Study Medical Laboratory Science

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science

Analyse human samples to support diagnosis and treatment, with careful quality control and laboratory safety.

Pay in South AfricaNot researched for this field yet.Natural Sciences pay ›

Work abroad3.5 of 5best: United Kingdom, Ireland*AI outlookTransformingAI is reinventing the daily work* closest field Where to study1 programmesubjects differ by programme

R44 100 to R60 960 first-year fees

* From Natural Sciences, the closest field we research.

Study time: 4 years at UJ
School subjects: Differ by programme: see the examples below
Programme examples

Working abroad 3.5 of 5

From Natural Sciences, the closest field we research.

Score out of 5. Tap a country for steps and visas.

AI outlook

From Natural Sciences, the closest field we research.

TransformingAI is reinventing the daily work

Laboratory and field work are physical; literature review, analysis and writing are being automated.

Hands-on In-person care Licensed & accountable

How AI changes each field

What you study

Clinical chemistry
Haematology and microbiology
Specimen handling and laboratory quality
Practical diagnostic laboratory work

Careers

Medical laboratory scientist
Diagnostic laboratory practitioner
Laboratory quality specialist after experience

Where to study 1

Tap a name for the official page. My Matric Map can check the ones marked “NSC/IEB check” against your results. Compare study costs

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences

University of Johannesburg · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map

First-year tuition (2026): R44 100 to R60 960

Requirements

2027 published example: English level 5, Physical Sciences level 4, Life Sciences level 5, Mathematics level 4 OR Technical Mathematics level 4; APS 30.

Minimum scores do not guarantee selection.

Your qualification route

Choose a professional medical laboratory qualification rather than assuming every biomedical BSc leads to registration.
Complete its laboratory placements and assessment requirements.
Confirm the appropriate HPCSA registration category and requirements before clinical diagnostic practice.

A microbiology or biochemistry degree is valuable science training but does not automatically qualify you for regulated diagnostic laboratory work.

Sources (4) · guide reviewed 2026-09-25

Career and study guide. Separate salary, AI and country-recognition comparisons have not yet been researched for this field.

General information, not immigration or legal advice. Researched 2026-10-10.