Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Medicine at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Medicine gives clinicians who wish to work in rural district hospitals in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa the knowledge and skills for that context. Graduates can manage a range of patients with limited specialist support, work with local healthcare teams, apply public health interventions and practise community-oriented primary care.

Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences | Department: Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health (Division of Rural Health) | Duration: Eighteen months, maximum two years | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Four modules, all of which must be passed: Clinical Skills for District Hospitals (a 6-12 month placement focused on the emergency centre, labour ward and theatre), Major Infectious Disease Challenges, Delivering Healthcare in Rural Communities, and Clinical Governance in District Health Services. Delivery is blended: e-learning, guided self-study, logbooks and workplace learning, with one in-person contact session in January.

Career pathways

Doctors working in rural district hospitals in South Africa and Africa.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Postgraduate (specific to this diploma): a bachelor's degree (e.g. MBChB or equivalent); qualification as a medical practitioner with at least two years' post-qualification experience as a medical intern or equivalent (community service doctors are eligible); proof of HPCSA registration or ability to meet HPCSA requirements. Applicants submit a CV, a departmental form and a motivation letter covering clinical competency and experience, interest in rural health in Africa and any leadership or management involvement; selected applicants may be interviewed.

The application fee is R100 for South African citizens, permanent residents and refugee, asylum seeker and diplomatic status holders, and R400 for international applicants. Stellenbosch Business School applicants pay R1050 for the MBA and R850 for other SBS programmes. Some applicants are exempt; application fees are non-refundable.

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences