Medicine typically takes six years to complete, followed by a compulsory two-year internship and a year of community service. For thousands of pupils finishing matric each year, the question is not only what to study next, but whether they can afford to pursue their ambitions. In South Africa, the most expensive undergraduate degree at public universities remains medicine, formally known as theBachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery(MBChB).
At leading institutions such as the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Pretoria, annual tuition fees for medicine can range from about R60,000 to more than R110,000 a year. Yet, demand for these seats outstrips supply. Across South Africa’s medical schools, there are around 1 900 first‑year MBChB places available annually at the main public universities.
This depends on the institution and year of study. That figure excludes accommodation, textbooks, equipment, transport and daily living costs, which can push the total annual cost significantly higher. Medicine typically takes six years to complete, followed by a compulsory two-year internship and a year of community service before graduates can practise independently.
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Over the full study period, thetotal cost can run into several hundred thousand rand, making it the most expensive mainstream degree offered by public universities in South Africa. Entry into medicine is highly competitive. Learners must obtain a National Senior Certificate with a bachelor’s pass and strong results in key subjects, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English.
Most medical faculties use an Admission Point Score (APS) system, with medicine requiring one of the highest APS thresholds on campus. While minimum requirements differ by institution,successful applicantstypically achieve averages well above the minimum, often in the 70% range or higher. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place.
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