University of Namibia School of Medicine Application
Admission Criteria
Committee on Admissions
Admission to the School of Medicine shall be administered by a Committee on Admissions, which shall be composed of members of the School, a community member, the Administrative Officer in charge of admissions to the School, and the Registrar of the University. The School on consultation with the Vice-chancellor shall nominate a community member to sit on the admissions committee. All committee members shall be appointed by the Dean for three (3) years and may be reappointed for additional terms. The Committee shall have the authority to select students entering the School on condition that they fulfill the minimum admission requirements as set out below. The School shall exercise the responsibility of reviewing the requirements for admissions and recommending any revisions to Senate for approval.
Admission Criteria
Admission to the School of Medicine is based on the applicant’s academic standing (see admission requirements below), essay writing skills, letters of recommendation, and a successful interview. All admissions are made collectively by the Committee on Admissions and must be approved by the Faculty Board of the School of Medicine, as well as the Registrar’s Office.
Admission Requirements
(i) To apply for the MBChb degree, a candidate must be enrolled in Grade 12 studying towards a NSSC certificate or in possession of a NSSC certificate or any other equivalent qualification with at least
a) 35 points on the UNAM scale with at least a grade B in English OR 37 points on the UNAM scale with at least a grade C in English
b) A Score of “2” or better on higher level in Mathematics and Physical Sciences (or a 2 in Mathematics and a 3 in Physical Science) (or a 2 in Physical Science and a 3 in Mathematics) OR a grade B or better on ordinary level for Mathematics and Physical Sciences
c) Grade B or better on ordinary level for Biology/Life Science
(Please refer to the scale used by the University to calculate the UNAM score);
OR
(ii) To apply for the MBChB degree, a candidate must have successfully completed the entire first year BSc curriculum and must have passed in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics modules with an aggregate of at least 60%;
OR
(iii) To apply for the MBChB degree, a candidate must have successfully completed a relevant and applicable qualification from a recognized higher institution
(iv) Mature Entry: Candidates aspiring for admission to the MBChB degree through the Mature Age Entry Scheme must satisfy the following conditions:
a. They should be at least 25 years old on the first day of the academic year in which admission is sought
b. They should have successfully completed senior secondary education
c. They should have proof of at least five years relevant work experience (as determined by the School).
d. They should pass all papers of the prescribed Mature Age Entry Tests and obtain a minimum aggregate score of 60%.
e. Candidates, who, in the opinion of the Faculty, merit further consideration, may be called for an oral interview before the final selection is made.
Essay Writing
An applicant shall be required to submit an essay on a topic or topics determined by the Admissions Committee of the School of Medicine. (The main objective of an essay so demanded of an applicant, besides evaluating one’s writing skills and ability of formulating thoughts, is to have some sense of the candidate’s potential as a health service provider).
Interviews
Eligible applicants shall normally be invited for interviews to be conducted by the Admissions Committee. Face to face interviews shall be conducted in order to assess the following attributes of the candidates:
- Academic standing: An interview shall seek to determine the candidate’s academic competitiveness plus communication skills;
- Extra-curricular activity: An interview shall also look into the candidate’s records on extra-curricular activities and, if applicable, in job performances. Extra-curricular engagements in civic and community works shall be examined. Direct patient-care experience can be helpful but not essential.
- General awareness and sense of values: A candidate’s awareness of the community he/she lives in and the sense of values, sensitivities, and concerns he/she might have on social and cultural issues shall be assessed.
- General physical/mental condition of the aspiring student: The candidate’s overall physical and mental status will be made without conducting a formal medical examination.
Meeting the above student admission criteria DOES NOT necessarily ensure admission. Admission is granted on merit based on availability of places on the programme and other conditions that may be determined from time to time.
Admissions Process Of The Mbchb Degree
- The closing date for applications will be 30 August with no provision for late applications
- Applicant will be informed by e-mail or telephone about the topic of the essay and the due date for the submission of the essay. Essays will be submitted by e-mail or in person.
- Interviews will be held during the second week of October.
- Final selection will be done during the last week of October.
- The final list of provisional admitted students will be available by the end of the 2nd week of November
- Candidates will be informed in writing of their applications status by the Faculty Officer
- A candidate who has reasonable grounds to appeal must do so in writing to the faculty officer on or before 30 November.
The admissions process will not be re-opened and a waiting list will be kept to choose from in the case of provisionally admitted student not turning up for registrations the following year.
Duration of Study
The minimum duration for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degrees is five years. The MBChB degrees must be completed within seven (7) years of full-time study unless there is an exceptionally motivated reason.
Modules
Year 1, Semester 1 |
English for Academic Purposes |
Computer Literacy |
Anatomy I |
Behavioral Sciences I |
Biochemistry I |
Physiology I |
Year 1, Semester 2 |
Contemporary Social Issues |
Community Medicine I |
Anatomy II |
Behavioral Sciences II |
Biochemistry II |
Physiology II |
Year 2, Semester 1 |
Anatomy III |
Behavioral Sciences III |
Biochemistry III |
Community Medicine II |
Medical Imaging I |
Medical Microbiology I |
Physiology III |
COBES 1 |
Year 2, Semester 2 |
Pathology I |
Internal Medicine I |
Medical Microbiology II |
Independent Research Studies I |
Community Medicine III |
Pharmacology I |
Family Medicine I |
COBES 1 |
Year 3, Semester 1 |
Family Medicine II |
Community Medicine IV |
Internal Medicine: II |
Medical Microbiology: III |
Pathology II |
Pharmacology II |
Independent Research Studies II |
Year 3, Semester 2 |
Family Medicine III |
Anesthesiology I |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology I |
Paediatrics I |
Surgery I |
Professional Ethics I |
Independent Research Studies II |
FIELD WORK (2 X 4 weeks)* |
COBES II |
Electives I |
Year 4, Semester 1 |
Psychiatry I |
Surgery II |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology II |
Paediatrics II |
Independent Research Studies III |
Family Medicine: IV |
Year 4, Semester 2 |
Psychiatry II |
Surgery III |
Anaesthesiology II |
Internal Medicine III |
Medical Imaging II |
Independent Research Studies III |
FIELD WORK (2 X 4 weeks)* |
COBES III |
Electives II |
Year 5, Semester 1 |
Independent Research Studies IV |
Internal Medicine IV |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology III |
Paediatrics III |
Surgery IV |
Year 5, Semester 2 |
Independent Research Studies IV |
Internal Medicine IV |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology III |
Paediatrics III |
Surgery IV |
See Also
University of Namibia School of Medicine Overview
UNAM Medical School Courses
UNAM Medical School Departments
University of Namibia School of Medicine fees
University of Namibia School of Medicine Application
University of Namibia School of Medicine Prospectus
University of Namibia School of Medicine Requirements
University of Namibia School of Medicine contact details
University of Namibia Pages