Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is South Africa’s only university dedicated exclusively to health sciences. Located in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, SMU offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, public health, science, and allied health professions.
If you plan to apply for the 2027 academic year, understanding the admission requirements is essential. This guide explains the SMU 2027 admission requirements, required documents, application dates, and general entry criteria for prospective students.
General Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to SMU, applicants must generally have:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification.
- The appropriate Bachelor’s Degree pass for degree programmes.
- The required Admission Point Score (APS) for the chosen programme.
- The required achievement levels in compulsory school subjects.
- English as a language of learning and teaching at the required level.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission, as many health sciences programmes are highly competitive and have limited spaces.
Faculty and Programme Requirements
SMU offers programmes through several schools within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
School of Medicine
Popular qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP)
For MBChB, applicants typically need:
- High APS (minimum published APS of 38)
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- English
These subjects generally require strong achievement levels, and successful applicants often exceed the published minimum requirements due to the competitive selection process.
School of Dentistry
Programmes include:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Oral Hygiene
- Dental Therapy
Applicants are generally expected to have strong results in:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- English
School of Pharmacy
Programmes include:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
Typical admission subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- English
School of Health Care Sciences
Qualifications include:
- Nursing
- Radiography
- Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Programme-specific APS and subject requirements vary depending on the qualification.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
South African Applicants
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Grade 11 final results (if currently in Grade 12)
- Grade 12 June or Trial results (where applicable)
- National Senior Certificate (if completed)
International Applicants
- Certified copy of passport
- School-leaving certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (where applicable)
- Study permit (required upon registration)
Incomplete applications may not be processed.
Application Dates for 2027
According to SMU’s official admissions information:
- Applications Open: 1 April 2026
- Undergraduate Applications Close: 31 July 2026
- Postgraduate Applications Close: 31 August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because programmes fill quickly.
Application Fee
For the 2027 admission cycle:
- Application Fee: R300 (non-refundable)
Applicants should use their ID or passport number as the payment reference when making payment.
How to Apply
To apply:
- Visit the official SMU online application portal.
- Create your applicant profile.
- Complete the online application form.
- Select up to two study choices.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Applications that are incomplete or missing supporting documents may not be considered.
Download the SMU Prospectus
Prospective students should review the official prospectus before applying. It includes:
- Available programmes
- APS requirements
- Subject requirements
- Selection criteria
- Application procedures
- Registration information
You can access the latest prospectus and admissions information through the official SMU website:
- SMU Online Applications: https://www.smu.ac.za/students/apply/manual-applications/
- SMU Official Website: https://www.smu.ac.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the closing date for SMU 2027 applications?
Undergraduate applications close on 31 July 2026, while postgraduate applications close on 31 August 2026.
What is the application fee?
The application fee for the 2027 intake is R300, and it is non-refundable.
Can I apply for more than one programme?
Yes. SMU allows applicants to choose up to two study programmes during the application process.
Final Thoughts
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is one of South Africa’s premier institutions for health sciences education. Because programmes such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing are highly competitive, applicants should aim to exceed the minimum admission requirements wherever possible.
Before applying, download the latest SMU Prospectus, verify the admission requirements for your chosen programme, prepare all required documents, and submit your application well before the closing date to maximize your chances of admission.
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