Best 15 Medicine Courses in South Africa | Cost and Requirements

Medicine is a field that aims to improve health and save lives. It involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses, as well as caring for people when they’re sick or injured. Medicine isn’t just about doctors in hospitals, though—it also covers areas like research, pharmaceuticals, and even public health.

When we talk about Medicine Courses in South Africa, we’re looking at programs that train individuals to become healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, or specialists. But what exactly do these courses involve?

They cover everything from understanding human biology to mastering complex medical procedures. They’re not just about memorizing facts; they teach you to think critically and respond to real-world health challenges.

So, if you’re looking to become a doctor, a pharmacist, or a public health expert, Medicine Courses in South Africa provide a long list of paths to explore the healthcare world. Let’s check out the top 15 medicine courses that South Africa has to offer!

Medicine Courses in South Africa
How long is Medicine course in South Africa?
How much does it cost to study Medicine in South Africa?
What are the requirements to study Medicine in South Africa?
Can foreigners study Medicine in South Africa?
What jobs can you get with a Medicine degree in South Africa?
Which type of doctors are in demand in South Africa?
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

Medicine Courses in South Africa

General Surgery
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
Medical Coding and Billing
Anesthesiology
Psychiatry
Dermatology
Nursing Assistant
Pharmacy Technician
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Medical Transcriptionist
Phlebotomy
First Aid and CPR

1. General Surgery

General Surgery is all about the art and science of surgical care. It focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions that require surgery, such as appendicitis, hernias, or gallbladder issues.

This course teaches you the skills to perform life-saving procedures, manage pre-and post-operative care, and work in high-pressure situations.

In South Africa, students can study General Surgery at institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg with the cost starting at around R60,000 to R80,000.

Read: Is Medicine Career a STEM Degree?

2. Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine is the branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in adults.

It’s like being a detective for the human body—looking beyond the surface to understand complex health issues involving organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, and more. This course sharpens your skills to manage chronic illnesses and provide holistic care.

In South Africa, you can study Internal Medicine at top institutions like the University of Pretoria. At UP, the cost for international students is approximately R46,436 annually, while domestic students pay about R23,218 annually.

3. Pediatrics

Pediatrics is all about caring for children, from newborns to teenagers. This course focuses on understanding their growth and development and the illnesses they might face.

Pediatricians learn how to diagnose and treat everything from common colds to more serious conditions in young patients.

It’s not just about medicine—it’s about communication and compassion because working with children and their families requires both.

The College of Paediatricians of South Africa offers this course under its Diploma in Child Health, which costs R16,600 and includes six months of full-time pediatric training.

The Fellowship of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa costs R21,800. This course is considered one of the best medical courses.

4. Obstetrics and Gynecology

You know how a house needs both a strong foundation and a beautiful interior to feel complete? That’s how Obstetrics and Gynecology work together—they’re two sides of the same coin.

Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the care of mothers, while Gynecology is about women’s health overall, including their reproductive systems.

This course teaches you how to deliver babies safely, manage complications, and handle conditions like infertility or hormonal issues.

In South Africa, you can study Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Witwatersrand. The course costs R28,183 per year, totalling approximately R112,732 for the four-year program for domestic students.

And for international students, it costs R64,375 per year, totalling about R257,500 for four years. Additionally, international students need to make an initial payment of R30,000.

5. Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a specialized course designed for healthcare professionals to handle emergencies involving severe injuries.

Imagine a doctor working against the clock to save someone’s life after a car accident – ATLS equips them with the skills and confidence to act quickly and effectively.

This course is offered at institutions like the University of Witwatersrand or Advanced Trauma Life Support South Africa in South Africa.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost:

South African doctors: R9,000
SA-registered African supernumeraries: R9,000
Auditors: R5,500
International doctors: R14,000 (plus postage)
International refresher course: R9,900
Refresher course (within 4 years): R6,300 (bring your manual)

Additional info:

Includes a textbook.
Earn 50 CPD points for passing or 25 CPD points for completing without passing.

It’s an intensive program that focuses on managing trauma patients during the “golden hour”—the critical first hour after an injury. If you’re passionate about emergency care, ATLS is a game-changer!

Also, read: Top 15 Best Bridging Courses in South Africa

6. Medical Coding and Billing

Medical Coding and Billing is like being the translator between doctors and insurance companies. It involves converting medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments into standardized codes for accurate billing and record-keeping.

Think of it as organizing a hospital’s “language” into something everyone in the healthcare system understands.

IT Business Campus offers this course for R5,999, and the University of Cape Town also offers it for R3,959.

If you’re looking for a free online medical coding and billing course, you can check out the course on Alison.

This course is a great choice if you enjoy detail-oriented work and want to work in healthcare without direct patient contact.

7. Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology is like being the calm behind the storm during surgeries. Think of it as the pilot who keeps the patient safely “asleep” while the surgical team does its work.

This field focuses on managing pain, sedation, and critical care during medical procedures, ensuring patients’ comfort and stability.

In South Africa, you can study this at Stellenbosch University. Tuition for international students is 64,375 ZAR per year for four years. Additionally, students need to budget for elective fees, which include the following:

Affiliate Administration Fee: 9,285 ZAR for students from SADC and Africa and 14,920 ZAR for students from other parts of the world.
Weekly Bench Training Fee: Depending on the program requirements, this varies between 1,000 and 18,000 ZAR.
HPCSA Registration and Annual Fees: Up to 6,674 ZAR.

8. Psychiatry

You know how the mind can sometimes feel like a maze, with twists, turns, and hidden paths? Psychiatry is the medical field that helps people navigate that maze. It’s all about understanding, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to more complex issues like schizophrenia.

Psychiatrists work closely with patients to improve their mental well-being, using therapy, medication, and other techniques.

Institutions such as Stellenbosch University offer this course under its Public Mental Health program at:

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Mental Health: Tuition is ZAR 43,400 per year for the full program (four courses). There is an international student administrative fee of ZAR 5,000, with additional fees for students from non-SADC countries.
MMed (Psych): This program has two parts. The application fee for postgraduate programs is ZAR 100.
Addiction Psychiatry M.Phil.: Tuition is ZAR 73,000 annually for two years.
Master’s in Clinical Psychology: Tuition is ZAR 55,500 per year.

9. Dermatology

You know how we all rely on our skin for everything — from protecting our organs to giving us that glow?

Dermatology is all about studying and treating skin, hair, and nails. This field covers everything from common acne to serious conditions like skin cancer. It is one of the best aesthetic medicine courses in South Africa.

If you’re interested in this, you can take the course at the College of Medicine of South Africa for R21,800. Alternatively, the course is offered at the University of Cape Town under the Health Sciences faculty for R8,000.

10. Nursing Assistant

If you’ve ever thought about helping people in healthcare but aren’t sure where to start, becoming a Nursing Assistant might be the perfect option!

This role supports nurses and doctors by providing primary care to patients, like helping them with hygiene, taking vital signs, and assisting with mobility. You’ll be at the heart of patient care, offering emotional support and helping with daily tasks to make their lives easier.

In South Africa, you can study this course at First Class Caregiving at R50,000, with an initial deposit of R10,000. You have the option to pay in 5 monthly instalments of R10,000. The entire course fee must be paid before you can take the final exam and receive your certificate.

If you complete the course in less than 5 months, all payments must be made before you sit for the final exam. Payments can be made by cash or card at the college. If you pay the full amount upfront in cash, you’ll receive a 10% discount, bringing the total to R45,000.

Also, read: Best Free Nursing Assistant Class Online

11. Pharmacy Technician

A Pharmacy Technician is key in supporting pharmacists by helping manage medications and ensuring patients get the right treatment.

This course teaches you how to prepare prescriptions, manage medication inventory, and handle customer inquiries about pharmaceutical products. You’ll also gain essential knowledge about pharmacy laws and drug safety.

Nelson Mandela University offers this course under its Faculty of Health Sciences at R30,564 per year for the four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy program.

12. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) could be your calling if you want to make a real difference in people’s lives. This course is one of the best emergency medicine courses in South Africa. It trains you to respond to medical emergencies, provide immediate care, and transport patients safely to healthcare facilities.

You’ll learn to assess patients, handle life-threatening situations, and administer first aid and life support. Becoming an EMT is rewarding and essential, making it a fantastic career choice if you’re passionate about helping others in urgent situations.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology offers this course at R7,100 for each, including Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Emergency Care, Emergency Care Skills, and Rescue Safety and Practice.

The Foundations of Professional Practice course costs R2,130, while the Physical Sciences course costs R2,900. For first-time students, an international administration levy of R1,500 is required, which is non-refundable, except for refugees and permanent residents in South Africa.

The application fee is R100, which is also non-refundable. International students outside Africa will pay double the official tuition fees and an upfront payment of R3,500 and 50% of the tuition fees. The remaining balance is due by May.

13. Medical Transcriptionist

A Medical Transcriptionist listens to audio recordings made by doctors and other healthcare professionals and types them into written documents.

This is important because accurate medical records help in patient care, billing, and legal documentation. This could be a great fit if you’re detail-oriented and enjoy typing. It’s a career that allows flexibility, with plenty of opportunities to work remotely once trained.

You can take this course at Lamoon in South Africa. They are online transcription courses, and their prices vary largely depending on the level and duration of the course you want.

14. Medical Laboratory Technician

A Medical Laboratory Technician works behind the scenes in healthcare, helping to analyze blood, urine, and other samples to diagnose diseases and monitor treatment.

This could be your ideal career if you enjoy working with lab equipment and solving problems. You’ll learn to perform tests, analyze results, and ensure everything is accurate and safe. It’s a rewarding field with plenty of career growth, especially in hospitals and private labs.

The University of Johannesburg offers this course at between R45,290 to R274,000, depending on the program. In addition, international students must pay an international levy of R2,000 for students from SADC and other African countries and R17,000 for students from other countries. This non-refundable levy must be paid in full at or before registration.

15. First Aid and CPR

First Aid and CPR courses teach life-saving skills that can make a real difference in an emergency.

You’ll get hands-on training in managing injuries, dealing with medical emergencies, and performing CPR on someone who has stopped breathing. These skills can be crucial in everyday situations and in the workplace.

You can go for this course at Absolute Health Services at R1,855 ex VAT, for the First Aid Levels 1, 2, and 3 course. Alternatively, you can check out the course at National First Aid Academy. Check out their website for their different pricing.

How long is Medicine course in South Africa?

Studying medicine or becoming a doctor in South Africa takes about 6 years to complete the MBChB degree. Afterwards, you’ll do a mandatory internship to gain hands-on experience, followed by community service.

It’s a long journey, but it’s all about preparing you to save lives and make a real impact in healthcare. It’s a big commitment, but worth it!

How much does it cost to study Medicine in South Africa?

Studying medicine in South Africa can be expensive, ranging from around R45,000 to R275,000 per year, depending on the university and program.

It’s a big financial commitment, but remember, it’s an investment in your future. Once you’re a doctor, the personal and professional rewards are huge!

What are the requirements to study Medicine in South Africa?

To study medicine in South Africa, you can take a few different paths, depending on your academic background. Here’s a breakdown of the main medicine course requirements:

Direct Entry from Grade 12:
- Exceptional marks in your final matric results are needed.
- Subjects required: English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences, and two other top subjects.
- You must meet the specific subject percentage requirements, typically 60% or higher for the key subjects.
- Strong community service on your CV is an added advantage.
- You’ll also need to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT), which assesses your academic ability.
Transfer from a Related Course:
- If you’ve already studied health sciences, biology, or another science-related course, you can transfer into a Medicine program.
- The university may require a certain GPA (usually 60% or higher) to make this transfer.
Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP):
- This route is for students who have completed Biology, Physics, and Chemistry degrees.
- After completing this degree, you can apply for the third year of a medical program.
- You need a good academic record from your first degree to be considered.
Additional Key Requirements:
- Matriculation Requirements:
  - You must have passed English, Mathematics, and Physical or Life Sciences well.
- NBT Scores: Your performance in the National Benchmark Test (NBT) also plays a crucial role in your application. These tests assess your academic potential, focusing on Mathematics and Science.
- Personal Attributes: Many universities look for qualities like empathy, communication skills, and a passion for healthcare, so highlighting relevant experience, such as volunteering or shadowing medical professionals, can be beneficial.

Can foreigners study Medicine in South Africa?

Yes, foreigners can study medicine in South Africa, but there are some requirements:

Before starting your studies, you must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Some universities, like the University of Pretoria, offer limited places to non-South African citizens.
Foreign practitioners must also apply and register with the Department of Public Services for at least five years after completing their studies.

What jobs can you get with a Medicine degree in South Africa?

With a Medicine degree in South Africa, you can pursue several career paths, including:

Medical Doctor (General Practitioner) – Diagnose and treat patients in clinics or private practice.
Specialist Doctor – After further training, you can specialize in surgery, pediatrics, or psychiatry.
Hospital Intern or Resident – Work in hospitals to gain experience and complete your internship.
Researcher – Conduct medical research in universities, hospitals, or private research institutes.
Public Health Official – Work in government health departments or NGOs to improve health policies.
Medical Lecturer – Teach future doctors at universities or medical schools.
Medical Consultant – Offer expert advice to healthcare organizations or private companies.

Also, read: List of Boston City Campus Courses and Fees | Fee Structures

Which type of doctors are in demand in South Africa?

In South Africa, certain types of doctors are in high demand due to healthcare needs and shortages. These include:

General Practitioners (GPs) – Especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.
Specialists – Like surgeons, obstetricians, paediatricians, and anesthesiologists.
Psychiatrists – Due to growing mental health awareness and the need for mental health care.
Emergency Medicine Doctors – With increasing demand for urgent care, particularly in hospitals.
Radiologists – As imaging technology becomes more important in diagnosing diseases.
Family Medicine Doctors – For comprehensive, ongoing care in communities.
Orthopedic Surgeons – As musculoskeletal injuries rise, particularly in sports.

These specialities are needed across urban and rural areas to address South Africa’s healthcare challenges.

FAQs

Can you study Medicine in South Africa as an international student?

Yes, international students can study Medicine in South Africa, but they must meet specific entry requirements and visa regulations.

How many years is Medicine in SA?

Medicine in South Africa takes approximately 6 years to complete.

Can a foreigner become a doctor in South Africa?

Yes, foreigners can become doctors in South Africa with requirements.

Conclusion

Studying medicine isn’t just about becoming a surgeon. While some dream of the operating room, others can’t stand the sight of blood but still want to make a difference in healthcare. The beauty of this field is its diversity—you can become a doctor or healthcare professional without ever needing to pick up a scalpel. Whether your passion lies in diagnostics, research, or patient care, there’s a place for you with our list of medicine courses in South Africa. We hope this list inspires your journey into medicine!