Dlamini BlessingSefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), located in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, is a dedicated health sciences university that trains health professionals across multiple disciplines. Unlike comprehensive universities, SMU focuses exclusively on health sciences programmes including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and various therapy disciplines.
Admission to SMU is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission because the university receives more applications than available places. Selection is based on academic merit, and applicants are chosen by School Selection Committees after the release of Grade 12 results.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Courses and Requirements
Summary of SMU Courses and APS Requirements
| Programme | Minimum APS | Key Subject Requirements | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBChB) | 35 | Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, Life Sciences 4, English 4 | 6 years |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | 33–35 | Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, Life Sciences 4, English 4 | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) | 32 | Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, Life Sciences 4, English 4 | 4 years |
| BSc Physiotherapy | 28–32 | Life Sciences 4, Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, English 4 | 4 years |
| BSc Occupational Therapy | 25–32 | Life Sciences 4, Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, English 4 | 4 years |
| BSc Dietetics | 25–32 | Life Sciences 4, Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, English 4 | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography | 30 | Contact faculty for requirements | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science | 25–30 | Life Sciences 4, Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, English 4 | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Oral Hygiene | 28 | Contact faculty for requirements | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Dental Therapy | Contact faculty | Contact faculty for requirements | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology | 25 | Mathematics 4, English 4, Life Sciences 4 | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Audiology | 25 | Mathematics 4, English 4, Life Sciences 4 | 4 years |
| BSc Biological/Life Sciences | 30 | Life Sciences 4, Mathematics 4, English 4 | 3 years |
| BSc Physical Sciences | 30 | Physical Sciences 4, Mathematics 4, English 4 | 3 years |
| BSc Mathematical Sciences | 30 | Mathematics 4, English 4 | 3 years |
| BSc Computer Science | 30 | Mathematics 4, English 4 | 3 years |
Detailed Programme Information
School of Medicine
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
This is SMU’s flagship programme, training students to become medical doctors. It is the most competitive programme at the university with the highest APS requirement.
Minimum APS: 35
Subject Requirements:
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
English: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Important Notes:
Admission is extremely competitive. Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee acceptance.
Final selection takes place after the release of Grade 12 results in January.
Successful applicants are given only three days to accept or decline their study offers.
Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B Rad)
This programme trains students to become diagnostic radiographers, using medical imaging technologies to assist in patient diagnosis.
Minimum APS: 30
Subject Requirements: Contact the School of Medicine for specific subject requirements.
School of Oral Health Sciences
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
This programme trains students to become dentists, qualified to diagnose and treat oral health conditions.
Minimum APS: 33-35
Subject Requirements:
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
English: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Bachelor of Dental Therapy (BDentTher)
This programme trains dental therapists who provide preventative and basic restorative dental care.
Minimum APS: Contact the School of Oral Health Sciences for current requirements.
Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOralHyg)
This programme trains oral hygienists who focus on preventative oral care, cleaning, and patient education.
Minimum APS: 28
School of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
This programme trains students to become pharmacists, qualified to dispense medication and advise patients on their safe use.
Minimum APS: 32
Subject Requirements:
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
English: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
School of Health Care Sciences
Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc / BCur)
This programme trains students to become registered nurses, qualified to work in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Minimum APS: 25-30
Subject Requirements (for minimum APS 25):
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%)
Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
English: Level 4 (50-59%)
Life Orientation: Level 3 (40-49%)
Two additional subjects: Level 3 (40-49%) each
Additional Requirements:
Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) is compulsory within 30 days of admission.
Students previously registered with SANC as auxiliary nursing assistants or enrolled nurses must change their status to student nurse.
BSc (Physiotherapy)
This programme trains students to become physiotherapists, helping patients recover from injuries and manage physical disabilities.
Minimum APS: 28-32
Subject Requirements (for minimum APS 28):
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%)
Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
English: Level 4 (50-59%)
Life Orientation: Level 4 (50-59%)
Two additional subjects: Level 4 (50-59%) each
Total points required: 28
BSc (Occupational Therapy)
This programme trains students to become occupational therapists, helping patients develop or recover daily living and work skills.
Minimum APS: 25-32
Subject Requirements (for minimum APS 25):
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%)
Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
English: Level 4 (50-59%)
Life Orientation: Level 3 (40-49%)
Two additional subjects: Level 3 (40-49%) each
BSc (Dietetics)
This programme trains students to become dietitians, qualified to assess nutritional needs and plan therapeutic diets.
Minimum APS: 25-32
Subject Requirements (for minimum APS 25):
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%)
Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
English: Level 4 (50-59%)
Life Orientation: Level 3 (40-49%)
Two additional subjects: Level 3 (40-49%) each
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology (BSLP)
This programme trains students to become speech-language pathologists, qualified to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Minimum APS: 25
Subject Requirements:
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%)
English: Level 4 (50-59%)
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
Any language (home or first additional): Level 4 (50-59%)
Life Orientation: Level 3 (40-49%)
Two additional subjects: Level 3 (40-49%) each
Bachelor of Audiology (BAUD)
This programme trains students to become audiologists, qualified to assess and treat hearing and balance disorders.
Minimum APS: 25
Subject Requirements:
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%)
English: Level 4 (50-59%)
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%)
Any language (home or first additional): Level 4 (50-59%)
Life Orientation: Level 3 (40-49%)
Two additional subjects: Level 3 (40-49%) each
School of Science and Technology
BSc (Biological Sciences / Life Sciences)
This programme provides a foundation in biological sciences for students who may later apply for health sciences programmes or pursue careers in research and laboratory work.
Minimum APS: 30
Subject Requirements:
Life Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
English: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
BSc (Physical Sciences)
This programme focuses on chemistry and physics, preparing students for careers in research, industry, or further studies in health sciences.
Minimum APS: 30
Subject Requirements:
Physical Sciences: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
English: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
BSc (Mathematical Sciences)
This programme focuses on mathematics and statistics, preparing students for careers in data analysis, research, and quantitative fields.
Minimum APS: 30
Subject Requirements:
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
English: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
BSc (Computer Science)
This programme focuses on computer programming and information technology, preparing students for careers in software development and IT.
Minimum APS: 30
Subject Requirements:
Mathematics: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
English: Level 4 (50-59%) or higher
How SMU Calculates Your APS
SMU uses a 7-point scale to calculate your Admission Point Score (APS) based on your six best subjects. Life Orientation may be included or excluded depending on the programme, but for most programmes, the university looks at specific required subjects plus additional subjects.
SMU APS Scale:
NSC Percentage 80-100% = 7 APS points
NSC Percentage 70-79% = 6 APS points
NSC Percentage 60-69% = 5 APS points
NSC Percentage 50-59% = 4 APS points
NSC Percentage 40-49% = 3 APS points
NSC Percentage 30-39% = 2 APS points
NSC Percentage 0-29% = 1 APS point
To calculate your APS for SMU, add the points for your six best subjects. However, many programmes also require minimum points in specific subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English.
Critical Information for Applicants
Important: Admitted applicants are given only three days to accept or decline their study offers online. If you do not respond within the given time, your place will be allocated to another applicant.
After accepting the offer, students must register within three days, otherwise their places will be allocated to other applicants.
Payment of Fees
Self-funded students must pay an initial mandatory minimum fee of R4,500 before they are allowed to register. Funded students must provide proof of funding before registration.
Residence Application
Admission to study at SMU does not guarantee a place in a University residence. Places are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Student residences open in January, and no unregistered student will be allowed in residences.
Contact Information
For admission and registration enquiries:
Email: [email protected] (include your full name and student number)
Telephone: 012 521 4204 / 4319 / 4644 / 5057
Specific contacts:
Mr Sylvester Khohliso (Deputy Registrar: Academic Administration): [email protected]
Alfred Mabuse: [email protected]
Sendra Mokoena: [email protected]
SMU Prospectus
For complete and official information, download the SMU Undergraduate Prospectus 2026 from the university’s official website at www.smu.ac.za. The prospectus contains detailed information about all courses, admission requirements, fees, and application procedures.
Important Notes
Meeting minimum requirements does NOT guarantee admission. Selection is competitive.
The university reserves the right not to offer a particular module or course where the prescribed minimum number of students has not registered.
Students who have been refused re-registration at any other university shall not be admitted to SMU programmes.
Students who have been excluded from other courses or programmes at SMU are not eligible.
Applicants are advised not to come to campus except by invitation. All enquiries should be directed to the provided email addresses or phone numbers.
Comparison of Programme Competitiveness
| Competitiveness Level | Programmes | Typical APS Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very High | MBChB, BDS | 35+ | Extremely limited spaces; highest competition |
| High | BPharm, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Radiography | 30–32 | Strong competition; subject requirements strictly enforced |
| Medium | Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics | 25–28 | Competitive but more spaces available |
| Standard | Speech Therapy, Audiology, Oral Hygiene | 25–28 | Good career prospects with slightly lower competition |
| Access | BSc (Life/Physical/Mathematical Sciences) | 30 | Pathway to health sciences or alternative careers |
Conclusion
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University offers focused, high-quality education in health sciences. All programmes require strong performance in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English. The minimum APS requirements range from 25 to 35 depending on the programme, with Medicine and Dentistry requiring the highest scores.
Due to the competitive nature of admissions, it is essential to apply early, ensure you meet all subject requirements, and monitor your application status through the SMU self-help portal. If you are not selected for your first-choice programme, consider applying for related programmes with slightly lower APS requirements as alternatives.
For the most current and official information, always refer to the SMU website (www.smu.ac.za) and the official Undergraduate Prospectus.
Disclaimer: Admission requirements, APS scores, and application dates are subject to change. The information provided here is based on the most recent publicly available data. Always confirm with the official SMU admissions office or the latest SMU prospectus before applying. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.