Faculty of Medicine, Eswatini Medical Christian University

The Faculty of Medicine at Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU) represents a landmark achievement in the nation's healthcare education landscape. Established in 2024, it is the first medical school in Eswatini, born from a vision to raise a generation of compassionate medical doctors who will serve the local community and beyond. Located in Mbabane, within the Hhohho District, the faculty operates under the guiding principle of nurturing healers who embody the love of Christ in their medical service. The institution stands as a beacon of hope, transforming young minds into leaders equipped to care for patients and bring light to places of suffering.

From its inception, the program has been designed with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and Christian faith. The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) curriculum received official approval from the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) in January 2024, following a rigorous self-assessment and application process. This paved the way for the historic first class of students, who began their journey in August 2024. The university's history stretches back to 2006, with the initial establishment proposal for Swaziland Christian University, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to higher education and medical training in the region.

MBBS Program & Medical Curriculum

The core of our academic offering is the comprehensive MBBS program, meticulously structured to produce highly competent and ethical medical practitioners. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills from an early stage. Students benefit from a modular learning approach that covers foundational sciences, clinical medicine, and community health. The faculty places a special focus on medical ethics and humanities, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled clinicians but also empathetic caregivers.

The journey for students includes intensive study across various disciplines, such as anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology. Regular assessments, including the pharmacology quiz held in February 2026 for sophomore students, help track progress and reinforce learning. Our goal is for every graduate to possess a deep understanding of the human body, disease mechanisms, and the therapeutic interventions needed to restore health.

Anatomy Training & International Collaboration

A defining feature of the program is the hands-on anatomy training facilitated through a collaboration with Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since cadaver dissection laws are not yet enacted in Eswatini, this partnership is vital. Students attend immersive workshops where they dissect and study human structures. In a recent series of workshops in March and May 2026, first-year students dissected regions both above and below the diaphragm, gaining invaluable practical experience that is rare for a new institution. We are deeply grateful to the government of Eswatini and Wits University for these opportunities, which significantly enhance our students' anatomical knowledge and surgical foundations.

Services & Facilities

The Faculty of Medicine provides a supportive environment for academic and personal growth, centered around its specialized campus in Mbabane. Our facilities are designed to foster a rigorous learning atmosphere while building a close-knit community of future doctors.

• Lecture Halls & Academic Buildings: The campus includes modern lecture buildings capable of hosting our growing student body, with a dedicated medical building purchased in 2016 to house specialized labs and classrooms.
• Library & Study Resources: Students have access to essential learning materials and spaces designed for self-study and group discussions, supporting the demanding MBBS curriculum.
• Community Health Focus: We prioritize public health and community service, with regular events that allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings, such as the music event for the disabled at Somnjalose High School.
• Administrative & ICT Support: Emphasizing technology since our early proposal in 2006, the university ensures robust ICT infrastructure to support modern medical education and communication.

Why Choose Our Medical Program

Choosing the Faculty of Medicine at EMCU means joining a pioneering institution with a clear and compelling mission. As the first medical school in Eswatini, we offer a unique opportunity to be part of a historic legacy. Our program is built on servant leadership and a Christian worldview, aiming to produce doctors who treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Students are taught by a dedicated team of international and local faculty. The recent addition of new lecturer associates in March 2026, including Dr. Kenneth S Nyembe, Dr. Adonise U Bicamumpaka, and Dr. Lulekiwe Mbuyisa, strengthens our already impressive roster. Visiting professors from prestigious institutions like Seoul National University College of Medicine also contribute, with experts such as Professor Ock-Joo Kim delivering lectures on medical ethics and bioethics. This blend of global perspective and local relevance ensures a world-class education rooted in Eswatini’s context.

Serving Mbabane & Hhohho District

Our location in Mbabane, the capital of Eswatini, places the faculty at the heart of the nation's political and economic life. The address at Portion 915 of Farm 2 provides a strategic base for training doctors who understand the specific health challenges of Eswatini and the broader Southern African region. We are deeply invested in the health and well-being of the Hhohho District community.

Our commitment extends beyond the campus walls through active community engagement. The faculty and students regularly participate in health-related community service, aiming to address local needs and promote wellness. By training doctors who are familiar with the local culture and disease patterns, we directly contribute to strengthening the healthcare system in Mbabane, across the Hhohho District, and throughout the entire country.

Vision, Values & Leadership

The vision of the Faculty of Medicine is to become Eswatini's prominent institution for medical education, producing hundreds of graduates who deliver compassionate healthcare as Christian medical doctors. This vision is pursued through unwavering adherence to our core values: Christian Faith and Servant Leadership, Excellence and Accountability, Professionalism and Ethical Behavior, and Creativity and Innovation.

Leadership comes from a place of deep experience and passion. The Dean's message, from Prof. Tai-Soon Yong, MD, PhD, resonates with gratitude and a clear sense of purpose, welcoming students to a place where they will be grown into leaders. Under this guidance, the faculty is not merely a school but a ministry of healing, dedicated to being a blessing to the nation of Eswatini.

Community & Student Life

Life as a student at EMCU’s Faculty of Medicine is an intensive but rewarding journey of personal and professional formation. The academic schedule is rigorous, as seen in the tight anatomy workshop schedules and semester exams. Yet, there is a strong emphasis on holistic development. Students recently participated in a community service event for the disabled, providing medical services alongside musical performances, and joined the China Medical Mission in outreach.

The faculty fosters a family-like atmosphere where students support each other through the challenges of medical school. Opportunities to engage in choir, instrumental performances, and volunteer work help build a well-rounded character, preparing graduates to be empathetic and culturally aware physicians. The journey from the first day of class in August 2024 to graduation is designed to be transformative, equipping students with the skills and heart to serve wherever they are called.

Hours, Location & Contact

We welcome inquiries from prospective students, partners, and community members. Our faculty offices are open during the week to assist you. The campus is situated in a convenient location in Mbabane, making it accessible for students and visitors alike.

• Address: Portion 915 of Farm 2, Mbabane, Eswatini
• Phone: +268 7867 2544
• Website: medicine-emcu.my.canva.site
• Operating Hours: Typically 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays, though it's advisable to call ahead due to academic schedules.