What subjects do you need to do to become a doctor?

What subjects do you need to do to become a doctor?

Should I Become a Doctor?

A doctor diagnoses illnesses and treats injuries by examining patients, performing procedures, taking medical histories, prescribing medications, and conducting tests. In order to prevent patients from getting sick, doctors may also advise them on preventive health care, diet, and exercise. While general practice doctors will assess patients’ overall health, many doctors specialize in a specific area, such as cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, or pediatrics.

The potential for high income as a physician is strong; the mean annual salary for physicians and surgeons, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2015 was $197,700. However, because of the long education and training demands, becoming a successful doctor can take a long time. Work hours are extremely long and doctors will likely have to work nights and weekends in addition to regular business hours. If you are a private practice physician, you’ll be able to have more control over your schedule than those working in hospitals.

Career Requirements

To become a doctor, you are required to obtain a medical degree or Ph.D. Undergraduate work should be in a scientific field. After medical school, you must complete a residency and you will be required to obtain a license to practice medicine. Key skills that will help you as a doctor include strong medical skills, dexterity to perform procedures, stamina to make rounds, problem-solving ability, possess patience, attention to detail and interpersonal skills.

Steps to Becoming a Doctor

Becoming a doctor requires you follow five specific steps:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

There is no specific major that prospective doctors need to pursue before enrolling in medical school. However, it’s important that students take several science and science-related courses. Examples of majors may include chemistry, physics and biology. Some colleges and universities may even offer a pre-medicine track that will include courses in anatomy and physiology.

While in school, it is helpful to work in a medical facility. Admission into medical school is very competitive, and it’s important that applicants look for any possible advantage. While a strong grade point average is important, volunteering at a local health clinic or working in a medical facility may be beneficial since it adds to the extracurricular activities that you can list on a medical school application.

Also, you should get letters of recommendation. Medical schools sometimes require these, but it’s important for you to get them even if they aren’t a prerequisite. You should build strong relationships with professors in the pre-med track to get positive letters of recommendation.

Step 2: Take the Medical College Admission Test

Medical schools require that individuals interested in applying take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is a multiple-choice exam that covers areas involving critical thinking, problem solving, scientific principles and writing. It’s important to perform well on this exam in order to get accepted into medical school.

Step 3: Enroll in Medical School

A Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is four years in length, and combines academic coursework with clinical training. The first two years of the program will teach you about several topics, including medical laws and ethics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology. The final two years require you to practice in clinical rotations. These rotations, completed under the supervision of doctors, will expose students to areas involving surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, gynecology and obstetrics.

Consider also participating in an internship. Medical students will be expected to choose internships that focus on a specific specialty. This will help them get into a residency program. The internship is often completed during the summer between the third and fourth years.

Step 4: Complete a Medical Residency

After graduating from medical school, aspiring doctors must enter residency programs. In a residency, doctors will receive paid, on-the-job training. These can last anywhere from 3-7 years, depending on the specialty. They take place in a hospital and offer an opportunity for medical school graduates to begin treating patients under the supervision of an experienced doctor.

Step 5: Obtain Licensure

Doctors must obtain medical licensure to practice in hospitals and other types of medical facilities. In order to earn licensure, doctors must pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). This three-part exam covers topics involving scientific and medical concepts, patient care and management in ambulatory settings.

You may also consider obtaining specialty certification. You have the option to earn certification in the specialty of your interest from an accredited organization. Earning certification will demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and skills in a specific medical specialty, such as immunology, dermatology, neurological surgery or ophthalmology. The prerequisites for certification typically include a certain number of years of experience working in the specialty, including the residency period, and passing an exam.

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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.

 

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