Getting into medical school in Cameroon can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve just completed your GCE Advanced Level or the Baccala...
Getting into medical school in Cameroon can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve just completed your GCE Advanced Level or the Baccalaureate. You may have dreamed of becoming a doctor but feel unsure of where to start. With the right guidance and preparation, however, it is entirely possible to secure a spot in a Cameroonian medical school. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to get started.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:
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Nationality: You must be Cameroonian, although the exam is open to international candidates as well.
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Age: Candidates must be at most 23 years old at the time of taking the examination.
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Education – English Subsystem: You need a GCE Advanced Level in Biology and Chemistry and a GCE Ordinary Level in Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics.
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Education – French Subsystem: You need a Baccalaureate in Series C or Series D along with a probation certificate.
Once these requirements are met, you can proceed with the application process.
The Online Application
The first step is to fill out an online application form. This form will ask for:
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Personal information (age, sex, region of origin, date of birth)
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Your preferred medical school
Choosing the right medical school is a critical decision because medical programs in Cameroon last seven years, and the choice of school will shape the next stage of your life.
Choosing a Medical School
Several factors should guide your choice:
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Location: Consider the city or town where the medical school is located. Costs, culture, and living arrangements can vary significantly.
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Language of Instruction: Cameroon has both English and French medical programs. English-speaking options include:
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University of Buea
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University of Bamenda
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University of Kumba (Katuki)
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Other schools offer bilingual or exclusively French instruction.
Overview of Medical Faculties in Cameroon
There are nine faculties offering medical programs:
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Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I
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Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala
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Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea
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Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda
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Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Garoua
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Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang
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Higher Institute of Medical Technologies, Yaoundé
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Higher Institute of Medical Sciences
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School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Katuki, Kumba
Offline Application Documents
After submitting your online application, you must prepare offline documents for submission:
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Four colored passport-sized photographs
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Certified true copies of required certificates (GCE or Baccalaureate)
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Certified true copy of your birth certificate
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Medical certificate confirming eligibility to study medicine
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Payment receipt for the 20,000 FCFA registration fee
These documents are submitted in a self-addressed envelope to any of the faculties nationwide. Once reviewed, qualifying candidates will have their names published along with exam centers, numbers, dates, and times.
Exam Structure
The medical entrance exam in Cameroon consists of two three-hour sessions:
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Session 1: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
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Session 2: General Knowledge and Logic, plus French for English-subsystem students and English for French-subsystem students
The exam is competitive and available in both languages, depending on your preferred language of study.
Exam Preparation
Preparation is crucial. The exam syllabus aligns with:
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GCE Advanced Level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
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Baccalaureate Series A, C, or D
The most effective way to prepare is to join preparatory classes organized by medical students and practicing doctors. These programs provide mentorship, study guides, and tips to ensure you are ready for the exam.
Recommended preparatory programs include:
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English Subsystem: MIA and ABREAK – both offer 24/7 guidance online and offline
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French Subsystem: Intelligentsia – provides structured mentorship throughout the preparation process
Selection and Admission
Passing the exam alone is not enough; it is competitive. Admissions depend on:
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Your performance in the GCE or Baccalaureate
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Your performance in the competitive medical entrance exam
High scores in both areas are essential to secure a place in your preferred medical school.
Final Thoughts
Getting into medical school in Cameroon requires careful planning, dedication, and preparation. Understanding the requirements, choosing the right school, submitting all documents correctly, and preparing thoroughly for the competitive exam are the key steps to success. With the right mentorship and consistent effort, you can achieve your goal of becoming a medical student in Cameroon.
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