Ibrahim Gardner
South Africa has a rich culture and a vibrant campus life, with universities like the University of Johannesburg offering international students a unique experience. Studying medicine in South Africa is a competitive endeavour, and international students face additional challenges. While it is possible for international students to study medicine in South Africa, there are limited spots available, and preference is given to citizens of South Africa and SADC countries. The University of Pretoria, for example, offers a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree that is open to international students, but admission is not guaranteed. Furthermore, recent graduates have faced difficulties in securing internships and community service placements, which are required to practise medicine legally in South Africa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students study medicine in South Africa? | Yes, but it is extremely difficult for non-South African citizens to gain a place. |
| Are there many international students in South Africa? | Yes, the University of Johannesburg, for example, has students from South Africa and all around the world. |
| Are there any universities in South Africa that offer medicine degrees? | Yes, the University of Pretoria, Wits University, and the University of Johannesburg all offer medicine degrees. |
| What qualifications do I need to study medicine in South Africa? | A Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree, followed by a two-year internship and one year of community service. |
| How long is the medicine degree? | 6 years. |
| What does the medicine degree entail? | Years 1 and 2: basic medical sciences. Years 3-6: integrated multidisciplinary and clinical courses. |
| Is it difficult to get accepted into medical school in South Africa? | Yes, it is highly competitive. |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements for international students
The University of Pretoria, for instance, offers a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) programme that is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This programme includes student internships and clinical training in hospitals and clinics. However, it should be noted that the University of Pretoria gives preference to applicants from South African and SADC countries.
Wits University also offers a medicine and surgery programme leading to an MBBCh degree. The application process involves submitting academic results for five subjects: English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences/Life Sciences, and two other subjects.
It is important to note that competition for medical school spots in South Africa is intense, and it has become increasingly difficult for non-South African citizens to secure internships or community service positions after graduation. Furthermore, practising medicine legally in South Africa requires completing a South African internship and Community Service, which some international graduates may find challenging.
Therefore, it is advisable for international students to carefully research the specific entry requirements and application processes for their desired universities and programmes, as well as consider the potential challenges in obtaining internships and practising medicine in South Africa.
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University of Pretoria's MBChB programme
International students can study medicine in South Africa, but it is highly competitive. The University of Pretoria's MBChB programme is one such programme open to international students. The MB in MBChB stands for Bachelor of Medicine, and the ChB stands for Bachelor of Surgery. To register as a medical practitioner in South Africa, a student must obtain an MBChB degree, followed by a two-year internship and one year of community service.
The University of Pretoria's MBChB programme is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and its high standard of training is recognised both locally and internationally. The programme is problem-oriented and outcomes-based, and includes special programmes to prevent the spread of diseases and infections in the community, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum is compiled from the viewpoint that training should take place through service delivery, and the Faculty provides a comprehensive service to the broader community through several outreach programmes. Students are already involved in these programmes during their undergraduate studies, with the Daspoort Clinic in Pretoria being one such service training platform.
The University of Pretoria considers both school leavers and applicants who have already studied at tertiary institutions for entry to the MBChB programme. Compliance with the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme. For students applying with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications, the suggested second-choice programme is any BSc biological sciences programme. Transferring students will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission.
While the University of Pretoria's MBChB programme is open to international students, it is worth noting that it may be difficult for non-South African graduates to receive a post for internship or community service, which is required to practise legally in South Africa. This has resulted in some international graduates being stuck with debt from medical school and no income. Therefore, it may be worth considering training and specialising in another country first, and then applying to practise in South Africa, as foreign qualifications may sometimes be recognised.
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Wits University's MBBCh programme
International students can study medicine in South Africa, but it is highly competitive. Wits University offers an MBBCh programme for students who want to become doctors. The programme covers integrated multidisciplinary and clinical courses and consists of Years three to six. Each year of study is compulsory, and no student may be admitted into the programme after the third year.
The MBBCh degree opens doors to challenging careers in surgery, paediatrics, pathology, radiology, and family medicine. In South Africa, there is a critical need for doctors in underserved areas to provide quality preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic services. The country offers modern facilities in both academic and private practice settings, with the opportunity to perform research at many levels.
The Wits University MBBCh programme has specific matric academic requirements for applicants. These include English, Mathematics, the best of Physical Sciences/Life Sciences, and the best two other subjects. The Faculty of Health Sciences uses a Composite Index (CI) score to guide applicant selection.
International students should note that it has become increasingly difficult for non-South African citizens to receive internship or community service placements after graduating from medical school. This has resulted in qualified foreign-trained doctors being unable to practise legally in South Africa. Therefore, it is essential for international students to carefully research and consider their options before applying to study medicine in South Africa.
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Difficulty in finding internships
International students can study medicine in South Africa, but it is highly competitive. While some sources suggest that it is possible for international students to undertake internships in South Africa, others indicate that it is extremely difficult for non-South African citizens to secure internship placements in the country. This includes citizens of other African countries and foreign-trained South African citizens.
The issue appears to be due to a lack of financing for internship and community service posts, despite the government encouraging increasing medical school intakes each year. As a result, even graduates who have completed medical school may wait years for an internship placement, leaving them unable to practise legally in South Africa and burdened with medical school debt.
One possible solution suggested is to train and specialise in another country and then return to South Africa, as it may be possible to skip the South African internship requirement if foreign qualifications are recognised. Other similar professions that may be easier to pursue in South Africa include specialist nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, medical technologists, and medical sales representatives.
There are also several medical internship opportunities in other African countries that international students can consider. These internships are typically a minimum of two weeks in duration and offer hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics, as well as outreach work in underserved communities. While some internships require intermediate Spanish language skills, others do not have any language requirements.
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Studying medicine abroad
South Africa, with its rich culture and tropical climate, is another popular choice for international students. The University of Pretoria and Wits University are two notable institutions offering medicine and surgery degrees. These programs typically require a mix of academic results in subjects like English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. However, gaining admission as an international student can be challenging due to limited spots and preferences given to specific nationalities.
The University of Pretoria's Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) program is accredited and recognized both locally and internationally. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes clinical training and community engagement. However, international students should be aware of the challenges in securing internships and community service placements required for legal practice in South Africa. The competition for these opportunities has increased due to government encouragement of higher medical school intakes without corresponding increases in internships.
Wits University also offers an MBBCh degree, providing a pathway to careers in surgery, paediatrics, pathology, and more. The university is known for its modern facilities and research opportunities. International students considering Wits University should carefully review the application process and requirements, as there may be specific guidelines for foreign qualifications.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can study medicine in South Africa. However, it is highly competitive and getting accepted into a medical school in South Africa is difficult. A limited number of places are available for international students.
International students need to meet certain academic requirements, such as good grades and a high overall IELTS score. Specific requirements may vary depending on the university.
The medical degree programme in South Africa typically consists of two years of basic medical sciences, followed by three years of clinical training, including practical work experience. After obtaining a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree, students are required to complete a two-year internship and one year of community service.
One challenge is the difficulty in obtaining internships or community service placements after graduating from medical school, which may affect their ability to practise medicine legally in South Africa. There is also a risk of xenophobia, according to a source.
