25 best medical schools in South Africa in 2024: pursue your dream career

25 best medical schools in South Africa in 2024: pursue your dream career

When asked what they wish to become in the future, most children say doctors, lawyers, pilots, and engineers. Some follow through and study their dream courses. Medical courses are in high demand in most African countries. If you wish to become a medic, you should find out the best medical schools in South Africa today.

A stethoscope on a blue surface and red, blue, and pink capsules on a white surface
A stethoscope on a blue surface and a young female medic with a stethoscope. Photo: pexels.com, @Karolina Grabowska, @Tima Miroshnichenko (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

There are many medical schools in South Africa today. This ranking of the best ones takes into account the institutions' reputation, facilities, learning environment, staffing, and overall quality of education. The list is subjective and may not consider all possible aspects that make an academic institution the best. Prospective medics should do their research before applying for admission.

Overview of the best medical schools in South Africa

RankingInstitutionLocation
1University of Cape TownCape Town
2University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburg
3University of StellenboschStellenbosch
4University of KwaZulu-NatalKwaZulu-Natal
5University of PretoriaPretoria
6North-West UniversityPotchefstroom, North West
7University of the Free StateBloemfontein, Free State
8University of the Western CapeBellville, Cape Town
9University of JohannesburgJohannesburg
10University of South AfricaMuckleneuk, Pretoria
11University of LimpopoLimpopo
12Rhodes UniversityGrahamstown, Cape Town
13University of Fort HareEastern Cape Province
14Nelson Mandela UniversityPort Elizabeth
15 Tshwane University of TechnologyPretoria West
16Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversityGa-Rankuwa, Gauteng Province
17Durban University of TechnologyKwaZulu-Natal
18Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCape Town
19University of ZululandKwaZulu-Natal
20University of VendaThohoyandou, Limpopo Province
21Walter Sisulu UniversityMthatha, East London
22Vaal University of TechnologyAndries Potgieter Blvd, Vanderbijlpark
23Central University of TechnologyBloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein
24Mangosuthu University of TechnologyUmlazi, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
25Northern Cape College of Emergency CareKimberly

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Best medical schools in South Africa: top 25 list

The best medical schools in South Africa are concerned about their students' well-being. They have an excellent approach to teaching and research and offer opportunities for personal and academic growth.

25. Northern Cape College of Emergency Care

  • Location: Kimberley
  • Contacts: 083 278 9803/ (053) 807 5395

Northern Cape College of Emergency Care is one of the best paramedic training institutions in SA. The college has been fully accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Students at Northern Cape College of Emergency Care receive training in pre-hospital emergency care.

24. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

  • Location: 511 Griffiths Mxenge Hwy, Umlazi, Durban
  • Year founded: 1979
  • Contact: +27 31 907 7111

MUT offers academic programmes in health science and biomedical science. These medical courses are highly marketable in contemporary SA. Located in Durban, Mangosuthu University of Technology is one of the best universities in the country.

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23. Central University of Technology (CUT)

  • Location: 20 President Brand St, Bloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein
  • Year founded: 1981
  • Contacts: +27 51 507 3911/ +27 (0)57 910 3500

At the Central University of Technology, students can pursue courses in dental assisting, health sciences in clinical technology, and medical laboratory sciences. The institution was established in 1981 as Technikon Free State.

22. Vaal University of Technology (VUT)

  • Location: Andries Potgieter Blvd, Vanderbijlpark
  • Year founded: 1966
  • Contacts: +27 16 950 9000

At Vaal University of Technology, prospective students can pursue courses in biotechnology, medical laboratory sciences, and biomedical technology. VUT attracts students from all over the country. It is one of the largest residential universities of technology in SA.

A smiling doctor
A smiling male doctor with a stethoscope around his neck. Photo: pexels.com, @Ivan Samkov
Source: UGC

21. Walter Sisulu University

  • Location: Mthatha, East London
  • Year founded: 2005
  • Contacts: +27 47 502 2844/ +27 47 502 2211

Founded in 2005, Walter Sisulu University was formed after a merger between Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon, and the University of Transkei. The institution's Faculty Of Medicine and Health Sciences offers multiple medical programmes, including medical microbiology, family medicine, radiology, medicine in surgery, psychiatry, and obstetrics and gynaecology.

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20. University of Venda

  • Location: Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province
  • Year founded: 1982
  • Contact: +27 15 962 8000

The University of Venda is a South African comprehensive rural-based institution. The Faculty of Health Sciences offers courses in nursing, public health, nutrition, psychology, and biokinetics. It is among the leading institutions in SA.

19. University of Zululand

  • Location: KwaZulu-Natal
  • Year founded: 1960
  • Contact: +27 35 902 6950

The University of Zululand, commonly known as UniZulu, is situated in the north of the Tugela River in KwaZulu-Natal. The institution offers courses in nursing sciences in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering.

18. Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Location: Cape Town
  • Year founded: 2005
  • Contact: +27 21 959 6767

Did you know the Cape Peninsula University of Technology is the only university of technology in the Western Cape Province? It is also the largest university in the province. The institution offers courses in biomedical, nursing, dental, ophthalmic, wellness, and emergency medical sciences.

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17. Durban University of Technology

  • Location: KwaZulu-Natal
  • Year founded: 2002
  • Contact: +27 31 373 2000

The Durban University of Technology is a multi-campus university situated in KwaZulu-Natal. The Faculty of Health Sciences offers courses in biomedical and clinical technology, chiropractic care, dental sciences, homoeopathy, nursing, medical orthotics and prosthetics, and radiography, among others.

A smiling female medic in green scrubs
A smiling female medic in green scrubs. Photo: pexels.com, @Laura James
Source: UGC

16. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

  • Location: Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng Province
  • Year founded: 2014
  • Contact: +27 12 521 4111

Did you know Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University was formerly known as the Medical University of South Africa and later as the MEDUNSA campus of the University of Limpopo? This medical university offers programmes in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and healthcare sciences.

15. Tshwane University of Technology

  • Location: Staatsartillerie Rd, Pretoria West, Pretoria
  • Year founded: 2004
  • Contact: +27 86 110 2421

Technikon Northern Gauteng, Technikon North-West, and Technikon Pretoria merged to form Tshwane University of Technology in 2004. It offers nursing courses at the Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science. It also has departments of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.

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14. Nelson Mandela University

  • Location: Port Elizabeth
  • Year founded: 2005
  • Contact: +27 (0) 41 504 1111

At Nelson Mandela University, prospective students can pursue courses in behavioural and lifestyle sciences, clinical care, medical sciences, and medicine. The university was formed after a merger between PE Technikon the University of Port Elizabeth and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University.

13. University of Fort Hare

  • Location: Eastern Cape Province
  • Year founded: 1916
  • Contact: +27 (0)40 602 2441

The University of Fort Hare was formerly known as the South African Native College. The institution offers courses in nursing and health management in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

12. Rhodes University

  • Location: Grahamstown, Cape Town
  • Year founded: 1904
  • Contact: +27 46 603 8111

At Rhodes University, prospective students can study programmes in medicinal chemistry, biological sciences, and pharmacy. It is one of four universities in the Eastern Cape Province.

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A young female doctor talking to a patient
A young female doctor with a stethoscope on her neck talking to a patient. Photo: pexels.com, @Cottonbro Studio
Source: UGC

11. University of Limpopo

  • Location: Limpopo Province
  • Year founded: 2005
  • Contact: +27 (0) 15 268 9111

The University of Limpopo has Departments of Health Care Sciences and Medicine. The institution offers courses in medicine, surgery, obstetrics, nursing, paediatrics and child health, pharmacy, family medicine, optometry, pathology, psychiatry, and mental health.

10. University of South Africa (UNISA)

  • Location: Preller St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria
  • Year founded: 1873
  • Contact: +27 12 429 3111

The University of South Africa is the largest university system in SA by enrollment. At UNISA, students can pursue programmes in biomedical science, health sciences, and nursing sciences.

9. University of Johannesburg (UJ)

  • Location: Johannesburg
  • Year founded: 2005
  • Contact: 011 559 4555

The University of Johannesburg has a Faculty of Health Sciences that offers programmes in chiropractic, emergency medical care, complementary medicine, biomedical sciences, nursing, optometry, podiatry, medical imaging, and radiation sciences.s

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8. University of the Western Cape (UWC)

  • Location: Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town
  • Year founded: 1959
  • Contact: +27 21 959 2911

The University of the Western Cape has a Faculty of Community and Health Sciences. The faculty offers courses in physiotherapy, public health, occupational therapy, dietetics, psychology,s and nursing

7. University of the Free State

  • Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
  • Year founded: 1904
  • Contact: 051 401 9111

The University of the Free State offers courses in radiation sciences, nursing, and health and rehabilitation sciences. The institution was first established as an institution of higher learning in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College.

A male medic doing a dental procedure on a female patient
A male dentist in blue scrubs doing a dental procedure on a female patient. Photo: pexels.com, @Marco Dental Tourism Stomatolog Beograd
Source: UGC

6. North-West University (NWU)

  • Location: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark
  • Year founded: 2004
  • Contact: +27 18 299 1111

At the North-West University, quality education is provided for all. The Faculty of Health Sciences offers courses in nursing, pharmacy, physiology, dietetics, occupational hygiene, and psychosocial health.

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5. University of Pretoria

  • Location: Pretoria
  • Year founded: 1908
  • Contact: 012 420 3111

The University of Pretoria is one of the top 10 medical schools in South Africa. This institution has a School of Medicine, Health Care Sciences, Public Health, and Dentistry that offers multiple medical courses.

4. University of KwaZulu-Natal

  • Location: 238 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Glenwood, Durban, KwaZulu Natal
  • Year founded: 2004
  • Contact: +27 31 260 1111

The University of KwaZulu-Natal was formed after the merger between the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. The College of Health Sciences has departments that offer courses in health sciences, clinical medicine, nursing, public health, laboratory medicine, and medical sciences.

3. University of Stellenbosch

  • Location: Stellenbosch Central
  • Year founded: 1918
  • Contact: +27 21 808 9111

The University of Stellenbosch is one of the top 5 medical schools in South Africa. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences​ offers programmes in dietetics, physiotherapy, speech-language and hearing therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and surgery, and nursing and midwifery.

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2. University of the Witwatersrand

  • Location: 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
  • Year founded: 1922
  • Contact: +27 11 717 1000

The University of the Witwatersrand, the Faculty of Health Sciences offers courses in anatomical sciences, clinical medicine, oral health sciences, pathology, public health, physiology, and therapeutic sciences.

1. University of Cape Town

  • Location: Cape Town
  • Year founded: 1829
  • Contact: +27 21 650 9111

The University of Cape Town is one of the best medical schools in Africa for international students as well as local ones. It is the oldest university in SA and the oldest in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Faculty of Health Sciences offers programmes in medicine and surgery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, audiology, and speech therapy.

A medic doing a checkup on a small baby
A female medic doing a checkup on a small baby being held by the father. Photo: pexels.com, @CDC
Source: UGC

Which are the best medical schools in Africa?

The top medical schools on the continent include the University of Cape Town, Texila American University Zambia, Cairo University, University of Nairobi, University of Ghana Medical School, Makerere University School of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, and Ain Shams University.

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How many medical schools are in South Africa?

There are over 20 universities offering medical courses in the country. There are also multiple private colleges offering such programmes.

Can foreigners study medicine in South Africa?

Yes, most universities accept international students. Foreigners need to apply for admission into their preferred institutions.

How long does it take to become a medical doctor in South Africa?

The journey to becoming a doctor in South Africa takes around six to seven years.

Which University is the best to study medicine in South Africa?

The University of Cape Town is arguably the best institution to study medicine in SA. Other top institutions are the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Stellenbosch, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and the University of Pretoria.

How many years is medical school in South Africa?

Medical school takes six to seven years in SA. On qualification, a graduate is competent to work as an intern in a South African hospital.

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Which are the easiest medical schools to get into in South Africa?

The easiest medical schools to get into in SA include the University of Limpopo, the University of the Free State, the University of Zululand, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Walter Sisulu University, and the University of Fort Hare.

Which are the top medical schools in South Africa and their requirements?

The top medical schools in SA include the University of Cape Town, the University of Limpopo, the University of the Free State, the University of Zululand, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Walter Sisulu University, and the University of Fort Hare. Prospective students are encouraged to check the requirements on the respective websites.

Which are the top private medical schools in South Africa?

The top private medical schools in South Africa include Northern Cape College of Emergency Care, Mediclinic Private Higher Education Institution, Limpopo College of Emergency Care, and Free State College of Emergency Care.

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How much does medical school cost in South Africa?

The average tuition for a public medical school in South Africa is around R50,000 per year. The average tuition fee in a private institution is R80,000 per year. Prospective students should get the fee structure from the institutions they are interested in.

The best medical schools in South Africa are known for offering quality education. They offer a conducive learning environment and are well-staffed.

Briefly.co.za recently published a list of all colleges in Cape Town. Colleges and universities provide the surest route to a successful career and enjoyable life.

All parents want to find the best college for their children to pursue the courses they desire. Most people consider the quality of education, reputation of the college, and location before anything else.

Source: Briefly News

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Peter Kinuthia Peter Kinuthia is a 2018 graduate of Kenyatta University with a Bachelor's degree in Health Services Management. With over five years of copy-writing experience about media, lifestyle, and health affairs, Peter has cemented a solid career in copy-writing/journalism. He previously worked with Ace My Homework before joining the Briefly team in 2017. With over 5 years of experience in Briefly, Peter has become a remarkable wordsmith. (Email: petekinuthia9@gmail.com)

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Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com