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Medicine (MBChB)
Health Sciences · 6 years

Train as a medical doctor β€” diagnosing and treating illness, examining patients, and providing care in hospitals and clinics.

Required Subjects
Mathematics Physical Sciences Life Sciences English
APS / Points Guide
Typically 35-45+ APS depending on university, plus National Benchmark Test (NBT) results
Typical duration: 6 years
Where to Study
University of Cape Town
Faculty of Health Sciences
APS: ~45 (NBT required)
Highly competitive β€” NBT and additional selection criteria apply
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University of the Witwatersrand
Faculty of Health Sciences
APS: ~43 (NBT required)
Selection includes academic results and NBT
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Stellenbosch University
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
APS: ~Top achievers, NBT required
Competitive selection process beyond APS
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University of Pretoria
Faculty of Health Sciences
APS: ~rigorous selection, NBT required
Selection committee considers academics, NBT and other criteria
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University of KwaZulu-Natal
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine
APS: ~rigorous selection, NBT required
Quota system applies for certain provinces
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University of the Free State
Faculty of Health Sciences
APS: ~rigorous selection, NBT required
Selection includes academic results and NBT
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APS requirements shown are approximate guides only and may differ by year and faculty. Visit each university's official admissions page to confirm current requirements, application dates and contact details.
Sample Application / Motivation Letter

Use this as a starting template for your university application or motivation letter. Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]
[Date]

The Admissions Office
[University Name]
[Faculty/Programme Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO MEDICINE (MBCHB)

I am writing to apply for admission to the Medicine (MBChB) programme at [University Name] for the 2027 academic year.

I am currently in [Grade 12 / completed Matric in [Year]] at [School Name], where I have taken the following subjects relevant to this programme: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, English. My results in these subjects reflect my dedication to a future in this field, and I believe my academic performance meets the entry requirements for Medicine (MBChB) (Typically 35-45+ APS depending on university, plus National Benchmark Test (NBT) results).

I have chosen to pursue Medicine (MBChB) because [explain your personal motivation - e.g. a experience, role model, community need, or long-term goal that drew you to this career]. I am confident that studying at [University Name] will give me the knowledge, practical skills and support I need to succeed in this field and to contribute meaningfully to my community after graduating.

Beyond academics, I have been involved in [mention any relevant extracurricular activities, volunteering, leadership roles, or part-time work]. These experiences have helped me develop skills such as [teamwork / discipline / communication / problem-solving] that I believe will help me thrive in your programme.

I have attached the following documents in support of my application:
- Certified copy of my ID document
- Certified copy of my latest school results / Matric certificate
- [Any additional documents required, e.g. NBT results, portfolio, motivational essay]

I would be grateful for the opportunity to study Medicine (MBChB) at [University Name] and look forward to hearing from you regarding the outcome of my application. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

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