Key Takeaways: The “Specialist” University
- The Focus: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), formerly Medunsa, is a specialist institution. They only offer health and science degrees. You cannot study Law or Commerce here.
- The “APS 38” Rule: For Medicine (MBChB), the minimum APS for pre-selection is generally 38. If you have 35, you are likely only eligible for the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) or waiting list.
- Grade 11 Matters: SMU relies heavily on Pre-Selection. They choose the majority of their class based on your Grade 11 final results. If you fail to secure a provisional spot, getting in with just Grade 12 results is statistically much harder.
- Maths is King: Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for almost any mainstream degree at SMU (Medicine, Pharmacy, Physio, etc.). You need Pure Mathematics.
- Closing Date: Applications for the 2026 intake typically close on 31 July 2025. There are rarely late applications for health sciences.
Getting into Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is harder than getting into most other universities. Because they produce some of the best doctors and dentists in Africa, they receive roughly 40,000 applications for only 250 medical seats.
To survive this selection process, “meeting the requirements” is not enough. You need to exceed them.
Whether you want to be a Neurosurgeon, a Pharmacist, or a Nurse, here is the definitive guide to the courses and requirements for the 2026 Intake.
1. How to Calculate Your SMU APS
Before you look at the courses, you must know your score. SMU calculates the Admission Point Score (APS) slightly differently from Wits or UCT.
- Subjects Counted: They count 7 Subjects.
- Life Orientation: Yes, SMU includes Life Orientation in the calculation (unlike Wits).
- The Scale:
| NSC Percentage | APS Points |
| 80% – 100% (Level 7) | 7 |
| 70% – 79% (Level 6) | 6 |
| 60% – 69% (Level 5) | 5 |
| 50% – 59% (Level 4) | 4 |
| 40% – 49% (Level 3) | 3 |
| 0% – 39% | 0 |
Example Calculation:
- English: 75% (6)
- Maths: 82% (7)
- Physical Science: 78% (6)
- Life Sciences: 85% (7)
- Geography: 70% (6)
- Life Orientation: 80% (7)
- Afrikaans: 60% (5)
- Total APS: 6+7+6+7+6+7+5 = 44.
2. School of Medicine Requirements
This is the most competitive faculty.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Duration: 6 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 38 (for Pre-Selection).
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics: Level 6 (70%).
- Physical Science: Level 6 (70%).
- Life Sciences: Level 6 (70%).
- English: Level 6 (70%).
- Life Orientation: Level 5 (60%).
- Reality Check: Even with an APS of 38, entry is not guaranteed. Top applicants often have an APS of 40+.
MBChB (Extended Curriculum Programme – ECP)
- Duration: 7 Years (First year is spread over two years).
- APS Requirement: Minimum 32 – 35.
- Target Group: Students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have high potential but missed the strict Level 6 cutoffs.
Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic)
- Duration: 4 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 24. (Selection usually happens at 30+).
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50%).
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50%).
- Life Sciences: Level 4 (50%).
- English: Level 4 (50%).
3. School of Pharmacy Requirements
Pharmacists are the experts on drugs and medicine.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Duration: 4 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 25. (Selection typically at 32+).
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50%).
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50%).
- Life Sciences: Level 4 (50%).
- English: Level 4 (50%).
- Note: Pharmacy is incredibly chemistry-heavy. If you struggle with Physical Science, you will struggle in this course.
4. School of Health Care Sciences Requirements
This school trains the allied health professionals who work alongside doctors.
Bachelor of Nursing
- Duration: 4 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 25.
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50%).
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50%).
- Life Sciences: Level 4 (50%).
- English: Level 4 (50%).
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Duration: 4 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 25. (Selection typically at 30+).
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Maths, Science, Life Sciences, English: All Level 4 (50%).
- Focus: Rehabilitation and movement. Requires physical strength and good people skills.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Duration: 4 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 25.
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Maths, Science, Life Sciences, English: All Level 4 (50%).
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
- Duration: 4 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 25.
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Maths: Level 4 (50%).
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50%).
5. School of Oral Health Sciences (Dentistry)
SMU is famous for its dental school. It is one of the few in the country.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Duration: 5 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 37 – 38. (Very Competitive).
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics: Level 6 (70%).
- Physical Science: Level 6 (70%).
- Life Sciences: Level 6 (70%).
- English: Level 5 (60%).
Bachelor of Oral Hygiene
- Duration: 3 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 26.
- Subjects: Maths, Science, Life Sciences at Level 4 (50%).
Bachelor of Dental Therapy
- Duration: 3 Years.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 26.
- Role: Performing basic dental procedures (extractions, fillings) independently.
6. School of Science & Technology (BSc Degrees)
If you don’t get into Medicine, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a great backup. You can become a scientist, researcher, or try to transfer to Medicine later (though transfer is extremely difficult).
BSc in Life Sciences
- Majors: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Biology.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 25.
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics: Level 4 (50%).
- Physical Science: Level 4 (50%).
- Life Sciences: Level 4 (50%).
BSc in Mathematical Sciences
- Majors: Statistics, Applied Maths, Computer Science.
- APS Requirement: Minimum 25.
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics: Level 5 (60%) is often preferred for this stream.
7. The Application Process (2026)
SMU does not accept walk-ins. Everything is online via the iEnabler portal.
Step 1: Apply Online
- Go to
www.smu.ac.za. - Click “Apply” and follow the prompts.
- Application Fee: Usually R200 (Non-refundable).
Step 2: Upload Documents
- Certified ID Copy.
- Grade 11 Final Results (if currently in Grade 12).
- Grade 12 Certificate (if already matriculated).
- Proof of Payment.
Step 3: Check Deadlines
- Closing Date: 31 July 2025.
- Warning: SMU is very strict. If you apply on 1 August, the system will block you.
8. What about NBTs?
Historically, SMU required the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
For the 2026 intake, you must check the official invitation letter.
- Current Trend: While some universities are dropping NBTs, Health Science faculties often keep them as a tie-breaker.
- Advice: Book and write the NBT (AQL + MAT) in June/July 2025. It is better to have it and not need it, than to be rejected because you don’t have it.
Summary: Aim for Level 6
If you want to wear a white coat at SMU, your target is Level 6 (70%) in Maths and Science. Anything less puts you in the “risk zone.”
Action Plan:
- Grade 11s: Your final exams determine your pre-selection. Study like your life depends on it.
- Grade 12s: Apply in April 2025 as soon as the portal opens. Don’t wait for June exams.
- Backup Plan: Always apply for a BSc or a generic degree at another university as a safety net. Medicine has a 1% acceptance rate.
Disclaimer: Admission policies are subject to change by the SMU Senate. Always consult the official 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus.