Medicine Requirements in South Africa: Subjects, APS and Marks for 2027 and 2028
10.10.2026
Short answer
Medicine requirements in South Africa: matric subjects, APS of 35 at the University of Pretoria, the new Stellenbosch marks from 2028 and what to do below the cut.
Medicine requirements in South Africa
In short: To apply for medicine in South Africa you need a National Senior Certificate with Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English, at several universities also Life Sciences. The University of Pretoria asks for an APS of at least 35 in 2026. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted in place of Mathematics.
Ten public universities offer the degree, and each sets its own minimums. The pattern is the same everywhere: pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English, a high overall average. Always read the current prospectus of each faculty you apply to, because the numbers change from intake to intake.
Subjects and marks by university
| University | Minimum requirements for medicine | Intake |
|---|---|---|
| University of Pretoria, MBChB | Mathematics level 6 (70 to 79%), English and Physical Sciences level 5 (60 to 69%), APS 35 | 2026 |
| Stellenbosch University, MBChB | Level 7 average without Life Orientation, 70% Mathematics, 60% Physical Sciences and Life Sciences | From 2028 |
| University of the Witwatersrand, MBBCh | Level 5 in English and Mathematics, level 5 in Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences, plus the National Benchmark Test | 2027 |
Stellenbosch is the clearest signal of where things move. For the 2027 intake the faculty still accepted 50% in Physical Sciences and Life Sciences. From the 2028 intake it asks for 60% in both and 70% in Mathematics.
APS score for medicine
In short: The Admission Point Score converts each matric subject into a level from 1 to 7. Level 7 means 80 to 100%, level 6 means 70 to 79%, level 5 means 60 to 69%. The University of Pretoria counts six subjects without Life Orientation, so the maximum is 42 and the minimum for medicine is 35.
An APS of 35 from six subjects is an average just under level 6. That is the entry ticket. Selected students usually sit far above it, because faculties rank everyone who clears the minimum and fill 250 to 300 seats from the top.
Selection beyond the marks
Marks are one part. Wits weighs the National Benchmark Test alongside school results. Faculties place applicants in categories and fill each category separately. A candidate with seven distinctions can still receive a rejection, and that says more about the 300 seats than about the candidate. The numbers per university are in our overview of medical schools in South Africa.
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Request a free consultationBelow the requirements
In short: Applicants below the South African minimums, or above them without an offer, have three routes: upgrade matric subjects, complete a first degree and apply for graduate entry such as the GEMP at Wits, or study medicine in English at a university abroad with tuition from €3,500 a year.
English-taught medical schools in Europe decide on the complete school-leaving certificate and the science subjects in it. Which of our partner universities fit your results is a question we answer in the consultation, with your certificate on the table. Countries and costs are in the guide to studying medicine abroad from South Africa, and the graduate route is explained in our article on the GEMP at Wits.
A degree from abroad brings you home through the HPCSA: verification, board examination, internship, community service. The steps are in our HPCSA guide. South African applicants reach us fastest through the South Africa page.
The author's view
I started dental medicine in Sofia in 2015, at 24, and graduated in 2021. No patient has ever asked me for my school marks.
My view: minimum requirements measure the number of seats a country funds. Take them seriously for your application, and do not let them decide whether you become a doctor.
Summary
Medicine in South Africa requires Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English, often Life Sciences, and an APS around 35 or a level 7 average. The minimums are rising: Stellenbosch asks for 70% in Mathematics from the 2028 intake.
The minimum gets your file read. Seats go to the top of a list of thousands.
Conclusion
Apply at home with the strongest marks you can reach, and plan a second route in the same year. Request your free consultation.
Medicine requirements in South Africa: 6 questions and answers
What subjects do I need to study medicine in South Africa?
Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English. Several universities, among them Stellenbosch University, also require Life Sciences.
What APS do I need for medicine?
The University of Pretoria asks for an APS of at least 35 from six subjects without Life Orientation. Selected applicants are usually well above the minimum.
Can I study medicine with Mathematical Literacy?
No. South African medical schools require Mathematics.
What marks does Stellenbosch University require for medicine?
From the 2028 intake: a level 7 average without Life Orientation, at least 70% for Mathematics and at least 60% for Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.
Do I get a place if I meet the requirements?
Not automatically. Stellenbosch University received 17,363 applications for 300 MBChB places for the 2026 intake.
What can I do if my marks are too low?
Upgrade matric subjects, take the graduate route such as the GEMP at Wits, or study medicine in English abroad. Medschool Experts checks your results in a free consultation.
Further reading
What students say about Medschool Experts
Over 500 placements at 25+ partner universities across 10+ countries. See how our students experienced their path into medical school abroad in our student stories.
About the author
Marcel Kloos
Founder and owner of Medschool Experts, federally recognised dentist
Marcel Kloos is the founder and owner of Medschool Experts, a placement agency for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy degrees abroad. Since 2021 the team has secured more than 500 study places at 25+ partner universities in Europe and worldwide.
Study medicine abroad: Marcel's own path
Born in Stuttgart, Marcel started his degree late: at 24 he enrolled at the Medical University of Sofia, Faculty of Dental Medicine, and graduated in 2021 from the English-language programme. He went through the same steps his clients face today — nostrification of school certificates, entrance interviews, finding a flat in Sofia and later the recognition of a foreign degree. He is a federally recognised dentist.
What Marcel does at Medschool Experts
Today Marcel lives in Bern and runs Medschool Experts full-time. He visits every partner university in person, negotiates placement agreements directly with faculties and deans, and leads the free consultations in which applicants learn at which university they can start next semester. His YouTube channel on studying medicine abroad has helped thousands of applicants compare universities, costs and recognition.
Topics Marcel writes about
- Study medicine abroad independent of your high school diploma grades: universities, costs and admission
- Study dentistry, veterinary medicine or pharmacy in Europe in English
- Tuition fees and living costs at medical schools in Europe and worldwide
- Recognition of foreign medical degrees in the EU, Switzerland, the UK and the US
- Transferring between medical schools and returning home into a higher semester
All articles by Marcel Kloos are based on first-hand visits to the universities and conversations with current students. Book a free consultation to discuss your own path.
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