Read the full 2027 SMU Prospectus (text)
On this page, you will find the 2027 Prospectus for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). The full pdf is downloadable on the page. We have also embedded the entire prospectus document on the page in a viewable format. Download PDF Prospectus Web Prospectus 2027 SMU-prospectus Download Document Transcript (Click to expand) View Text PROSPECTUS 2025/2026 Lead. Heal. Innovate. At SMU, we don’t just educate we equip students for impact across the con nent and beyond. Your future in health sciences starts here. Scan this QR code with your phone camera to share a digital copy of this prospectus with a friend. Scan this QR code with your phone camera to share a digital copy of this prospectus with a friend.Vision, Mission, Mo o Who Are We? Prospec ve Student Applica ons - Frequently Asked Ques ons Schools a) School of Medicine b) School of Den stry c) School of Pharmacy d) School of Health Care Sciences e) School of Science and Technology Get to Know the Services Offered at SMU Academic Literacy Science Communica on Advocacy Diversity Library and Informa on Services Assessment and Cer fica on Office Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL) Student Support Services Educa onal Psychology Unit Clinical Psychology Unit Campus Health and Wellness Centre Dental Clinic Social Work Services Financial Aid Office Enrolment Management Office Informa on Communica on Technology (ICT) Medical Illustra on And Audio-Visual Services (MIAAVS) Interna onalisa on Directorate Research and Innova on Directorate Registrar’s Office Registry Department Student Debtors Security Services Gender-Based Violence Office Student Support Referral Unit Student Life and Governance Student Residences Transport Department Sport and Recrea on Alumni Rela ons Office SMU FM Ten reasons why SMU stands out as a leading health sciences university Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet SMU is a dedicated health sciences university providing professional training and educa on in a range of fields through excellence in teaching, learning, innova ve research and community engagement. VISION Transforming health services through excellence and innova on. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet ‘Knowledge for Quality Health Services'Wh are o we? SMU was established when the Minister of Higher Educa on, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande in terms of sec on 20 of the Higher Educa on Act 1997 (Act 101 of 1997) promulgated the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in the SA Government Gaze e no: 37658 of 16 May 2014. The promulga on followed the announcement made in 2011, by Minister Nzimande, when he announced his inten on to separate Medunsa Campus Unit, from University of Limpopo. The minister's inten on was based on the findings and recommenda ons of the task team that was established and led by Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, former Vice-Chancellor of University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and Dr Max Price, the former Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Town (UCT). Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet When can I apply to study at SMU in 2026? Applica ons open on Tuesday, 1 April 2025 and the closing dates are as follows: • The closing date for the submission of the 2026 applica ons for all undergraduate qualifica ons is Thursday, 31 July 2025. How many qualifica ons/degrees can I apply for? • You are allowed to apply for a maximum of two qualifica ons, first choice and second choice. What are the admission requirements? www.smu.ac.za • For informa on on admissions requirements and relevant school subjects, refer to , click under students and look for the following:- - Admissions and selec on rules for different Schools. Undergraduate Prospectus 2026. PLEASE NOTE: The University receives more applica ons than it can accommodate, and mee ng admission requirements does not guarantee admission. How can I apply? • You can apply online. However, online applica ons are currently limited to undergraduate qualifica ons for South African and Interna onal applicants who have wri en or are studying towards the Na onal Senior Cer ficate (NSC) and Independent Examina ons Board (IEB) cer ficate or studying at other South African Universi es. How do I apply online? To apply online, you need: • Access to the internet and a valid email address. • To complete the Applica on Form accurately online. • To specify the names of your first and second choice degrees (if applicable). • Pay the R300 non-refundable applica on fee; and • Upload the following documents: cer fied copies of your ID/passport; Grade 11/12 results; academic record (if you have a ended other universi es including SMU) and proof of payment of the non-refundable applica on fee. If I am an interna onal student, how do I apply to study at SMU? • All non-South African ci zens and non-permanent residents must obtain a study permit before registering as students. Applica on for study permits should be Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet submi ed to the South African Home Affairs, Consulate or High Commissioner in your country of residence/origin and should be in favour of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). The study permit should be submi ed during registra on. How much is the applica on fee? • The applica on fee is R300 and is non-refundable. Where and how do I deposit the applica on fee? • Bank Name: Standard Bank • Account Number: 071 244 395 • Account Name: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University • Branch Number: 020 909 PLEASE NOTE: • Use your ID as a Reference. • Applica on without proof of payment and relevant documents will not be considered. What documents do I attach to the applica on form? • Cer fied copy of your ID or Birth Cer ficate. • Cer fied copy of final Grade 11 results or mid-year Grade 12 results or Na onal Senior Cer ficate (NSC)/Matric Cer ficate (if you have completed Grade 12/Matric). • Official academic record(s) from previous university (ies) a ended, including SMU (if applicable). Proof of applica on fee payment (copy of deposit slip).How do I know if my SMU applica on form has been received? • You will receive an SMS/email no fica on. When can I expect a response about the status of my applica on if I am in Grade 12? • Pre-selec ons will be done between September and October 2025, using your Grade 11 results (for those in Grade 12) and you will be informed about the outcome. • The final selec on will take place in January 2026, a er the release of Grade 12/NSC results by the Department of Basic Educa on and Independent Examina ons Board. • There will be SMS and email no fica ons and/or telephone calls to applicants. • You can also check the status of your applica on on release of Grade 12. www.smu.ac.za a er the When can I expect a response about the outcome of my applica on if I have already passed Grade 12/Matric? • You can check the status of your applica on on the student portal (www.smu.ac.za). When is registra on going to take place for the accepted applicants? • Successful applicants will be informed about registra on details in January 2026. Can a study/admission offer be withdrawn? • Yes, the offer can be withdrawn if the informa on provided by the applicant is found to be untruthful a er an admission offer has been made. The admission offer can be revoked immediately, and no further correspondence will be entered into with the applicant. How do I apply for SMU student residence/accommoda on? • There is an op on for residen al applica on on the Applica on system. PLEASE NOTE: there are limited places in university residence and admission to study at SMU does not guarantee a residence place. The places are awarded on a first come first served basis and the University is not obliged to provide a place in the residence. Does SMU consider late applica ons? • Unfortunately, late applica ons will not be considered. Where can I get more informa on about the applica on process? • Enquiries should be emailed to: www.smu.ac.za. apply@smu.ac.za or on the website: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet Admission points of 38 are required together with programme-specific admission requirements: An admission may be made at a much higher level than these minimum requirements • h ps://www.smu.ac.za/schools/medicine/medicine-undergraduate-admissionrequirements/ • Entry into this programme is very compe ve. Dura on • Minimum: 6 years • Maximum: 8 years Career Opportuni es • Can work as a clinician/medical doctor and specialize in various medical disciplines. • Can work in innova on and research. • Can work as an academic or an administrator in the medical field. NSC - LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT ADMISSION POINTS (APS) 7 Outstanding Achievement (80 - 100%) 6 Meritorious Achievement (70 - 79%) 5 Substan al Achievement (60 - 69%) 4 Adequate Achievement (50 - 59%) 3 Moderate Achievement (40 - 49%) 2 Elementary Achievement (30 - 39%) 1 Not achieved (0 - 29%) NATIONAL SR ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL SUBJECT MINIMUM POINTS Mathema cs Physical Sciences Life Sciences English Addi onal Subject 1 Addi onal Subject 2 Life Orienta on Total 6 6 6 6 5 4 5 38 Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Extended Curriculum (MBChB - ECP) Eligibility • The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Extended Program (MBChB- ECP) is reserved for South African Black learners from Quin le 1 and 2 schools who have not previously been engaged in ter ary educa on and have not been able to get admission into the six-year SMU medicine degree program (MBChB). Applica ons that do not meet the above criteria are declined. Only 50 spaces are available on a compe ve basis. A er comple ng the one-year founda on program, students enter the mainstream SMU MBChB program. The following are the minimum entry requirements: SUBJECT MINIMUM POINTS Physical Science Life Sciences Mathema cs English Language 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 Life Orienta on Addi onal Subject 1 Addi onal Subject 2 Total 32 Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (DIP EMC) Requirements For applicants who graduated when the symbol system was s ll in use, the requirements are as follows: • Senior Cer ficate with (Matricula on exemp on is a legal requirement, facilitated by the Matricula on Board of Universi es South Africa, wherein students who do not meet the statutory minimum admission requirements to enter ter ary studies in public universi es in South Africa apply for a cer ficate of exemp on.), or M-score of 10 and a minimum of an E symbol on Higher Grade or D symbol on Standard Grade pass for English, Mathema cs, Biology/Physiology and Physical Sciences. • Na onal Cer ficate must have achieved a minimum pass of 60% for English, Mathema cs, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. • Na onal Senior Cer ficate with a Diploma endorsement must have the following subjects and minimum ra ng levels. · · · · · · English: 3 Mathema cs: 3 Life Sciences: 3 Physical Sciences: 3 Addi onal (1): 3 Addi onal (2): 3 Total: Minimum of 18 points The applicant must pass the Medical Fitness and Physical Fitness Evalua ons. Dura on: 2 years • A mid-level emergency care worker in EMS. • Registra on with the HPCSA as a Paramedic. • Professional and personal development to a bachelor's degree in Emergency Medical Care (EMC). Higher Cer ficate in Emergency Medical Care (HCERT EMC) Requirements For applicants who graduated when the symbol system was s ll in use, the requirements are as follows: • Senior Cer ficate with a minimum of an E symbol on a Higher Grade or a D symbol on a Standard Grade pass for English Mathema cs, Biology and/or Physical Sciences. • Na onal Cer ficate (Voca onal) with a minimum pass of 60% for English, Mathema cs, Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet • Na onal Senior Cer ficate with a Higher Cer ficate endorsement must have passed the following subjects and the specified minimum ra ng level. · · · · · English: 3 Mathema cs: 3 or Mathema cal Literacy: 4 Life Sciences: 3 and or /Physical Sciences: 3 Addi onal subject (1): 3 Addi onal subject (2): 3 Total: Minimum 15 points The applicant must pass the Medical Fitness and Physical Fitness Evalua ons. Dura on: 1 year • An entry-level emergency care worker in EMS. • Registra on with the HPCSA as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA). • Professional and personal development to a Diploma in EMC and a bachelor's degree in EMC. Bachelor of Diagnos c Radiography (B RAD) NATIONAL SR ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL 7 NSC - LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT Outstanding Achievement ADMISSION POINTS (APS) (80 - 100%) 6 Meritorious Achievement (70 - 79%) 5 Substan al Achievement (60 - 69%) 4 Adequate Achievement (50 - 59%) 3 Moderate Achievement (40 - 49%) 2 Elementary Achievement (30 - 39%) 1 Not achieved (0 - 29%) Requirements • Na onal senior cer ficate (NSC) for Degree purposes with (Mathema cs, Physical Science, Life Science and English) all at a minimum score of 4. • Candidates must also meet the University admission criteria. A minimum admission point of 4 in each of the following subjects is required: • Mathema cs • Physical Sciences • Life Sciences • English Total minimum admission point score = 16 Remaining subjects: Life Orienta on: 3 and others: 6 Minimum: 4 years | Maximum: 6 years Clinical training is done at accredited hospitals in Gauteng, Limpopo and North West provinces. Career Advancement The following are some of the careers in this field: • Ultrasonography • Mammography • Radiotherapy • Nuclear Medicine • Honours (specializing in Computed Tomography, MRI etc.) • Masters • PhD Career Opportuni es The following are the environments where career opportuni es are available: • Public hospitals • Private hospitals • Mining industry • Radiography Educa on • Self-employment • Corporate (Marke ng App Specialist). Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet Bachelor of Dental Therapy (BDT) Na onal Senior Cer ficate (NSC) Dura on: 3 years Career Opportuni es: • A Dental Therapist performs all the basic procedures, e.g., tooth extrac ons, cleaning and polishing teeth and x-rays. • He/she can work in private prac ce, public dental services, and academic den stry. Criteria for selec on of applicants with completed 1st year BSc I degree courses or equivalent (SMU full BSc I; MBChB I and BSc ECP II course holders) Two top students with completed 1st year BSc or equivalent courses at SMU will a er applica on be afforded an opportunity to enrol into BDS I, if space is available. The combined average percentage of all modules will be used to determine the best one student. In case of BSc - ECP II applicants, the average scores of modules done in both years (Year 1 and 2) will be considered. Only applicants who obtain a minimum of three dis nc ons and an overall average of 75% and above for the year will be considered. However, the requirements might be higher as only two (2) space are available, and selec on will be on a compe ve basis. Mathema cs Physical Sciences Life Sciences English Addi onal 2 Subjects Life Orienta on SUBJECT MINIMUM POINTS Total 28 4 4 4 4 4 each 4 Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Bachelor of Dental Therapy (BDT), Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH). PLEASE NOTE: For applicants with qualifica on/par al qualifica ons, different requirements will apply. Please get in touch with the School of Den stry for more informa on at 012 521 4803. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Dura on: 5 Years Career Opportuni es • Den sts' work ranges from the preven on of tooth decay, and prepara on and filling of cavi es to highly intricate tooth reconstruc on and realignment procedures, and exci ng methods to perfect the appearance of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding ssues. • Den sts can work in private prac ce, public dental oral health services and academic den stry. • Den sts can become specialists in oral surgery, orthodon cs, perio and oral medicine, oral pathology, prosthodon cs, and community den stry. Mathema cs Physical Sciences Life Sciences English Addi onal Subject 1 Addi onal Subject 2 Life Orienta on SUBJECT MINIMUM POINTS Total 37 6 6 6 5 5 4 5 Bachelor of Dental Therapy (BDT) Na onal Senior Cer ficate (NSC) SUBJECT Mathema cs Physical Sciences Life Sciences English Addi onal 2 Subjects Life Orienta on Total Dura on: 3 years Career Opportuni es: • A Dental Therapist performs all the basic procedures, e.g., tooth extrac ons, cleaning and polishing teeth and x-rays. • He/she can work in private prac ce, public dental services, and academic den stry. Criteria for selec on of applicants with completed 1st year BSc I degree courses or equivalent (SMU full BSc I; MBChB I and BSc ECP II course holders) Two top students with completed 1st year BSc or equivalent courses at SMU will a er applica on be afforded an opportunity to enrol into BDS I, if space is available. The combined average percentage of all modules will be used to determine the best one student. In case of BSc - ECP II applicants, the average scores of modules done in both years (Year 1 and 2) will be considered. Only applicants who obtain a minimum of three dis nc ons and an overall average of 75% and above for the year will be considered. However, the requirements might be higher as only two (2) space are available, and selec on will be on a compe ve basis. Criteria for foreign na onals MINIMUM POINTS 4 4 4 4 4 each 4 28 A relevant matricula on or examina on results that qualifies enrolment into a degree program (for SADC na onals from SADC countries not offering den stry), with an APS to be determined by the enrolment commi ee on basis of Table 2). The applicants must include a matric exemp on cer ficate issued by South African Qualifica on Authority (SAQA) as well as proof of Iden fica on (ID document or passport). Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH) Na onal Senior Cer ficate (NSC) SUBJECT Mathema cs Physical Sciences Life Sciences English Addi onal 2 Subjects Life Orienta on Total MINIMUM POINTS 4 4 4 4 4 each 4 28 SUBJECT Mathema cs Literacy Physical Sciences Life Sciences English Addi onal 2 Subjects Life Orienta on Total MINIMUM POINTS 7 4 4 4 4 each 4 31 Dura on: 3 years Career Opportuni es • An Oral Hygienist is trained to clean and polish teeth, take x-rays and preventa ve procedures, including health promo ons. • They can work in private prac ce, public dental services, and academic den stry. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet Online Higher Cer ficate in Vaccinology [HCERT (VACC)] (SCV01) About the HCert (Vacc) qualifica on The HCert (Vacc) is designed to equip healthcare workers (HCWs) with the theore cal knowledge and prac cal exper se necessary for running an up-to-date clinic offering vaccina on services. The HCert (Vacc) is registered on the Na onal Qualifica ons Framework at Level 5, with a total of 120 credits. • Minimum admission requirements: Registered General Nurse and Midwife with the SA Nursing Council, or a 3-year qualifica on in health sciences (i.e. in which training in vaccina ng is included) from a ter ary ins tu on registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. • Selec on criteria: Priority will be given to in-service HCWs who are currently working within the field of vaccina on, or who are planning to work within this field. Applicants will be required to write a mo va on explaining why they should be accepted for this programme. Dura on minimum: 1 year Maximum dura on: 2 years Registra on • Students must register for the academic year before the closing date, as specified in the SMU General Calendar. Curriculum • The programme is divided into 2 blocks consis ng of 11 modules.- - The first block consists of Modules 1 to 5 and a dra Por olio of Vaccinology Theory and Prac ce for forma ve assessment. The second block consists of Modules 6 to 11 and includes prac cal assignments with forma ve assessments of prac ce, a cer ficate of competence and a final Por olio of Vaccinology Theory and Prac ce for the End of Year Summa ve Assessment. Prospectus 2024/2025 Booklet Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet ENTIRELY ONLINE Module 1 Introduc on to Human Infec ous Disease Immunology Module 2 Introduc on to vaccinology Module 3 Introduc on to vaccine manufacturing and distribu on Module 4 Introduc on to the Expanded Programme on Immunisa on of South Africa (EPI-SA) Module 5 Introduc on to the epidemiology of vaccine preventable diseases and the corresponding vaccines used within the EPI 4 4 4 4 32 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: DRAFT PORTFOLIO OF VACCINOLOGY THEORY AND PRACTICE BLOCK 2 Combined online teaching with prac cal assignments Module 6 EPI vaccina on schedules and strategies 12 in South Africa Module 7 Introduc on to Cold Chain Management 12 Module 8 Introduc on to the safe administra on of vaccines Module 9 Introduc on to adverse events following immunisa on 12 Module 10 12 Introduc on to advocacy, communica on, and social mobilisa on to increase vaccina on uptake Module 11 Monitoring and evalua on of EPI-SA 12 SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT: FINAL PORTFOLIO OF VACCINOLOGY THEORY AND PRACTICE Total 120 CREDITS 12 BLOCK 1 Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet Recogni on of prior learning Modules 6 to 11 have prac cal assignments which are based on vaccina on prac ces. Students who are already competent in vaccina on prac ces and can produce evidence of this competence will be able to submit this evidence and thus be exempt from comple ng these assignments. Their supervisor/manager/employer will be required to complete and sign a cer ficate of prac ce for each specific task, and these cer ficates will form part of the Por olio of Vaccinology Theory and Prac ce. All students, even those with Recogni on of Prior Learning in prac cal skills, must a end the virtual "communica on" component of the prac cals using Blackboard Ultra Collaborate. This is a mandatory part of the course to ensure everyone develops essen al communica on skills relevant to vaccina on prac ces, regardless of their prior experience. Why should you enrol in the HCert (Vacc)? • All HCert (Vacc) alumni are given permanent online access to updated course materials at no cost to enable them to keep up to date with the latest developments in EPI-SA. • Qualified HCWs will be able to promote vaccina on with confidence, which will in turn increase public confidence in vaccina on, and thereby increase vaccina on uptake. • The HCert (Vacc) qualifica on is approved by the Department of Higher Educa on and Training and the Council for Higher Educa on and is accredited by the South African Qualifica ons Authority. Funding Funding is available upon applica on, to cover student registra on and tui on fees. While HCWs employed in the public sector are priori sed, HCWs employed in the private sector may also apply for funding, which will be dependent on the amount of funding available. Contact informa on Junior Lecturer: Ms Nontobeko Shabangu Tel: 012 521 4044 Email: or nontobeko.shabangu@smu.ac.za info@savic.ac.za/h p://savic.ac.za/ h ps://www.smu.ac.za/schools/pharmacy/school-of-pharmacy-academic-programmes/Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) About the BPharm Degree The BPharm at SMU follows an integrated, thema c, hybrid problem-based modular method of instruc on and thus has a limited number of places. Na onal Senior Cer ficate (NSC) Applicants Applicants require the following minimum Admission Point Score (APS). The minimum point score does not guarantee admission. Table 1: Minimum APS score SUBJECT Mathema cs Physical Sciences Life Sciences English Addi onal Subject 1: preferably Accoun ng and Addi onal Subject 2: Economics Life Orienta on Total APS Calculator Table 2: APS point/score per percentage MATRIC SUBJECT SYMBOL/MARK RECEIVED IN MATRIC EXAM (APS %) A. 80 – 100% B. 70 – 79% C. 60 – 69% D. 50 – 59% E. 40 – 49% F. 30 – 39% G. 0 - 29% Applica ons will be considered from candidates who have, or are about to receive: • A matricula on cer ficate from a Matricula on Board • Cer ficate of exemp on from the matricula on examina on granted by the Matricula on Board/ Universi es South Africa. • Candidates will be required to have passed these major subjects: Mathema cs, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English with a minimum level of 5 each at Matric level and indicate BPharm as their first choice. • The BPharm Student Selec on Commi ee at SMU screens all candidates who comply with the above criteria. • Shortlis ng is based on the academic results (from the maximum results) to iden fy suitable candidates for admission and provisional admission. MINIMUM POINTS 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 32 APS (Admission Point Score) 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 • Due to a lack of capacity, there are limita ons in the number of intakes; some applicants may not be selected even if they meet the minimum requirements. • The screening will have to be based on the Na onal Demographic profile of the country. Non-South Africans should obtain the following: • There is a limited intake of candidates for A-Levels in the following subjects: Mathema cs, Physical Science, Biology & English, with symbols a minimum symbol of C. • A matricula on exemp on cer ficate from the South African Matricula on Board/University South Africa (USAF) is required. Mature Age applicants Applicants who have completed appropriate training within the requirements of the Na onal Qualifica ons Framework will be considered (e.g. formally trained pharmacy assistants, pharmacy technicians) if they have a matricula on cer ficate with the following subjects: Mathema cs, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and English with a minimum APS level of 5 per subject. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Prospectus 2025/2026 Booklet Graduates (I) There is a limited intake of Graduates with Health Sciences/BSc degrees who will be considered for enrolment into the First Year. Mark obtained during the degree will be scored according to the table 3: Table 3: Points awarded for scores on the academic transcript PERCENTAGE OBTAINED >75 70 - 74 65 - 69 60 - 64 55 - 59
