Health & Medicine
Doctor (Medical Practitioner)
You diagnose and treat illness, and walk with patients through tough moments.
- Starting salary
- R45 000 – R60 000
- Job demand
- Always needed
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You diagnose and treat illness, and walk with patients through tough moments.
A day in the life
You examine patients, order tests, decide on treatment, do rounds in hospital and keep detailed notes.
Skills you need
- Science knowledge
- Empathy
- Stamina
- Decision making
- Communication
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- English
How long does it take?
4 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2MBChB (6 years)
- 3Internship (2 years)
- 4Community service (1 year)
- 5Doctor / specialist
Ways in: University degree · Professional registration (HPCSA). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- Stellenbosch University
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Free State
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- University of Limpopo
- Walter Sisulu University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R45 000 – R60 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R70 000 – R110 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R120 000 – R250 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Volunteer at a clinic or old age home
- • Take a first aid course
- • Read about the human body
Try this career
Learn basic first aid (CPR steps) and teach it to your family.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.