Minimum APS for Medicine in South Africa 2026 — MBChB Requirements at All 9 Medical Schools

Medicine (MBChB) is the most competitive programme at any South African university. Every year, thousands of learners with exceptional matric results apply for fewer than 2 000 places across all 9 medical schools. Understanding exactly what APS, subjects, and NBT scores are required — and what you can do to strengthen your application — is essential for any learner with a passion for medicine.

MBChB APS Requirements at All 9 South African Medical Schools — 2026

University	Province	Min APS	Maths Required	Physical Sciences	NBT Required
UCT — University of Cape Town	Western Cape	40–42	70%+	70%+	Yes
Wits — University of the Witwatersrand	Gauteng	40–42	70%+	70%+	Yes
UP — University of Pretoria	Gauteng	38–40	70%+	70%+	Recommended
Stellenbosch — SU Faculty of Medicine	Western Cape	40–42	70%+	70%+	Yes
UKZN — Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine	KwaZulu-Natal	38–40	70%+	70%+	Yes
UFS — University of the Free State	Free State	38–40	65%+	65%+	Recommended
UL — University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus)	Limpopo	38–40	70%+	70%+	Recommended
WSU — Walter Sisulu University	Eastern Cape	38–40	65%+	65%+	No
SMU — Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University	Limpopo	38–40	65%+	65%+	No

What Subjects Do You Need for Medicine?

In addition to a high APS score, all South African medical schools require the following subjects with specific minimum marks:

• Pure Mathematics — minimum 70% (Level 6) at UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch; minimum 65% at others. Mathematical Literacy is NOT accepted.
• Physical Sciences — minimum 70% (Level 6) at UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch; minimum 65% at others.
• Life Sciences (Biology) — minimum 60% (Level 5) recommended at most medical schools.
• English — minimum 50–60% required; medical training is conducted in English at all public medical schools.

What is the NBT and Why Does It Matter for Medicine?

The National Benchmark Test (NBT) is required by UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch for medicine applications. The NBT assesses academic literacy, quantitative literacy, and mathematics — skills needed for university-level study. A strong NBT score can compensate slightly for a borderline APS; a weak NBT score can disqualify you even with a high APS. Register for the NBT at nbt.ac.za from as early as Grade 11.

How to Strengthen Your Medicine Application

• Aim for 80%+ in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences — not just the minimum. Competition means most admitted students score well above the published minimums.
• Write the NBT in Grade 11 to get familiar with the format before your critical Grade 12 attempt.
• Complete hospital or clinic shadowing and document it — most medical schools require evidence of healthcare exposure in your motivational letter.
• Apply to multiple medical schools simultaneously — applications are not mutually exclusive.
• Consider a BSc Health Sciences degree as an alternative entry route if your APS falls just short. Some medical schools admit BSc graduates with a strong academic record.

Use Career Helper's free APS Calculator to check your current score against all 9 medical schools.