m Support Grant)
Mastercard Data and Services Internship Program for Africans 2021/2022
Imperial College Business School Global Leadership Scholarship (Full Tuition Fee)
Tuition Scholarships for International Students at University of Lethbridge
Apply for Chevron Global Human Resources Internship
Apply For 2022 Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships.
United World 2021/2022 Scholarships to Study in United States .
Scholarships 2022/23 for Low Income Country Students to Study in UK.
UNESCO International Centre for Biotechnology (UNECO ICB) 2021/2022 Scholarship Award
Association of Commonwealth Universities Gender Grants 2021
Swinburne University of Technology Scholarships for International Students
Kansas State University Future Student Scholarships and Awards 2022-23
Montana State University (MSU) Presidential Scholarship in USA (Fully funded)
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10 Best Universities in South Africa to Study Medicine
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