Medicine in South Africa: IB Requirements Explained.
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
South Africa is one of the few countries where IB students can apply directly to undergraduate medicine (MBChB) programs taught in English. However, medicine is also the most restrictive and competitive pathway in South Africa. A strong IB score alone is not enough — subject alignment, grades, and eligibility rules matter more than anything else.
This blog explains exact IB subject requirements, score expectations, selection factors, and common rejection reasons for medicine in South Africa.
IB Medicine Admissions in South Africa
Factor | How It’s Evaluated |
Subject choice | Non-negotiable |
Biology & Chemistry | Mandatory |
Mathematics | Required |
IB score | High, but not the only filter |
Flexibility | Very limited |
International seats | Extremely competitive |
IB Requirements : How Medical Admissions Work in South Africa
Medicine in South Africa:
Is offered as MBChB (6 years)
Is treated as a professional degree
Has strict capacity limits, especially for international students
Is governed by faculty-level rules, not general university admissions
Universities do not use holistic review models. Selection is academically structured and cutoff-driven.
Minimum IB Eligibility for Medicine
Most medical schools require:
Full IB Diploma
Overall IB score typically 35–38+
High grades in required science subjects
English proficiency through IB
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee an offer.
Mandatory IB Subject Requirements
Biology
Required
HL preferred, SL sometimes accepted
Strong grades expected
Chemistry
Required
HL strongly preferred
SL may be accepted at some universities with high grades
Mathematics
Required
Math AA or Math AI accepted
Strong performance expected regardless of level
Applicants missing any one of these subjects are usually automatically disqualified.
HL vs SL: What Actually Matters for Medicine
South African medical schools:
Do not mandate a fixed number of HLs
Care deeply about science depth
Prefer Biology and Chemistry at HL
A student with:
Biology HL + Chemistry HL + solid Mathis far more competitive than someone with extra unrelated HLs.
Minimum Subject Grade Expectations
Typical expectations (varies by university):
Biology: 6 or 7
Chemistry: 6 or 7
Mathematics: 5–6
English: Passing grade with academic readiness
Low grades in required subjects often override a high total IB score.
Mathematics: AA vs AI for Medicine
Unlike engineering, medicine is more flexible with math level.
Math Type | Accepted? |
Math AA HL | Accepted |
Math AA SL | Accepted |
Math AI HL | Accepted |
Math AI SL | Accepted |
However:
Weak math grades reduce competitiveness
Some universities internally prefer AA for scientific readiness
English Language Requirements
Most medical faculties:
Accept IB English A as proof
Accept English B with strong grades
May request IELTS in borderline cases
Communication-heavy fields like medicine scrutinize English closely.
Additional Selection Components
Depending on the university:
Entrance exams may apply
Interviews may be conducted
National benchmark tests may be required
Academic ranking plays a major role
These are not optional where applicable.
International Student Limitations
This is one of the most important realities:
Medical schools have very few international seats
Local applicants are prioritised
Even perfect IB profiles can be rejected due to quotas
South Africa should never be your only medicine option.
What South African Medical Schools Do NOT Consider
CAS depth
Leadership roles
Community service beyond academics
Personal statements as deciding factors
Admissions are not holistic in the US sense.
Common IB Rejection Reasons for Medicine
Missing Chemistry or Biology
Weak grades in required sciences
Math below expected level
Assuming overall score compensates for subject gaps
Applying late or missing faculty-specific requirements
Ignoring international student seat limits
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
1. Is IB 35 enough for medicine in South Africa?
Sometimes, but competition usually favours 36–38+ with strong sciences.
2. Is HL Chemistry mandatory everywhere?
Not everywhere, but it is strongly preferred.
3. Can I apply without Math AA?
Yes, but math performance must still be strong.
4. Are extracurriculars important for medicine here?
No, academics dominate selection.
5. Is South Africa safer as a backup for medicine?
Yes, but only if subject requirements are perfectly aligned.
Final Takeaway
Medicine in South Africa is IB-accessible but extremely rigid.
Success depends on:
Correct subject combination
High science grades
Understanding quota limitations
Applying strategically, not emotionally
A misaligned IB 38 can lose to a perfectly aligned IB 35.
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