Studying Chiropractic
How to become a Chiropractor
Chiropractic can be studied at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) or the University of Johannesburg (UJ). It is a six-year course consisting of a Bachelors program which takes a minimum of four years to complete, and thereafter a Masters degree
The qualifications obtained by South African graduates are highly regarded and recognised internationally.
All practising chiropractors in South Africa are required to register with the AHPCSA in terms of the Allied Health Professions Act 63 of 1982. Chiropractors in South Africa are regarded as Allied Health Professionals.
Chiropractors are required to take the Chiropractor’s Oath, in line with the Hippocratic Oath, which is one of the oldest binding documents in history and from which is quoted: “I will stand ready at all times to serve my fellow being without distinction of race, sex, creed or colour.”
Continuing professional development is a lawful requirement for registration with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) giving the profession local and international credibility with other health professionals.
Admission Scores
Senior certificate/grade 12 M-scores are calculated as follows:
Points are awarded for the six best symbols on the Grade 11 (N-score) or Grade 12 (M-score) report according to the scale below. A maximum of six subjects will be used to calculate either the N-score or M-score, with a maximum M-score of 30.
| Module Symbol | Higher Grade | Standard Grade |
|---|---|---|
| A | 5 | 4 |
| B | 4 | 3 |
| C | 3 | 2 |
| D | 2 | 1 |
| E | 1 | 0 |
The Academic Point Score (APS) scale allocates points to the percentage obtained for each subject. Calculate your APS score as follows:
| APS | % |
|---|---|
| 7 | 80 - 100% |
| 6 | 70 - 79% |
| 5 | 60 - 69% |
| 4 | 50 - 59% |
| 3 | 40 - 49% |
| 2 | 30 - 39% |
| 1 | 0 - 29% |
Selection Criteria
Selection is based on:
- Academic merit (M-score: 14 or APS score of 25). Applicants with Physical Sciences or Life Sciences with be considered based on academic merit.
- A personal interview.
- Letters of recommendation from at least two practising Doctors of Chiropractic.
- Submission of an assignment.
- A national Senior Certificate – APS score with minimum requirements as shown below:
| Minimum APS | Language of teaching & learning | Mathematics | Mathematical Literacy | Physical Sciences | Life Sciences | Additional Subject 1 | Additional Subject 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 5 | 4 | Not Accepted | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
*A minimum rating in Physical Sciences
**A minimum rating in Life Sciences
Admission scores for other types of school-end certificates such as the HIGCSE, the IGCSE, the A-level, the O-level, the AS-level, the IB and the IEB are calculated as below in the following way:
Admission Score Table
| NSC | SC HG (M-SCORE) | SC SG (M-SCORE) | IEB | HICSE/NSSC (HL) | IBCSE/NSSC (OL) | AS LEVELS | A LEVELS | IB (HL) | IB (SL) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | A | 7 | N/A |
| 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | B | 6 | N/A |
| 8 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | C | 5 | N/A |
| 7 | 7 (80-100%) | A | N/A | 7 | 1 | N/A | A | D | 4 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 (70-79%) | B | A | 6 | 2 | N/A | B | E | 3 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 (60-69%) | C | B | 5 | 3 | A | C | N/A | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 (50-59%) | D | C | 4 | 4 | B | D | N/A | 1 | 4 |
| 3 | 3 (40-49%) | E | D | 3 | N/A | C | E | N/A | N/A | 3 |
| 2 | 2 (30-39%) | F | E | 2 | N/A | D/E | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 |
| 1 | 1 (0-29%) | G | F | 1 | N/A | F/G | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 |
CASA Student Bursary
CASA bursaries are available to students in their 4th, 5th, and 6th year of study at DUT & UJ.
Chiropractic Subject Requirements
Compliance with the minimum programme admission requirements does not guarantee a place in the programme. The General Academic Regulations of the University applies in each case.
The Faculty of Health Sciences uses the M-score and APS rating scale during its selection process. The M-score allocates points to the symbol obtained either in higher or standard grade.
- Award yourself points for each Grade 11 or Grade 12 subjects that you have passed according to the table provided below.
- Calculate the values that you have achieved to determine your M-score.
- Different departments include different minimum M-score values (see rules of access and admission requirements per department).
Rules of Access & Admission Requirements
A senior certificate with matriculation exemption or an equivalent qualification at an equivalent standard as determined by a Status Committee, with:
Two of the following modules:
- Mathematics with at least a Higher-Grade D or Standard Grade C symbol.
- Physical Science with at least a Higher-Grade D or Standard Grade C symbol. Biology with at least a Higher-Grade D or Standard Grade C symbol.
- M-score: 14
- APS: 27
Have a Question?
If you have a question for CASA or would like any general information regarding the profession, please feel free to click the links below.
Join the CASA Student Member Benefits Programme
CASA’s student member benefits include support while you study and prepares you to run your own practice.
Student Member Benefits
- Bursary opportunities
- Free online lectures for internship hours
- Networking opportunities
- Discounts on congresses and events
- Keeping you current on industry changes
- Locum opportunities nationally and internationally
- Access to 2nd hand equipment for sale
- For Interns: Malpractice Insurance
- Sexual Protocol Guidelines
- 50% Reduction in membership fees for the first 2 years in practice.