How to Become a Doctor in Botswana

The doctor comes from the Latin word for “teacher” and originally referred to a small group of theologians who had approval from the Church to speak on religious matters. Eventually, the term saw greater use referring to qualified academic and medical professionals.

There is no direct entry into the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery program at the Faculty of Medicine. The only opportunity for an applicant to be considered directly is when they have attained A-levels, BSc year 1 or equivalent be it in Botswana or abroad.

Just as no person would be allowed to walk onto the wards of HUP or any other US hospital and begin
treating patients without presenting their credentials, no one may practice in any hospital or clinic in
Botswana without official permission. Any physician practicing medicine in Botswana is required to
register with the Botswana Health Professions Council (BHPC) before seeing patients.
To register you must bring the following documents with you to Botswana:
 4 x passport photos
 1 x notarized copy of passport photo page
 2 x letters of recommendation from doctors/supervisors you work with (letters to be original, no
digital copies allowed by BHPC dated no older than six months)
 1 x notarized copy of your medical degree/diploma
 1 x notarized copy of your state medical license/registration
 1 x CV
 Copy of offer letter (provided in Botswana)
 Cover letter of the application form (provided in Botswana)
 Application fee (P30 ≈ $3)
BUP staff will assist you in completing the application (pp 3-6 of this document) in the country and take you
to the BHPC on your first day during orientation to submit the forms and then again on Wednesday
the following arrival to receive your approval.
Note that you cannot practice medicine until the BHPC registration is completed.
You should plan to arrive in Botswana on the weekend prior to when you plan to work so that your
The BHPC application can be turned in on Monday and you can receive registration certification on
Wednesday afternoon. You will then be able to start to practice medicine on Thursday.
Travelers who arrive in the country after Monday WILL NOT be able to register until the following week!
(Also – Be sure to bring the following instruction page, which is technically the first page of the
application with you!)

Application form
For health professionals WISHING to be entered into one of the health professions registers.
This information will be used to register you, update the registers, and for any other purpose that the council
may deem appropriate. It may be disclosed to the agents of the Botswana Health Professions Council.
You must complete all the sections of this form and attach all the appropriate documents
and fees before sending the forms to BHPC offices.
INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
The list of enclosures:
Certified means an endorsement indicating that the document is a true copy of the original,
often done at the police or through an attorney.

  1. Certified copy of passport details (non-citizens) or Omang (citizens)
  2. Four passport-size photographs [there has to be an endorsement for true likeness]
  3. Certified evidence of change of name or surname [if applicable]
  4. Certified copy of residence permit and work permit or waivers if applicable
  5. Certified copy of the certificate of qualifications (educational diplomas)
  6. Certified copy of evidence of internship(for graduates who are registering for the first
    time)
  7. Current curriculum vitae
  8. Application letter (cover letter to application form)
  9. Application fee (P30.00)
  10. Certified copy of Current Practicing License and Registration Certificate*
  11. Original certificate of good standing from previous registration body (Dr. Malome
    says this must be submitted)
  12. Two recent professional references (Originals in headed paper or letterhead).*
  13. Employment letter in Botswana (a Letter of introduction from us will do)
  14. Notes:
    a. You will be called to a written test and an interview a week after you submit
    your application letter and all the relevant details.
    b. All documents must be in English
    Every document must be certified by the Commissioner of Oath, not the Police

What subjects are needed to become a doctor in Botswana?

A University Bachelor of Science (General) programme at level 100 with a pass in at least THREE of the following subjects; Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

How many points are needed to study medicine in Botswana?

BGCSE holders or equivalent should possess a minimum of 20 points from any of the Mathematics, Physics and/or Chemistry and/Biology, or Science double award.

How long is a medical school in Botswana?

Begin your 5-Year Doctor of Medicine Degree in Botswana

This collaboration offers students quality medical education taught by expert faculty at an affordable cost with flexible start dates and locations.

Where can I study medicine in Botswana?

Faculty of the Medicine University of Botswana.

Faculty of Medicine | University of Botswana

How much are doctors paid in Botswana?

Ministry of Health, Republic of Botswana Salaries

Job TitleSalary
Registered Nurse salaries – 2 salaries reportedBWP 221,000/yr
Medical Doctor salaries – 2 salaries reportedBWP 276,000/yr
Medical Scientific Officer C1 salaries – 1 salary reportedBWP 200,000/yr
General Dentist salaries – 1 salary reportedBWP 192,000/yr

How long does it take to become a surgeon in Botswana?

Go to the University of Botswana. There is an MBBS (BACHELOR OF MEDICINE BACHELOR OF SURGERY). Upon graduation u will do an extra 1 year as a medical intern, this is basically where u work under a supervisor as part of your approval. Now, u see why people take 7+ years to finish a medical degree.