University of Botswana – Faculty of Medicine

The medical faculty utilizes the modern urban campus of UB, with specialized facilities dedicated to health sciences.

• Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH): A 450-bed state-of-the-art academic hospital located adjacent to the campus, serving as the nerve center for clinical training.
• Basic Medical Sciences Building: Recently refurbished labs for Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.
• Simulation & Skills Lab: A specialized facility where students practice clinical skills on models and simulators before patient contact.
• UB Main Library: One of the largest in Africa, featuring dedicated medical databases and quiet study zones.
• PBL Rooms: Small-group tutorial rooms designed specifically for the Problem-Based Learning curriculum.
• Olympic-sized Swimming Pool: Part of the university’s extensive sports complex available to all students.
• University Health Clinic: Provides free primary healthcare and counseling services to the student body.
• Computer Resource Center: High-speed labs with access to medical informatics and digital research tools.
• Gaborone Main Campus: A 280-acre urban site with green spaces, student lounges, and "entertainment arenas."
• Regional Teaching Sites: The faculty utilizes hospitals in Francistown, Maun, and Lobatse for rural and community medicine exposure.

• Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital: A R2.2 billion facility specializing in advanced diagnostics, research, and tertiary care.
• Princess Marina Hospital: The main referral hospital in Gaborone where students gain extensive experience in high-volume clinical settings.
• Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital: Used for specialized rotations in mental health.
• Network: Rotations occur across the country to ensure students are grounded in both urban and rural healthcare challenges.

The University of Botswana uses a credit-based system. The following estimates are based on the standard 5-year MBBS load.

Scholarships

• Government of Botswana Sponsorship: The primary funding source for local citizens, covering tuition and a monthly living allowance.
• SADC Regional Grants: Some funding is available for students from South African Development Community member states.
• Master Mind & International Partnerships: Through partnerships with universities like UPenn (USA), research-focused students may access project-specific grants.
• DTEF (Department of Tertiary Education Financing): Manages the loan-scholarship scheme for high-achieving local students.

• The Vibe: Gaborone is a rapidly growing, peaceful city. It is generally safe and serves as the economic and administrative heart of Botswana.
• Connectivity:
• Air: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) has regular flights to Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Cape Town.
• Local: Combis (minibuses) and taxis are the main form of transport; the campus is centrally located and walkable.
• Language: English is the official language of instruction and business, while Setswana is the national language spoken by nearly everyone.

• Accommodation: On-campus hostels are limited; priority is given to international and first-year medical students. Graduate housing is also available for MMed residents.
• Dining: Several university cafeterias and "Restos" offer subsidized meals. Gaborone also has a diverse culinary scene catering to various international tastes.
• Vibe: The campus is vibrant and safe. Medical students are known for being a tight-knit community, often balancing rigorous study with university sports and "Mmadikolo" (university pride) culture.

• Accreditation: Botswana Medical Council and regional African health bodies.
• Timeline: Applications for the August intake typically close in January.
• Global Standing: UB is ranked among the top 100 universities in Africa (Times Higher Education).