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.
What Is The Best University To Study Medicine In South Africa?
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Listed in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings for the subject ‘Medicine’, the Western Cape’s University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of the leading universities in South Africa and offers a 6-year MBChB program.
The first 3 years are spent completing a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by 3 years of clinical training. UCT also offers a 4-year BSc option for students who already have a relevant degree.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Gauteng is infamous for its highly-reputable School of Clinical Medicine and has been in the top 100 list of top universities on multiple occasions.
3. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) was recently ranked in the top 3 of South Africa’s top universities and has a worldwide reputation for academic excellence.
4. Stellenbosch University (Maties)
Stellenbosch University is located among the Boland Mountains in the Winelands of the Western Cape. According to the institution’s website, Maties has the highest student success rate in the country.
5. University of Pretoria (TUKS)
The University of Pretoria (TUKS) has been ranked in the top 5 universities in South Africa on multiple occasions and is situated in 1 of the 3 capital cities in the country.
How Many Years Does it Take to Study Medicine?
A medical degree in South Africa will take you at least 6 years to complete.
Although the study duration depends on your field of study as well as your chosen university – if you’re looking to become a doctor, be prepared to study medicine for up to 6 years before getting your MBChB degree.
The learning doesn’t stop there though, as once you’re done studying you’ll still need to do a 2-year internship and a year of community service.
How much does it cost to study medicine in SA?
Tuition fees can range between R50,000 to R80,000 per year, depending on the university. Additionally, scholarships, bursaries, and loans may be available to help cover the costs of medical education.