How many years does it take to study medicine in South Africa?

Asked by: Derick Towne  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)

In total, the journey to becoming a doctor in South Africa takes around 6-7 years. In the United States, there is no direct pathway to medical school. Instead, students must follow these steps: Aspiring doctors must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree in Pre-med, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or a related major.

How many years does it take to be a doctor in SA?

A 5-year Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery. A 2-year clinical internship. 1 year of compulsory community service. Once a student has completed his or her training, the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) certifies the student and he or she officially becomes a doctor.

Is Medicine 4 or 5 years?

Course overview. Spend a year preparing for the five-year Medicine MBChB course if you do not have the appropriate science qualifications for direct entry or if you meet our specific Widening Participation criteria for the programme.

What is the fastest you can get a medical degree?

For a faster timeline, you can complete a BS/MD program or other such combined undergrad/med school program that allows you to complete your undergrad and med school education in 6 or 7 years instead of the typical 8.

What grade 12 subjects do you need to be a doctor in South Africa?

Entry Requirements

Your matric academic results for five subjects: English, Mathematics, best of Physical Sciences/Life Sciences and the best two other subjects. We consider the percentage achieved, not the symbol. The average of the five subjects carries a 60% weighting. National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores.

HOW TO BECOME A DOCTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA

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What is the average salary of a doctor in South Africa?

Find out what the average Doctor salary is

How much does a Doctor make in South Africa? The average doctor salary in South Africa is R 420 000 per year or R 215 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 193 334 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 1 428 000 per year.

Can you study Medicine in South Africa as a foreigner?

All foreign doctors wishing to study in South Africa (short- and long-term) are required to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) prior to commencing their studies with the University.

What is the hardest doctor to become?

What is the most difficult type of doctor specialty? Neurosurgery is known to be particularly challenging because of the intricate nature of the nervous system and the significant risks involved in surgical procedures.

Is it too late to become a doctor at 40?

Is it too late to become a doctor? While there is nothing to stop you from starting medical school at 30, 40, or 50 years of age, there are some important factors to consider: Length of educational process – Medical school is typically four years, but residency is another three to eight years.

What is the hardest year of med?

What Makes 3rd Year the Hardest Year of Med School? 3rd year is the hardest year of med school because you're beginning your clinical rotations. All that knowledge you've frantically absorbed from the previous 2 years, will be presented physically in the form of patients.

Can you be a doctor without medical school?

These professionals earned a median salary of $239,200 as of May 2023. To become a doctor, you must attend medical school and complete residency training and a fellowship.

How much does medical school cost in South Africa?

South African Medical School Costs

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.

What is the shortest degree to become a doctor?

It takes years of hard work, dedication, and study. Many people wonder if there's a fast track to this respected profession. The quickest path to becoming a doctor typically involves completing a combined BS/MD program, which can cut off up to two years from the traditional route.

How many years does it take to become a general surgeon in South Africa?

Specialist surgeons in South Africa typically study for about 10 years. The first 6 years are spent in theoretical training to obtain a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and four years are spent in post-graduate studies to obtain a Master of Medicine (Surgery) degree.

What is the highest paid doctor?

Neurosurgery

A neurosurgeon is the highest-paid doctor on our list. Neurosurgery encompasses surgery of the brain, spinal cord/column, and peripheral nerves. Aspiring neurosurgeons must complete at least a seven-year residency.

Which is the easiest doctor to become?

Easiest Doctor to Become
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) ...
  • Emergency medicine. ...
  • Family medicine. ...
  • Internal medicine. ...
  • Pathology. ...
  • Pediatrics. ...
  • Psychiatry. ...
  • Anesthesiology.

Which is the rarest doctor?

The rarest medical speciality are —1) MD aviation medicine —this is probably the most rarest post graduate speciality. 2) MD laboratory medicine 3) MD transfusion medicine 4) MD nuclear medicine 5) MD PMR .

What is the cheapest country to study medicine?

Russia is the cheapest country in the world to study medicine. It provides good-quality medical education at a fee as low as INR 1,45,920 to 1,66,766 yearly. The course is 5.8-6 years long. There are also various scholarships like Education Future International Scholarship to study at Russian universities.

Which country has highest demand for doctors?

Topping our list is Luxembourg, a small yet prosperous country known for its thriving economy and high standard of living. Doctors in Luxembourg enjoy some of the highest salaries in the world, along with excellent working conditions and ample opportunities for professional growth.

What doctors have the least schooling?

The shortest residency programs
  • Family medicine: Three years.
  • Internal medicine: Three years.
  • Pediatrics: Three years.
  • Anesthesiology: Four years.
  • Dermatology: Four years.
  • Neurology: Four years.
  • Ophthalmology: Four years.
  • Physical medicine: Four years.

Can a South African doctor work in USA?

If you are a foreign doctor interested in practicing medicine in the US, then you'll need to prepare to pass the US Medical Licensing Exams, get certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign-Trained Medical Graduates, enroll in a residency program, and then take a third licensing test.

Which university is best for Medicine in South Africa?

  • University of Cape Town. South Africa|Cape Town. ...
  • University of Witwatersrand. South Africa|Johannesburg. ...
  • Stellenbosch University. South Africa|Stellenbosch. ...
  • University of Kwazulu Natal. South Africa|Durban. ...
  • North West University - South Africa. ...
  • University of Pretoria. ...
  • University of the Western Cape. ...
  • University of Johannesburg.

Is South Africa a good place to study abroad?

With a rich cultural and political history, some of the oldest archaeological sites on the planet, and some of the most exotic wildlife, South Africa tends to be a hotspot for students abroad from all over the world .