University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences Vacancies

University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences Vacancies

Specialist & subspecialist training

Specialist training: Master of Medicine

This programme trains medical doctors to become specialists in one of a range of disciplines. Training takes place over a minimum period of four years, full-time, and in some cases more, to allow the student to complete the dissertation.

In order to have their training recognised in South Africa, MMed students must have full registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and must be appointed against HPCSA-approved training numbers which the HPCSA allocates to the Faculty and against which the Faculty appoints selected students.

Specialist trainees must hold training posts (usually registrar posts) with the Provincial Administration of the Western while they undergo their specialist training with the University. Prospective applicants may contact the UCT Division concerned for more information.

Foreign-qualified doctors hold limited registration with the HPCSA. They do not hold HPCSA-approved training numbers, which means their training will not be recognised in South Africa. (If they wish to apply for full registration to the HPCSA they will be required to write certain examinations. For more information see the HPCSA website. For application procedures to the Faculty of Health Sciences. See the page titled International Applicants and Foreign-qualified Doctors on this website.

Foreign-qualified doctors who are selected for MMed training are offered appointment as supernumerary registrars. They are reregistered with the HPCSA annually. They may not be able to complete all the training and examination requirements during the time that they are allowed to undergo training, and may therefore not obtain a qualification at the end of their training. They must establish clearly from the Division and Department concerned what they may expect during and as an outcome of their training.

Follow this link to see a list of Departments and Divisions and their contact details.

Minimum generic admission requirement

All applicants to MMed programmes must be graduates in medicine; must have completed the prescribed intern period and community service (or an approved equivalent) and must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Specialities offered

  • Anaesthesia
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Dermatology
  • Diagnostic Radiology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Family Medicine
  • Medical Genetics
  • Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Paediatric Surgery
  • Paediatrics
  • Pathology (Anatomical)
  • Pathology (Chemical)
  • Pathology (Clinical)
  • Pathology (Forensic)
  • Pathology (Haematological)
  • Pathology (Microbiological)
  • Pathology (Virological)
  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health Medicine
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Surgery
  • Urology

Examination

The MMed examination consists of three parts. The examination in each of Parts 1 and 2 consists of one or more written paper/s together with such practical and/or oral examination/s as may be required. Part 3 MMed candidates must each have a supervisor. Guidelines for candidates and supervisors are available from the Faculty Office. A candidate may be granted credit for and exemption from the examinations of Part 1 and/or Part 2 if he/she has passed similar examinations at another university or institution recognised by the Senate for the purpose. (Candidates are generally required to complete examinations of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa.) If the Senate permits a candidate to take both Parts 1 and 2 examinations concurrently, the candidate will be granted credit for Part 2 only if he/she has also obtained credit for Part 1.

The Part 3 candidate should submit his/her dissertation within the period of training. An extension of this period may be allowed, and a candidate permitted to submit his/her dissertation within two years of completing his/her registrar training, but the candidate may no longer hold a registrar post or HPCSA training number. In some disciplines, registrars may be required to complete their dissertations prior to undergoing the final Part 2 examinations.

The dissertation must be on a topic in the same branch of the medical speciality in which the candidate is registered and must be based on a study for which the work was commenced while the candidate was registered as a postgraduate student.

Subspecialist training: Master of Philosophy for Subspeciality Training

This programme trains registered specialists to become subspecialists (or “super-specialists”) in one of a range of disciplines. Training takes place over a minimum period of two years, full-time. In some cases the student may be allowed additional time to complete the dissertation.

In order to have their training recognised in South Africa, subspecialist trainees must have full registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and must be appointed against HPCSA-approved training numbers which the HPCSA allocates to the Faculty and against which the Faculty appoints selected students.

Subspecialist trainees must hold training posts (usually senior registrar posts) with the Provincial Administration of the Western while they undergo their subspecialist training with the University. Prospective applicants may contact the UCT Division concerned for more information.

Admission requirements

Applicants must be registered as specialists and must be appointed against HPCSA approved training numbers.

Subspeciality fields currently on offer

  • Advanced hepatology & Transplantation
  • Allergology (adult & paediatric)
  • Cardiology
  • Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Clinical Haematology
  • Critical Care
  • Developmental Paediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Gynaecological Oncology
  • Infectious Disease & HIV Medicine
  • Medical Gastroenterology
  • Nephrology
  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Paediatric Cardiology
  • Paediatric Critical Care
  • Paediatric Endocrinology
  • Paediatric Gastroenterology
  • Paediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Paediatric Nephrology
  • Paediatric Neurology
  • Paediatric Oncology
  • Paediatric Pulmonology
  • Paediatric Rheumatology
  • Pulmonology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Rheumatology
  • Surgical Gastroenterology
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery

Examination

The examination consists of two parts. The examination in Part I consists of one or more written paper(s) and/or such practical and/or oral examinations as the examiners may require. The examination in Part 2 consists of a dissertation.

(Candidates usually write the examinations offered by the relevant College of Medicine and, upon successful completion of such examinations, are granted credit towards Part 1 of the relevant MPhil degree.)

Prospective applicants are advised to contact the Division concerned for more information. Follow the link to a list of Departments and Divisions and their contact details.

– See more at: http://www.health.uct.ac.za/fhs/apply/postgrad/specialist#sthash.T9JXdHj0.dpuf

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: