Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a specialist health sciences university, and selection for its programmes is competitive. Each school sets a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) and minimum levels in key subjects, and then selects applicants on merit. The figures below come from the undergraduate admission requirements published by SMU's schools.
How SMU calculates your APS
SMU converts each subject percentage to points. In the School of Pharmacy's table, for example, 90% to 100% earns 8 points, 80% to 89% earns 7, 70% to 79% earns 6, 60% to 69% earns 5 and 50% to 59% earns 4. Unlike many universities, SMU includes Life Orientation and two additional subjects in its APS tables.
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
For the MBChB, SMU makes provisional offers based on final Grade 11 results. Pre-selected applicants need an APS of at least 38, made up of at least:
- 6 points each in English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
- 5 points in Life Orientation
- 5 points in one additional subject and 4 in another
A pre-selection offer is withdrawn if your Grade 12 marks in the key subjects, or your total APS, drop below your Grade 11 performance. Final selection then ranks applicants by their percentages in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Life Orientation and English.
Extended MBChB programme
The MBChB extended curriculum programme is only for Black South African students from quintile 1 and 2 schools who have not studied at a university before. It needs an APS of at least 32, with 5 points in Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics and English.
Other programmes
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): an APS of at least 37, also with pre-selection on Grade 11 results
- Bachelor of Pharmacy: an APS of at least 32, with 5 points in Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English
- Bachelor of Radiography: an AP score of at least 25, with at least 4 in English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences and a combined score of 19 in those four subjects
- Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery: an APS of at least 25, or a combined score of 16 in the four key subjects
- BSc in Dietetics: an APS of 25, with 4 in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English and Life Sciences
Who can apply for clinical programmes
SMU's medicine, radiography and emergency care programmes are open to South Africans and to SADC nationals from Lesotho and Eswatini only.
Selection on merit
Because places are limited, selection committees choose applicants on merit, and meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. SMU also gives priority to first-choice applications, so think carefully about which programme you list first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need for medicine at SMU?
The MBChB needs an APS of at least 38, including 6 points in English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.
Does SMU count Life Orientation?
Yes. SMU's APS tables include Life Orientation.
What APS do I need for pharmacy at SMU?
The Bachelor of Pharmacy needs an APS of at least 32.