What Is Medicine
Medicine is the science and practice of caring for a patient, managing the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, treatment, palliation of their injury or disease, and promoting their health.
Entry Requirements To Study Medicine In South Africa
Strong Educational Background
This is very important. Your performance in studying medicine is determined by how strong your educational foundation is. To study medicine, it is important for you to pass your Grade 12 with Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry or Physics, and Life Science.
With your strong educational background, you will be able to perform excellently in the next set of examinations you will write before entering medical school
Good Grade In Your Examination
As usual, there are certain examinations you must write before you can be admitted to Medicine in South Africa. Some of them include
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
This is an important examination most especially for those coming directly from high school. Hence, in addition to the academic grades, one needs to pass this test and have a certain percentage. The percentage varies across different universities with some accepting 30% while some accepting 40%.
Bachelor of Science
For those that couldn’t gain admission after high school, they can opt-in for the Bachelor of Science in any of the related courses like Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology, etc.
Usually, during the first or second year, you can get a chance to be transferred to medical school. However, note that it is highly dependent on your academic performance.
If you didn’t make it after the first and second year, then you can opt-in for medicine after your BSc in order to apply for MBChB again.
Non-Academic Performance
This is also very important and it also varies depending on the medical school. Some school pegs the score at 10% while some peg it at 20%.
The non-academic performance score is only calculated by the school. Hence, the mode of calculation and the criteria are not publicly known.
Schools Offering Medicine In South Africa
University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences.
University of Witwatersrand School of Clinical Medicine.
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Clinical Medicine.
University of Pretoria School of Medicine.
How Long Does It Take To Study Medicine In South Africa?
After you have completed your high school studies, proceeding to an accredited medical university is the next thing. The duration for medical course study in South Africa is six years. After you have completed your study at the university, you will then be issued an MBChB certificate.
MBChB is the South African medical bachelor’s degree. You can then begin your internship program after you have received your certificate. The program lasts for only two years. The last step is to engage in the one-year compulsory community service.
How Much Does Studying Medicine In South Africa Cost?
South Africa is a good country with proficient universities offering quality medical tutoring services. Compared to other parts of the globe, tuition for medical students in the country is fairly affordable. Around R 64388.73is the tuition for the most expensive university. The least expensive tuition in South Africa is about R 32194.36.
How Much Do Doctors Earn Per Month In South Africa
South Africa pays its doctors quite well. An early-stage doctor in the country earns about 23,900 ZAR, a medium experienced doctor earns about 73200 ZAR, and the full experienced worker earns about 124,000 ZAR or more. There are also various employee benefits for workers. Moreover, it varies based on the company that you are working with.
What requirements are needed to become a doctor in South Africa?
A degree in medicine is essential for entry into this profession. Doctors (GPs) must undergo full-time study in medicine, followed by an internship and community service. A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a degree course is a prerequisite.
How long does it take to study medicine in South Africa?
Most medicine courses, unlike others, take the longest period to complete. Overall, they may take six to ten years, depending on the area one wants to specialize in. Currently, an MBChB degree takes six years.
What grades do you need to study medicine in South Africa?
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.
Do medical students get paid in South Africa?
During the student’s internship and community service training, the National Department of Health of South Africa will employ the student, and the student will receive a salary.