Medical Laboratory Scientist
Run the blood, tissue and microbiology tests that doctors rely on to diagnose patients.
What the job involves
- Analyse blood, tissue and other samples.
- Operate and quality-check laboratory equipment.
- Work for the NHLS, private labs or research institutes.
School subjects you need
Pure Mathematics required. If you take Mathematical Literacy in Grade 10, this career is normally closed to you at degree level.
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- English
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Bachelor's pass for degrees; Diploma pass for technician routes
- Indicative APS
- Roughly 26–34
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- Mathematics: 50–60%+
- Physical Sciences: 50–60%+
- Life Sciences: 55%+
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- BHSc / BSc Medical Laboratory Science4 years
Includes structured laboratory training and HPCSA registration as a medical technologist.
- Medical laboratory technician route2–3 years
Shorter entry with the option to upgrade to technologist.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R22 000 – R32 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R35 000 – R55 000 per month
- Senior
- R60 000 – R90 000 per month
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of Cape TownUCT · Cape Town
- University of the WitwatersrandWits · Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch UniversitySU · Stellenbosch
- University of PretoriaUP · Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- North-West UniversityNWU · Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark
- University of the Free StateUFS · Bloemfontein
- University of the Western CapeUWC · Bellville, Cape Town
- Rhodes UniversityRhodes · Makhanda
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- University of Fort HareUFH · Alice and East London
- University of LimpopoUL · Mankweng, Polokwane
- University of VendaUniven · Thohoyandou
- University of ZululandUniZulu · KwaDlangezwa, Richards Bay
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversitySMU · Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria
- Sol Plaatje UniversitySPU · Kimberley
- University of MpumalangaUMP · Mbombela and Siyabuswa
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Vaal University of TechnologyVUT · Vanderbijlpark
- Mangosuthu University of TechnologyMUT · Umlazi, Durban
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Wenza ukuhlolwa kwegazi nokunye okusiza odokotela baxilonge.
Afrikaans: Doen bloed- en weefseltoetse wat dokters vir diagnose gebruik.