Doctors diagnose and treat illness and injury and are central to the health system. Studying medicine (MBChB) in South Africa is highly competitive, long and demanding — but leads to a secure, respected and meaningful career. This guide covers what doctors do, the school subjects and qualifications you need, how to become a doctor in South Africa step by step, what you can earn, and whether it's in demand.
What does a doctor do?
Doctors diagnose and treat illness and injury and are central to the health system. Studying medicine (MBChB) in South Africa is highly competitive, long and demanding — but leads to a secure, respected and meaningful career.
School subjects you need
To keep this path open, aim for these subjects and a strong National Senior Certificate:
- Pure Mathematics (essential)
- Physical Sciences (essential)
- Life Sciences (essential)
- English and a very high APS
How to become a doctor in South Africa
- 1Achieve top matric results in Maths, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences (medicine has very high cut-offs).
- 2Apply early to universities offering the MBChB — places are limited and competition is intense.
- 3Complete the MBChB degree (usually 6 years).
- 4Do two years of paid internship at an accredited hospital.
- 5Complete one year of community service, then register with the HPCSA to practise; specialise later if you choose.
Where to study
- Medical schools (e.g. UCT, Wits, UP, UKZN, UFS, SU, Sefako Makgatho, Walter Sisulu).
- Entry uses NSC results plus, at some universities, the NBT (National Benchmark Test).
- If you don't get in directly, related BSc degrees can be a bridging route.
Doctor salary in South Africa
Interns and community-service doctors earn roughly R700,000–R900,000 a year including allowances. Qualified doctors earn more, and specialists (after further study) can earn R1,500,000+ depending on field and sector.
A note on salaries
Salary ranges are typical guides only and vary widely by employer, sector, location and experience. Treat them as a rough picture, not a promise.
Is doctor a good career? Demand in South Africa
South Africa has a shortage of doctors, especially in public and rural health. Demand is high, though training places are limited, which is what makes entry so competitive.
Skills you'll need
- Excellent academic ability, especially in science
- Empathy and strong communication
- Resilience and stamina
- Ethics and sound judgement
Not sure if doctor is the right fit for you? Take our free assessment to check it against your interests, strengths and values.
Take the free assessmentWhat APS do I need to study medicine in South Africa?+
Medicine has among the highest cut-offs of any degree — typically an APS in the high 30s to 40s plus very strong Maths, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences. Exact requirements vary by university, so check each one.
How many years does it take to become a doctor?+
About nine years to independent practice: six years for the MBChB, two years of internship and one year of community service. Specialising adds several more years.
What can I do if I don't get into medicine?+
Consider a related BSc (e.g. health or biological sciences) and reapply, or explore other health careers such as nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy or paramedicine. Many people reach medicine via a second application.
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