The SMU 2027 Prospectus download (PDF) contains the full list of courses offered and the specific admission criteria for South Africa’s premier health sciences institution. This page provides a clear breakdown of the 2027 entry requirements based on the official prospectus for SMU, helping you verify your eligibility for competitive medical and dental programmes. You can find the official document link below, along with a summary of the most important school requirements and clinical training highlights.
What SMU 2027 Prospectus includes
- Admission Point Score (APS) Requirements: A guide on how to calculate your score using your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- Compulsory Subject Prerequisites: Minimum achievement levels for Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences required for clinical degrees.
- School-Specific Entrance Thresholds: Detailed criteria for the Schools of Medicine, Oral Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Health Care Sciences, and Science and Technology.
- Clinical Training and Support: Information on training facilities at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, NSFAS funding, and on-campus accommodation.
- Critical Deadlines: Important notice regarding the early closing dates for health science applications in July 2026.
Below is a PDF downloadable SMU 2027 Prospectus document:
Admission and APS Calculation
Admission to SMU is highly competitive due to the clinical nature of the programmes. The university uses an Admission Point Score (APS) calculated from your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- Compulsory Subjects: Most degrees require high levels in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences.
- Life Orientation: While not included in the APS total, a minimum level of 4 (50%) is generally required for all applicants.
- Selection Tests: Certain programmes, such as Medicine (MBChB), may require additional selection criteria or placement tests.
| Achievement Level | Percentage | Points |
| 7 | 80% – 100% | 7 |
| 6 | 70% – 79% | 6 |
| 5 | 60% – 69% | 5 |
| 4 | 50% – 59% | 4 |
Undergraduate School Requirements
SMU is organised into specialised schools, each with specific 2027 entry requirements:
School of Medicine
- MBChB (Medicine): Minimum 38 points with high levels in Maths, Physical Science, and Life Sciences.
- Emergency Medical Care: Requires physical fitness and specific science subject passes.
School of Oral Health Sciences
- BDS (Dentistry): Minimum 37 points.
- Oral Hygiene: Lower APS requirements but strong focus on Life Sciences.
School of Pharmacy
- BPharm: Minimum 35 points with Level 5 or higher in Mathematics and Chemistry/Physical Science.
School of Health Care Sciences
- Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy: Generally require between 30 and 34 points.
- Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology: Strong emphasis on language and science levels.
School of Science and Technology
- BSc (General): Offers majors in Chemistry, Physics, and Biological Sciences, typically requiring 28–30 points.
Financial Aid and Clinical Training
As a health sciences university, SMU provides extensive clinical exposure at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital.
- NSFAS: Funding is available for qualifying South African students.
- Bursaries: Various provincial health department bursaries are often available for students in clinical fields.
- Accommodation: On-campus residences are available, with priority often given to first-year students to assist with the rigorous academic workload.
Important Application Resources
To secure your place for the 2027 intake, use the following official resources:
Important Closing Dates: Health science programmes typically close much earlier than other degrees. Most clinical applications close on 31 July 2026 for the 2027 academic year.