This guide provides straightforward insights for your 2027 studies at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), based strictly on the official 2025/2026 prospectus.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) 2027
Applying to SMU requires a very specific focus, as the university is dedicated exclusively to health and allied sciences. Because of the high demand for medical professionals, the SMU online application process is extremely competitive.
- Non-Refundable Application Fee: You must pay a non-refundable application fee of R300 to have your application processed.
- The Admission Point Score (APS): SMU calculates your APS using your six best subjects, but Life Orientation is strictly excluded from this total.
- High-Selection Mathematics: For almost all degrees, including Medicine (MBChB) and Pharmacy, Pure Mathematics is mandatory. Mathematical Literacy is generally not accepted for clinical degrees.
- Competing for Space: Meeting the minimum APS (which is 38 for Medicine and 35 for Dentistry) does not guarantee you a spot. The university uses a "ranking" system where they fill seats starting with the highest-scoring applicants.
- Double Choice Strategy: You are allowed to choose two programmes. If you are applying for a high-demand degree like Medicine, it is wise to choose a science-based degree in the School of Science and Technology as your second option.
Important SMU 2027 Application Dates
- 1 April 2026: Applications officially open online.
- 31 July 2026: Closing date for all undergraduate applications.
- Note: Unlike some other institutions, SMU does not usually have a late application window due to the limited number of clinical placements.
2027 Admission Comparison: SMU vs Other Universities
The table below compares SMU with other health-focused institutions to help you understand the differences in costs and requirements.
| Feature | Sefako Makgatho (SMU) | WITS University | Univ. of Pretoria (UP) | Univ. of Limpopo (UL) |
| Application Fee | R300 | R100 (SA) | R300 | R200 |
| NBTs Required | Selective | Yes (Health Sciences) | No (General) | No (General) |
| Closing Date | 31 July 2026 | 30 June 2026* | 30 June 2026 | 30 September 2026 |
| LO Points | Excluded | Included (Max 3) | Excluded | Excluded |
| Specialisation | Health Sciences Only | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
*Note: WITS Health Sciences programmes close earlier than their general degrees.
By comparing these details, you can see that SMU has a slightly later deadline for health sciences than the University of Pretoria (UP), but it is much stricter regarding Life Orientation points than the WITS online application. If you are looking for a medical degree with a later general deadline, you might also consider the University of Limpopo (UL) online application. Always verify the specific 2027 Courses Requirements for your chosen school before paying the fee.