1. Gather Original Academic Documents in Cuba

a. Request Your Medical Degree & Transcripts

• Documents needed: Official medical degree certificate; Academic transcripts showing all subjects, credits, and outcomes (most crucial for SAQA evaluation). 

• How to get them: Contact your Cuban medical university’s registrar/academic office. You may need to provide a written request, ID copy, student number, and possibly pay a local administrative fee. Ensure transcripts are detailed (not just graduation letter but full course history). Alternatively you may request the help of the Health attaché at the South African Embassy in Cuba.

• Time: Often 2–6 weeks depending on university processing and postal/mail time.

b. Legalisation/Apostille (if required)

• SAQA may require legalised or apostilled documents from Cuban authorities or the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Check whether your university provides documents that are already internationally recognised (some Cuban universities include certification for international use; confirm with SAQA). If not, plan for legalisation steps, which may add a few extra weeks.

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2. Translation of Documents (Spanish → English)

a. Why Translation Is Needed

• SAQA requires sworn/official translations of all foreign language documents submitted with your evaluation application. Both the original and the sworn translation must be submitted. 

b. Choose a Sworn Translator

• In South Africa, translations must ideally be done by a sworn translator (accredited to provide certified translations). 

• You can locate accredited translators through: South African Sworn Translators directories (High Court accredited). Local language services firms (e.g., Spanish-English translation providers in major cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban). 

c. Estimated Translation Costs

• Typical sworn translator costs in South Africa run approximately: R700 – R1 500 per page (for official academic documents like degrees & transcripts). Some services start around R500–R700 per document for short official documents. International online certified translations can start from ~R450–R600 per page (if accepted by SAQA). Strakers (see website below, accepted in most countries including RSA).

• Costs vary with translator experience, urgency, and length of transcripts.

d. Time for Translation: Standard turnaround 1–5 business days per document once received by translator, depending on length and schedule. 

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3. Apply for SAQA Foreign Qualification Evaluation

a. Create SAQA Profile and Online Application

• Register on the SAQA portal as the Qualification Holder (QH), SAQA requires applications under your own contact details. 

• Complete and submit the Foreign Qualifications Evaluation Application Form online with uploaded copies of: ID/Passport, Original certificate(s), Sworn English translation(s), Academic transcript(s) + transcript legends, and Proof of payment.

b. SAQA Fees (Foreign Qualification Evaluation)

Effective from 1 April 2026 (tariffs may change each financial year): 

ServiceApprox. Fee (ZAR)

Evaluation — 1st qualification~R2 361

Each additional qualification~R988 (if relevant)

Verification of Foreign Qualification Only~R1 038 (if used)

Appeal, if needed~R2 558 – R3 838+

Verification of SAQA certificate later~R110

Note: Most applicants will pay the evaluation fee for the primary medical degree. 

c. SAQA Processing Time

• Standard processing: up to 90 calendar days (≈ 3 months) after receiving a compliant application. 

• SAQA may contact your Cuban university for verification, which can prolong the process. You may consider prior to applying with SAQA to submit your documents for verification by ECFMG through EPIC (see link below) which is an international body that verifies documents for you with your University anywhere in the world, and the verified documents can be sent to any country including South Africa. These verified documents you may need at a later stage if you decide to work in another country.

d. Result

• You’ll receive an e-SAQA evaluation certificate (electronically) showing how your foreign degree maps onto the South African NQF.

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4. Submit SAQA Evaluation to HPCSA (for Professional Registration)

Once you have your SAQA evaluation:

a. Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

• The HPCSA handles medical practitioner registration in South Africa.

• Submit your SAQA evaluation certificate, original documents, translations, and any HPCSA-specific requirements (e.g. internship documentation, exam results like the HPCSA board exam).

• Requirements vary and include professional exams and potentially supervised practice before full registration.

Estimated additional time: Varies widely — professional exams and council processing may take several months.

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Summary Estimated Timeline & Costs

Request transcripts & certificates (Cuba): 2–6 weeks, variable (university fees)

Sworn translation (Spanish → English):1–5 days per document ~R700–R1 500 per page

SAQA evaluation processing: ~8–12 weeks, ~R2 361

HPCSA professional registration: Variable (months), Application + exam fees (HPCSA)

These timelines assume all documentation is complete and no additional verification delays occur.

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