Choosing the right medical school in South Africa is a pivotal decision for aspiring physicians. The country is home to some of the highest-ranked medical faculties on the African continent, known for rigorous training and exposure to diverse clinical pathologies.
Unlike many other countries, medical universities in South Africa are predominantly public institutions. While plans for private medical schools are in development, the current landscape is dominated by government-subsidized public universities. Admission is incredibly competitive, often requiring near-perfect matric results and strong performance on National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
The following sections outline the top medical schools in South Africa, providing insights to help prospective students understand the costs and distinct advantages of each institution.
Understanding Medical Education Costs in South Africa
Since almost all accredited medical programs are public, the massive price gap between “public vs. private” seen in other countries (like Malaysia or the US) is less pronounced here. However, fees still vary based on the university’s location and resources.
- Public Universities: These are the standard for medical education (MBChB). While subsidized by the government for citizens, the student contribution is still significant.
- Approximate Fees: For the 2025 academic year, tuition for the first year of an MBChB program typically ranges from R60,000 to R110,000 (approx. $3,300 – $6,000 USD).
- Additional Costs: Students must also budget for textbooks, medical equipment (stethoscopes, scrubs), and residence fees, which can double the annual cost.
Understanding “Success Rate” in the South African Context
In South Africa, “success” isn’t just about graduating; it’s about navigating the statutory requirements to practice.
- HPCSA Accreditation: The best medical school in South Africa for you is one fully accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This is non-negotiable for licensure.
- Internship & Community Service: After the 6-year MBChB degree, all graduates must complete a 2-year statutory internship and 1 year of community service in a public health facility.
- Clinical Exposure: South African medical students are renowned globally for their clinical skills, gained through early exposure to high patient loads in public hospitals during their training.
Top Medical Universities in South Africa (2025 Overview)
This list highlights institutions based on international rankings (such as QS and THE), research output, and historical reputation. Note: Tuition fees are estimates for the first-year MBChB program for South African citizens and are subject to change.
| University Name | Location | Type | Approx. Annual Tuition (ZAR) |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | Cape Town, Western Cape | Public | ~ R108,800 |
| Stellenbosch University | Tygerberg, Western Cape | Public | ~ R92,706 |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | Johannesburg, Gauteng | Public | ~ R77,700 |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | Pretoria, Gauteng | Public | ~ R74,000 – R89,000 |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | Durban, KZN | Public | ~ R62,971 |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences (SMU) | Pretoria North, Gauteng | Public | ~ R74,517 |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | Bloemfontein, Free State | Public | ~ R73,450 |
Profiles of Top Medical Universities in South Africa
Here is a closer look at the best medical schools in South Africa and what they offer.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Website: https://health.uct.ac.za/
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ R108,800
Scholarship options: Yes
Why it’s a Top Choice: UCT is frequently ranked as the number one university in Africa. Its Faculty of Health Sciences is world-renowned, largely due to its affiliation with Groote Schuur Hospital—the site of the world’s first successful human heart transplant. The curriculum is problem-based and focuses heavily on primary healthcare. UCT graduates are highly sought after internationally.Shutterstock
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Website: https://www.wits.ac.za/health/
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ R92,706
Scholarship options: Yes
Why it’s a Top Choice: Located in the economic hub of Johannesburg, Wits offers one of the most rigorous medical programs in the country. It is affiliated with major tertiary hospitals like Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere). This provides students with unmatched clinical exposure to trauma and complex pathologies.
3. Stellenbosch University
Website: https://www.su.ac.za/en/faculties/medicine
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ R77,700
Scholarship options: Yes
Why it’s a Top Choice: The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is located on the Tygerberg Campus, separate from the main Stellenbosch hub. It is a research powerhouse, particularly in fields like Tuberculosis and infectious diseases. The university has successfully transitioned to a multilingual environment (English/Afrikaans), though the primary mode of instruction for medicine is English. It is known for excellent student support structures.
4. University of Pretoria (UP)
Website: https://www.up.ac.za/faculty-of-health-sciences
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ R74,000 –
R89,000
Scholarship options: Yes
Why it’s a Top Choice: UP’s School of Medicine is highly regarded for its academic excellence. Its primary teaching platform is the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, a modern tertiary healthcare institution. UP emphasizes a community-oriented, primary care approach while maintaining high standards in specialized research. The curriculum is modern and integrates clinical skills early in the program.
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Website: https://ww2.chs.ukzn.ac.za/
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ R108,800
Scholarship options: Yes
Why it’s a Top Choice: The Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine at UKZN has a strong history of producing doctors committed to serving rural and underserved communities. It attracts a large number of applicants and is a critical hub for medical research in the coastal region, specifically in HIV/AIDS research.
6. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Website: https://www.smu.ac.za/
Approx. Annual Tuition: ~ R74,517
Scholarship options: Yes
Why it’s a Top Choice: Formerly known as MEDUNSA, SMU is unique because it is a comprehensive health sciences university, not just a general university with a medical faculty. This creates a campus culture entirely focused on healthcare. It has a historic legacy of producing the majority of Black medical professionals in South Africa and continues to focus on producing competent professionals for the public sector.
The journey to becoming a doctor in South Africa requires mastering a vast amount of material to pass the NBTs for entry and the rigorous medical exams during your degree. Lecturio offers high-quality video lectures and question banks that can help you strengthen your medical knowledge base. Whether you are prepping for entrance exams or your first year of anatomy, check out Lecturio’s Medical Education resources to give yourself an academic edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the requirements to study medicine in South Africa?
A: Admission is extremely competitive. You generally need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with high achievement (Level 6 or 7) in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English. Additionally, most universities require you to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). Selection is based on a composite score of your Matric results and NBTs.
Q: How long is medical school in South Africa?
A: The standard MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree takes 6 years to complete. This is followed by 2 years of internship and 1 year of community service before you can practice independently.
Q: Which is the best medical school in South Africa?
A: The University of Cape Town (UCT) is consistently ranked as the top medical university in South Africa by global ranking systems like QS and Times Higher Education, though Wits and Stellenbosch are also top-tier competitors.
Q: Are there private medical schools in South Africa?
A: Currently, the training of doctors (MBChB) is almost exclusively the domain of public universities. While some private institutions (like Eduvos or private nursing colleges) exist, fully accredited private medical schools for doctors are still in the developmental/regulatory stages and are not yet major players compared to the public giants.
Disclaimer: Tuition fees are subject to annual increases and vary based on citizenship (South African vs. International) and residence choices. This blog post provides approximate figures based on 2024/2025 data. Always consult the university’s official prospectus or fees office for the most current and accurate fee structure.
