Does NSFAS Fund Medicine Students?

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 12/26/22 •  3 min read

Over 14 000 students apply for medicine in South Africa per year. Thus making the process of getting into medicine harder than ever before. However, despite the high number of medicine applicants yearly, South Africa has a shortage of professional doctors. Only 1,300 medical students graduate every year

- ADVERTISEMENT -
, failing to meet the minimum 3,000 medical graduates required per year. Not only are the medical industry and course(s) in demand, but studying medicine can be expensive.

Bursaries for medicine

South African students who have the desire to study medicine have the opportunity to apply for different bursaries to bridge the financial gap.

The Gauteng Department of Health Bursary, KZN Department of Health Bursary, Mediclinic Bursary, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are among the various bursaries available for South African students to apply.

The Gauteng Department of Health Bursary and the KZN Department of Health Bursary fund students who wish to further their studies in Audiology. The Mediclinic bursary and the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship fund students interested in dietitian/nutrition studies, and hygiene studies, to name a few.

South African universities that offer medical courses/programs

Students who desire to pursue medicine can apply at any medical school in South Africa, such as University of Witwatersrand, University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, and the University of Free State, to name a few. The universities offer different medical programs for students to choose from, including health science. NSFAS funds medicine, amongst other courses such as Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, and Hospitality.

The NSFAS N+1 rule and medicine course

Even though medicine requires more years than most courses, NSFAS does indeed fund medicine. As with the other courses, the N+1 rule applies. If a medicine student fails to meet the minimum academic requirements and ends up failing the academic year, NSFAS will only cover the extra year on top of the duration of studies.

South African medical school requirements

Prospective students who wish to get into medical school need to meet the basic admission requirements, such as writing the National Benchmark Test and achieving an average of at least 70% for their National Senior Certificate (NSC). Additionally, a student must have passed Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Science at level 4 and at least 60% for their Home Language.

Academic performance is not the only thing medical schools take into consideration when selecting students for medical courses. They consider leadership, sports, or healthcare-related achievements. The ‘Quota System’ has made it a bit hard for students to get accepted into medical school because race is taken into consideration during the selection process.

Ratios are different for every university, but Black people and Colored people have a higher chance of getting accepted into medical school than White or Indian people because of past imbalances. South African doctors and medical graduates need to represent South Africa’s demography.

Which courses does NSFAS not fund?

Applicants must understand that NSFAS does not fund short courses, postgraduate courses, a second undergraduate degree, or courses studied at private institutions. The same costs covered by NSFAS for other courses apply to medical students as well.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

Why My NSFAS Application Was Unsuccessful?

Why My NSFAS Application Was Unsuccessful?

My application for the NSFAS bursary was unsuccessful for several reasons. It may be because you violated their rules.

NSFAS Payment: What To Do If You’ve Not Received Your Allowance

NSFAS Payment: What To Do If You’ve Not Received Your Allowance

The NSFAS payment process can be painful and cause a lot of worry. Here’s what you should do if your NSFAS allowance hasn’t been received.

Can You Apply For NSFAS Without Matric?

Can You Apply For NSFAS Without Matric?

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card

How To Withdraw Cashless With NSFAS Card. Here’s what you should know about this new offering. 

Where Are NSFAS Offices Located?

Where Are NSFAS Offices Located?

Knowing where the nearest physical NSFAS office is located can help you in the appeals process, the topic that shall be explored in today’s article.

How to Apply for a Free Laptop From NSFAS

How to Apply for a Free Laptop From NSFAS

Tthe NSFAS has expanded its mandate to help struggling students access laptops through the Digital Learning Device Programme.

What Is SOP NSFAS?

What Is SOP NSFAS?

The schedule of particulars, SOP NSFAS is a document that NSFAS provides for students to fill out and agree to all the terms

How to Use Celbux NSFAS

How to Use Celbux NSFAS

If you are part of a group of people who are clueless about the nature and mode of operations or how to use Celbux NSFAS, this article is written for you

How Long Does NSFAS Take to Receive Registration Data From Institution?

How Long Does NSFAS Take to Receive Registration Data From Institution?

It takes several weeks for the National Students Financial Aid Scheme(NSFAS) to receive data from institutions.

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail My Modules?

Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail My Modules?

We will look at passing if NSFAS will fund me if I fail all my modeules, what happens if you fail all your modules and many other related topics.

How Many Times Can You Apply For NSFAS?

How Many Times Can You Apply For NSFAS?

How Many Times Can You Apply For NSFAS?. This article will answer queries relating to the NSFAS application and other related matters.

How to Apply for NSFAS Disability Fund Online

How to Apply for NSFAS Disability Fund Online

This article offers a comprehensive guide that explains the procedures involved in applying and spells out all you need to know about NSFAS Disability Fund

What Is NSFAS DHET Grant

What Is NSFAS DHET Grant

In this article, we will discuss most sought-after bursaries among funding hopefuls - the Department of Higher Education and Training Bursary (DHET) scheme.NSFAS DHET Grant

Why Is It Important to Pay Back NSFAS Loan?

Why Is It Important to Pay Back NSFAS Loan?

Like any loan, not paying NSFAS has ramifications. Most of those ramifications will revolve around your financial prospects but could even affect your job

How Long Does NSFAS Fund You?

How Long Does NSFAS Fund You?

How Long Does NSFAS Fund You. The bursary is awarded to students depending on the funds available during the year of application,