Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) publishes its undergraduate admission information by school, on its website. Each school's admission requirements page sets out its programmes, minimum APS tables and selection process. Here is what these pages contain and how to use them.
SMU's schools
- School of Medicine: the MBChB, its extended curriculum programme, radiography and emergency medical care
- School of Oral Health Sciences: the Bachelor of Dental Surgery and related programmes
- School of Pharmacy: the Bachelor of Pharmacy
- School of Health Care Sciences: dietetics, nursing and midwifery, and other health care programmes
- School of Science and Technology: BSc programmes
What the admission pages show
- Minimum APS points per subject, and the total required
- APS conversion tables from percentages to points
- Pre-selection and final selection procedures
- The number of places in each selection phase, for programmes such as the MBChB and BDS
- Requirements for applicants with older or international qualifications
Examples from the tables
- MBChB: 38 points, with 6 in English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
- BDS: 37 points
- Bachelor of Pharmacy: 32 points, with 5 in Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English
- BSc Dietetics and Nursing and Midwifery: 25 points
Selection procedures
SMU also publishes separate admission selection procedures for Medicine and Pharmacy on its registration pages. These explain how pre-selection on Grade 11 results and final selection on Grade 12 results work.
How to use SMU's information
- Read the admission requirements page for your school.
- Calculate your APS with the school's table, which includes Life Orientation.
- Check the minimum points for each subject, not just the total.
- Choose two study choices, remembering that first choices get priority.
- Apply online by 31 July and pay the R300 application fee.
Fees
SMU publishes its undergraduate, postgraduate and sundry fees for each year on its fees and financial aid page. In 2026, the first year of the MBChB cost R90,138.
Who can apply
SMU's medicine, radiography and emergency care programmes are open to South Africans and to SADC nationals from Lesotho and Eswatini only.
Open to change
Admission tables can change between cycles, so always use the current version of each school's page.
Tips for applicants
Health sciences programmes are highly competitive, and SMU selects on Grade 11 results first. Work towards strong marks in every required subject, not only the total APS, and apply well before the closing date so your Grade 11 results can be considered in pre-selection. Keep certified copies of your documents ready before you start the online form.
Related pages
See the SMU admission requirements, SMU courses and schools and how to apply to SMU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SMU publish a prospectus?
SMU publishes admission requirements by school on its website.
What APS does SMU need for medicine?
38 points, with 6 in English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.
Where are SMU's fees listed?
On its fees and financial aid page, with yearly fee schedules.