How to Apply to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) 2026 | Complete Guide

Quick Answer: To apply to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), visit https://www.smu.ac.za/index.php/admissions, pay the R400 application fee, and submit your documents before June 30. Minimum APS is 30 for most programmes.

How to Apply to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

Thinking about studying at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)? Based in Pretoria (Ga-Rankuwa), Gauteng, SMU / Sefako Makgatho is a Specialised Health Sciences University established in 2015. This guide covers everything you need to know to apply successfully — from APS requirements to application deadlines, bursaries, and step-by-step instructions.

At a Glance: SMU / Sefako Makgatho Fast Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Type	Specialised Health Sciences University
Location	Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng
Year Founded	2015
Application Portal	https://www.smu.ac.za/index.php/admissions
Application Fee	R400
Applications Open	February
Applications Close	June 30
Minimum APS	30 (varies by programme)
Contact Phone	012 521 4111
Contact Email	admissions@smu.ac.za

Why Choose SMU / Sefako Makgatho?

One of South Africa's dedicated health sciences universities.

• Split off from the University of Limpopo in 2015, previously known as MEDUNSA (Medical University of South Africa)
• Named after Dr Sefako Makgatho, second President of the ANC
• Ga-Rankuwa campus is situated adjacent to the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital
• Produces a significant proportion of South Africa's black medical doctors and dentists

Faculties and Programmes at SMU / Sefako Makgatho

SMU / Sefako Makgatho offers qualifications across 4 faculties:

• Dentistry
• Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Allied Health Sciences

Popular programmes include: MBChB (Medicine), BDent (Dentistry), BPharm (Pharmacy), BClinical Medical Practice, Physiotherapy.

APS Requirements for SMU / Sefako Makgatho

The minimum Admission Point Score (APS) required at SMU / Sefako Makgatho is 30 points. However, individual programmes may require significantly higher scores:

APS range: 30–42 depending on programme; Medicine requires 42+

SMU is highly competitive for Medicine (MBChB) requiring 42+ APS. Dentistry requires 38+ APS. Pharmacy requires 36+ APS. All applicants must write the Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT-SA).

How to Calculate Your APS

Your APS is calculated from your Grade 12 (NSC) subject results. Each subject receives a score from 1 to 7 based on your percentage:

Percentage (%)	Rating Code	APS Points
80–100%	7 (Outstanding)	7
70–79%	6 (Meritorious)	6
60–69%	5 (Substantial)	5
50–59%	4 (Adequate)	4
40–49%	3 (Moderate)	3
30–39%	2 (Elementary)	2
0–29%	1 (Not Achieved)	1

Your APS is the sum of your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation, which is counted at half-value at most universities, or excluded entirely).

Use our free APS Calculator to calculate your score instantly.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply to SMU / Sefako Makgatho

Step 1: Check Programme Requirements

Before applying, confirm the specific APS requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen programme at https://www.smu.ac.za. Some programmes require specific subjects (e.g., Mathematics for Engineering, Life Sciences for Medicine).

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will typically need:

• Certified copy of your ID (South African ID or passport for international students)
• Certified copy of your Grade 11 final results (if applying before matric)
• Certified copy of your NSC / Grade 12 results (final matric results when available)
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill)
• Completed application form (online or paper)
• Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT-SA) results (required for health sciences)

Step 3: Apply Online

Visit the SMU / Sefako Makgatho online application portal at https://www.smu.ac.za/index.php/admissions. Create an account, complete the application form, upload your documents, and pay the application fee of R400.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications for 2027 admission typically open in February and close on June 30. Apply as early as possible — popular programmes fill up quickly, especially Medicine, Law, and Engineering.

Step 5: Accept Your Offer

Once you receive a conditional or unconditional offer from SMU / Sefako Makgatho, accept it within the specified timeframe (usually 2–4 weeks). You may need to pay a registration deposit to secure your place.

Step 6: Register for Your Programme

After accepting your offer, complete the formal registration process in January (or mid-year for Semester 2 programmes). Bring original and certified copies of all documents.

Application Deadlines for SMU / Sefako Makgatho

Missing the application deadline is one of the most common reasons students don't get into their chosen institution. Here are the key dates:

• Applications Open: February
• Application Deadline: June 30
• Results Notification: Typically November–December for the following year
• Registration: January (Semester 1) or mid-year

Pro tip: Don't wait until the last day. Apply when applications open — some programmes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bursaries and Financial Aid at SMU / Sefako Makgatho

Studying at SMU / Sefako Makgatho can be financed through several bursaries and financial aid options:

• NSFAS
• SMU Financial Aid
• National Department of Health Bursaries
• Gauteng Department of Health Bursaries

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): If your combined household income is below R350,000 per year, you may qualify for NSFAS funding. Apply at www.nsfas.org.za from October each year for the following academic year.

Preparing for SMU / Sefako Makgatho While Still in School

The best time to prepare for university is while you're still in Grade 10, 11, or 12. Here's what you can do:

• Focus on your key subjects: Make sure you're strong in the subjects required for your chosen programme
• Use AI tutoring: StudyBuddy's AI tutor helps you master difficult CAPS topics before matric
• Research your options early: Visit open days at SMU / Sefako Makgatho to understand campus life
• Apply for bursaries early: Some bursaries (like Allan Gray, Anglo American) are available while you're still in Grade 11
• Track your APS: Use our APS calculator to know where you stand

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your application to SMU / Sefako Makgatho, the process typically follows these stages:

1. Application Confirmation: You'll receive an email or SMS confirming receipt of your application
2. Conditional Offer: If your Grade 11 results meet the requirements, you may receive a conditional offer
3. Final Results Submission: Submit your final NSC results in January
4. Unconditional Offer: If your matric results meet or exceed the requirements, your offer becomes unconditional
5. Registration: Register for your programme and pay your fees or confirm NSFAS/bursary funding

Comparing SMU / Sefako Makgatho With Other Universities

Not sure if SMU / Sefako Makgatho is the right fit? Here are some things to consider:

Factor	SMU / Sefako Makgatho	Typical Alternative
Type	Specialised Health Sciences University	Traditional University / UoT
Location	Pretoria (Ga-Rankuwa)	Varies
Minimum APS	30	20–37 (varies widely)
Application Fee	R400	R100–R400
NSFAS Eligible	Yes	Yes (public) / No (private)

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to SMU / Sefako Makgatho

Still have questions? Our FAQ section below answers the most common questions about applying to SMU / Sefako Makgatho.

Need extra help with your Grade 12 subjects to meet SMU / Sefako Makgatho's entry requirements? StudyBuddy's AI tutor is FREE to start — get personalised help in Mathematics, Sciences, English, and all CAPS subjects. Most students improve their marks by 20–30% within a few weeks.