Sefako Makgatho Courses and Requirements (2025)

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), located in Pretoria, Gauteng, is a leading institution dedicated to training healthcare professionals in South Africa. Established in 2014, SMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across five schools, focusing on medicine, pharmacy, and allied health sciences. For students planning to apply for the 2025 academic year, understanding the courses offered and their admission requirements is essential for a successful application. This comprehensive guide details SMU’s 2025 programs, entry criteria, and application process, providing clear, actionable information to help you pursue a rewarding career in health sciences.

Sefako Makgatho Courses and Requirements

SMU organizes its academic offerings across five schools: Medicine, Health Care Sciences, Oral Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Science and Technology. Programs range from diplomas to doctoral degrees, designed to address South Africa’s healthcare needs. Admission is based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC), Admission Point Score (APS), and program-specific requirements, with competitive programs like MBChB requiring high APS scores and National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). Below, we explore key courses and their entry criteria for 2025, drawing from official SMU sources to ensure accuracy.

School of Medicine

This school trains medical professionals through rigorous, patient-centered programs, with clinical training at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital.

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): Requires an NSC with bachelor’s degree endorsement, APS of 38, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, and NBTs. A six-year program with a selection process including interviews.
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (DIP EMC): APS of 30, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40%, Physical Sciences at 40%, Life Sciences at 50%. A two-year program for emergency medical services.
Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care: APS of 25, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40% or Mathematical Literacy at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%. A one-year foundation for further studies.
Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (BDRad): APS of 34, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. A four-year program for medical imaging professionals.

School of Health Care Sciences

This school offers programs in nursing, dietetics, and rehabilitation sciences, addressing diverse healthcare needs.

Bachelor of Nursing Sciences and Arts (BNSA): APS of 30, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40% or Mathematical Literacy at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%. A four-year program for registered nurses.
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSc Dietetics): APS of 34, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. Prepares students for clinical nutrition roles.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT): APS of 34, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. A four-year program for therapeutic interventions.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhysT): APS of 34, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. Focuses on rehabilitation and mobility.

School of Oral Health Sciences

This school trains dental professionals, with practical training at the Ga-Rankuwa Oral Health Centre.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): APS of 38, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. A five-year program for dentists.
Bachelor of Dental Therapy (BDT): APS of 34, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. A three-year program for oral health therapy.
Diploma in Oral Hygiene: APS of 30, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40% or Mathematical Literacy at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%. A two-year program for dental hygienists.

School of Pharmacy

This school prepares pharmacists for clinical and community roles, with programs accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm): APS of 34, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. A four-year program for registered pharmacists.
Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy Management: Requires a BPharm or equivalent with a 60% average. A one-year program for hospital pharmacy specialization.

School of Science and Technology

This school offers programs in life sciences and technology, supporting research and healthcare innovation.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Life Sciences: APS of 30, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%. Offers majors in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Physiology. A three-year program for research or health-related careers.
Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) for BSc: APS of 26, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40%, Physical Sciences at 40%, Life Sciences at 40%. A four-year program for students needing additional academic support.
BSc (Honours) in Biochemistry: Requires a BSc with a 65% average in relevant modules. A one-year research-focused program.

General Admission Requirements

SMU’s admission criteria are designed to select candidates with strong academic potential:

Higher Certificate: NSC with Higher Certificate endorsement, APS of 25, English at 50%, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Sciences at 50%.
Diploma: NSC with Diploma endorsement, APS of 30, English at 50%, and program-specific subjects (e.g., Life Sciences at 50% for Oral Hygiene).
Bachelor’s Degree: NSC with Bachelor’s degree endorsement, APS of 30–38, English at 50%, and program-specific subjects (e.g., Mathematics and Physical Sciences at 50% for MBChB).
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs): Required for competitive programs like MBChB, BDS, BPharm, and allied health sciences, assessing Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics.
Application Period: Opens April 2, 2024, closes July 31, 2024, for undergraduate programs and MSc (Clinical Psychology); August 29, 2024, for other postgraduate programs.
Selection Process: Competitive programs use a weighted score combining APS, NBT results, and, for MBChB, interviews. Applicants are ranked by merit based on Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English marks.

Admission Point Score (APS) Breakdown

SMU calculates APS using the six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation:

NSC Level	Percentage	APS Points
7	80–100%	7
6	70–79%	6
5	60–69%	5
4	50–59%	4
3	40–49%	3
2	30–39%	2
1	0–29%	1

For example, a student with English (60%, level 5), Mathematics (70%, level 6), Physical Sciences (50%, level 4), Life Sciences (60%, level 5), and two other subjects at level 4 scores: 5 + 6 + 4 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 28 APS points. SMU requires four designated 20-credit NSC subjects at specified levels for admission.

Alternative Admission Pathways

SMU offers flexible entry options for non-standard applicants:

National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4: Not accepted for degree programs; applicants must complete a matric rewrite for NSC equivalence.
Senior Certificate (Pre-2008): Accepted with specific subject passes (e.g., English HG 40%, Mathematics HG 40% for BPharm).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Limited to mature applicants (over 23) with relevant experience, subject to school approval.
Medicine Foundation Programme: A one-year course for students with APS below 38, preparing them for MBChB entry. Requires APS of 30, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40%, Physical Sciences at 40%, Life Sciences at 40%.

Postgraduate Programs

SMU offers Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees:

Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy Management: Requires a BPharm with a 60% average.
MSc in Clinical Psychology: Requires a BSc or BA with Psychology and a 65% average. Applications close July 31, 2024.
Master of Medicine (MMed) in Anaesthesiology: Requires an MBChB with a 65% average and registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
PhD in Physiology: Requires a master’s degree and a strong research proposal.

Application Process for 2025

Applying to SMU is fully online and requires careful preparation due to competitive programs:

Choose Programs: Select up to two programs via the SMU website.
Online Application: Submit from April 2, 2024, at www.smu.ac.za.
Required Documents: Certified copies of ID, NSC or equivalent results, NBT results (if applicable), SAQA evaluation (if international), and proof of application fee payment.
Application Fee: Approximately R200 for South African applicants, R500 for international students.
Track Application: Monitor status through the SMU portal; outcomes are released within 6–8 weeks post-deadline.
Registration: Successful applicants register online by February 14, 2025, for semester 1.

International Students

International applicants must meet additional criteria:

SAQA Evaluation: Non-South African qualifications require verification by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-English-speaking applicants.
Study Permit: Required before registration.

Financial Aid and Funding

SMU supports students through various funding options:

NSFAS: For South African students with a household income below R350,000 per year. Applications open August 2024 via the NSFAS portal.
SMU Bursaries: Merit-based awards for top performers, detailed in the 2025 prospectus.
External Scholarships: Available through private organizations and government programs.
Postgraduate Funding: Research grants for Master’s and PhD students.

Apply for funding early to align with registration deadlines (February 2025).

Why Choose SMU?

SMU stands out for its:

Health Sciences Focus: Specialized programs in medicine, pharmacy, and allied health sciences address critical healthcare shortages.
Clinical Training: Partnerships with facilities like Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital provide hands-on experience.
Research Excellence: SMU hosts research centers in HIV/AIDS, non-communicable diseases, and pharmacology.
Accessible Location: Pretoria’s Ga-Rankuwa campus offers proximity to urban amenities and healthcare facilities.

Campus Life and Orientation

SMU’s Ga-Rankuwa campus provides a supportive student experience. The 2025 orientation program, held in February, introduces first-years to academic resources, residences, and student societies. Students can engage in:

Sports Facilities: Soccer, netball, and athletics programs.
Health and Wellness: On-campus clinics and counseling services.
Student Societies: Clubs for academic, cultural, and professional development.

Challenges and Considerations

While SMU offers excellent opportunities, students should note:

Competitive Admission: Programs like MBChB and BDS require high APS and NBT scores, with limited spaces.
NBT Requirement: Mandatory for most bachelor’s degrees, requiring early registration.
Clinical Placements: Some programs involve extensive off-campus training, requiring reliable transport.

Summary Table: Key SMU Courses and Requirements (2025)

School	Course	APS	Key Requirements
Medicine	MBChB	38	English 50%, Maths 50%, Physical Sciences 50%, Life Sciences 50%, NBTs
Medicine	Diploma in Emergency Medical Care	30	English 50%, Maths 40%, Physical Sciences 40%, Life Sciences 50%
Health Care Sciences	BSc Dietetics	34	English 50%, Maths 50%, Physical Sciences 50%, Life Sciences 50%, NBTs
Oral Health Sciences	BDS	38	English 50%, Maths 50%, Physical Sciences 50%, Life Sciences 50%, NBTs
Pharmacy	BPharm	34	English 50%, Maths 50%, Physical Sciences 50%, Life Sciences 50%, NBTs
Science and Technology	BSc in Life Sciences	30	English 50%, Maths 50%, Physical Sciences 50%, Life Sciences 50%

FAQ: Common Questions About SMU Courses and Requirements

What is the minimum APS for SMU in 2025?
The minimum APS is 25 for Higher Certificates, 30 for Diplomas, and 30–38 for Bachelor’s degrees, depending on the program. MBChB and BDS require an APS of 38 with NBTs.

Are NBTs required for all SMU programs in 2025?
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are mandatory for competitive programs like MBChB, BDS, BPharm, BDRad, BSc Dietetics, BOT, and BPhysT, but not for diplomas or the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care.

When do SMU applications close for 2025?
Applications close on July 31, 2024, for undergraduate programs and MSc (Clinical Psychology), and August 29, 2024, for other postgraduate programs. No late applications are accepted.

Conclusion

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University offers a focused range of programs for 2025, from diplomas to doctoral degrees, designed to train healthcare professionals in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and more. By meeting the APS, subject, and NBT requirements, you can secure a spot at SMU’s Ga-Rankuwa campus. Start your application early, prepare required documents, and explore funding options like NSFAS to ensure a smooth process. With its specialized programs, clinical training, and research opportunities, SMU is an outstanding choice for your health sciences education.