- 15 Sep, 2025
- 0 Comments
- 3 Mins Read
What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Doctor in Grade 12?
Introduction
For South African learners, Grade 12 is the make-or-break year when it comes to pursuing a career in Medicine. Universities will look at your Matric results to decide whether you qualify for admission into an MBChB programme (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery).
The reality? Medicine is one of the most competitive degrees in South Africa. Thousands apply each year, but only a fraction are accepted. That’s why knowing the exact Grade 12 subjects and marks you need to become a doctor is critical.
At Apex Academic Centre, we help learners and parents understand these requirements — and, more importantly, prepare to meet them with the right tutoring support.
Compulsory Subjects for All Grade 12 Learners
All South African Matric learners must take:
-
Home Language (e.g., English HL, Afrikaans HL, isiZulu HL)
-
First Additional Language
-
Life Orientation
-
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
👉 If you want to study Medicine, you must take Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy will disqualify you from applying for MBChB.
Core Subjects Required for Medicine in Grade 12
1. Mathematics
-
Essential for Medicine.
-
Universities require 70–80% minimum.
-
Strong marks in Mathematics are non-negotiable.
2. Physical Sciences
-
Compulsory for medical school entry.
-
Minimum 70–80% required at most universities.
-
Physics and Chemistry form the foundation of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry at university.
3. Life Sciences (Biology)
-
Strongly recommended, though some universities don’t list it as compulsory.
-
Vital for preparing learners to understand human biology and health sciences.
-
A 65–70%+ score is highly advantageous.
University Admission Requirements for Medicine (South Africa)
While each university sets its own criteria, most require:
-
Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and preferably Life Sciences.
-
Marks: 70–80% in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
-
APS Score: Minimum 40–45 points, depending on the university.
-
Language Requirements: English or another language of instruction at 60%+.
-
NBTs (National Benchmark Tests): Required by some universities like UCT and Wits.
👉 Example:
-
Wits University: 70% in Maths, 70% in Physical Sciences, APS 42+.
-
Stellenbosch University: 70% in Maths, 70% in Physical Sciences, APS 47+.
-
UCT: APS of 36–48, depending on weighting, plus NBTs.
Elective Subjects and Their Value
Beyond the compulsory subjects, learners choose additional electives. While these do not directly impact medical admission, they:
-
Help boost your APS score (choose subjects you can excel in).
-
Build complementary skills (e.g., IT for data analysis, Geography for scientific interpretation).
Good electives include:
-
Geography
-
Information Technology (IT)
-
Business Studies
-
Accounting
-
History (if the learner is strong in it)
Why Marks in Grade 12 Matter More Than Just Subjects
Choosing the right subjects is step one. Excelling in them is step two — and arguably the most important. With so much competition, learners need exceptional results, not just minimum requirements.
At Apex Academic Centre, we provide:
-
Specialist tutors in Maths, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
-
Exam preparation strategies using past papers and time management techniques.
-
Performance tracking to close gaps before finals.
-
Emotional support for learners under pressure.
The Emotional Journey to Becoming a Doctor
The dream of becoming a doctor is about more than just academics. For learners, it’s about helping people, saving lives, and making a difference. For parents, it’s about giving their child the chance to achieve something extraordinary.
But the road is tough. Medicine requires:
-
Resilience.
-
Consistency.
-
Determination to keep working, even when results don’t come easily.
That’s why Apex partners with families, walking alongside learners from Grade 10 through Grade 12, ensuring they not only choose the right subjects but also master them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get into Medicine without Life Sciences?
A: Some universities allow it, but most recommend Life Sciences. Without it, learners often struggle in first-year Medicine.
Q: Is Maths Literacy accepted for Medicine?
A: No. Only pure Mathematics is accepted.
Q: What APS score do I need?
A: Between 40–47 points, depending on the university.
Q: How many students are accepted each year?
A: Most universities accept only a few hundred students out of thousands of applicants. High marks are essential.
Call to Action
Your Grade 12 subject choices and results determine whether you can pursue Medicine in South Africa. The right subjects — and the right marks — open the door to becoming a doctor.
At Apex Academic Centre, we help learners prepare with expert tutoring in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, along with guidance in exam strategies and confidence-building.
📞 Contact Apex today and take the first step towards your dream career in Medicine.