SMU Courses for 2028 Application

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Courses for 2028 Application

If you are planning to apply to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) for the 2028 academic year, choosing the right course is one of the most important decisions you will make before submitting your application. Continue reading to see more about SMU Courses for 2028 Application.

SMU is a specialised South African university focused on health sciences and related fields. Its academic offerings include programmes in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, audiology, speech-language pathology, diagnostic radiography and science.

This guide provides an updated overview of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University courses for the 2028 application, based primarily on SMU’s current official undergraduate programme information. Because universities can amend programmes, admission rules and qualification structures from one academic year to another, applicants should use this article as a planning guide and confirm the final 2028 programme list in the official SMU prospectus when applications open.

SMU itself directs prospective students to its Student Recruitment Portal for information about undergraduate courses, entry requirements, funding and application information.

Applicants seeking for admission should check out SMU Fees.

See Also: SMU Scholarships and Bursaries

What Courses Does SMU Offer?

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University organises its academic programmes through specialised schools. The current undergraduate programme information shows courses across the following major areas:

• Health Care Sciences
• Medicine
• Dentistry and Oral Health Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Science and Technology

The university’s current pages list undergraduate qualifications including MBChB, Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography, Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Therapy, Bachelor of Oral Hygiene, BSc programmes, BSc Physiotherapy, BSc Dietetics, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology and Bachelor of Audiology.

SMU Courses for 2028 Application

Below is a practical breakdown of the undergraduate programmes prospective students should look out for when preparing for the 2028 application cycle.

1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) is one of the most sought-after qualifications at SMU.

The programme prepares students for a professional career in medicine and provides training in areas such as medical sciences, clinical practice, diagnosis and patient management.

SMU currently lists both:

• MBChB – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (BMC01)
• MBChB Extended Curriculum Programme (BMCA01)

The standard MBChB has a minimum duration of six years, according to the university’s programme information.

Who should consider MBChB?

This course may be suitable for students who want to become medical doctors and who have strong academic performance, particularly in subjects such as:

• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• English

Admission to Medicine is highly competitive. SMU explains that only a limited number of applicants can be admitted and that selection criteria and processes are determined annually.

2. Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography

SMU offers a Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (BDR/BDRad-related programme) through its School of Medicine.

Diagnostic radiographers use specialised imaging technologies to assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions.

Students interested in this field should have an interest in:

• Medical imaging
• Human anatomy
• Physics
• Technology
• Patient care
• Healthcare

The programme is listed among SMU’s current undergraduate Medicine programmes alongside MBChB and Emergency Medical Care qualifications.

3. Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care

Another SMU option is the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (CEMC01).

This qualification is particularly relevant to students interested in emergency medical services and pre-hospital healthcare.

Emergency medical care professionals can work in environments where patients require immediate assistance, assessment and stabilisation before or during transfer to appropriate healthcare facilities.

SMU currently lists the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care among its undergraduate Medicine programmes.

4. Diploma in Emergency Medical Care

SMU also lists a Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (DEMC01).

The programme provides another pathway for students interested in emergency and pre-hospital healthcare.

Students considering this programme should check the official 2028 admission requirements carefully because admission criteria and programme availability can be revised.

5. Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery

The Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM) is offered through SMU’s School of Health Care Sciences.

Nursing and midwifery are important components of the healthcare system, with graduates potentially working in hospitals, clinics, primary healthcare facilities and other healthcare environments.

The current SMU admission information gives an indication of the academic subjects required for this programme, including:

• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• English
• Additional subjects

SMU’s current admission information lists a minimum APS of 25 for the programme, subject to its detailed selection requirements.

Students admitted to Nursing and Midwifery must also comply with applicable registration requirements of the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

6. BSc Dietetics

The BSc Dietetics programme is designed for students interested in nutrition, food, health and the role of diet in preventing and managing disease.

A dietitian can work in a variety of healthcare and nutrition-related settings.

SMU’s current requirements for BSc Dietetics include an overall minimum APS of 25, with specified minimum achievement levels for Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English and Life Sciences, together with other subjects.

The programme also involves professional registration requirements, with first-year students required to register as student dietitians with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

7. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOTA01) is another Health Care Sciences programme available at SMU.

Occupational therapists help people improve or regain their ability to participate in everyday activities following illness, injury or disability.

The programme may appeal to students interested in:

• Rehabilitation
• Disability care
• Mental health
• Community health
• Patient rehabilitation
• Human development

SMU’s current admission requirements list a minimum APS of 25 for NSC applicants, with Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English among the specified subjects.

Clinical learning is a compulsory component of the programme.

8. BSc Physiotherapy

The BSc Physiotherapy (BPT01) is designed for students interested in rehabilitation, movement, physical functioning and the treatment and management of physical conditions.

Physiotherapists work with patients experiencing problems affecting movement and physical function.

SMU’s current admission information indicates a minimum APS of 28 for BSc Physiotherapy, with minimum requirements for:

• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physical Science
• Language of learning
• Life Orientation
• Two additional subjects

SMU also states that applicants who choose Physiotherapy as their first choice are given preference during selection.

Because spaces are limited, admission is competitive.

9. Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology

SMU has introduced the Bachelor of Speech Language Pathology (BSLP01).

The programme focuses on communication and swallowing-related disorders and prepares students for professional practice in speech-language pathology.

SMU states that the previous combined Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology programme is being phased out and that separate programmes have been introduced:

• Bachelor of Speech Language Pathology
• Bachelor of Audiology

This distinction is particularly important for students researching older SMU course lists online.

The current admission information gives a minimum APS of 25 for the Bachelor of Speech Language Pathology, with Mathematics, English, Life Sciences and another language among the specified requirements.

10. Bachelor of Audiology

The Bachelor of Audiology (BAUD01) is another current programme in the School of Health Care Sciences.

Audiology focuses on hearing, balance and related communication issues.

Students in this field can eventually work in healthcare, rehabilitation, educational and community settings.

SMU’s current admission information lists a minimum APS of 25 for the Bachelor of Audiology, with Mathematics, English, Life Sciences and language requirements among the specified criteria.

Like other clinical programmes, Audiology includes clinical training and professional registration requirements.

11. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is SMU’s principal undergraduate dentistry qualification.

The programme prepares students for professional dental practice and covers areas related to oral health, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental conditions.

SMU describes BDS admission as highly competitive. Its current programme information indicates that only a limited number of students can be admitted, with selection based on merit and available space.

The university currently indicates that its BDS intake is very limited, making it particularly important for applicants to aim well above minimum academic thresholds where possible.

12. Bachelor of Dental Therapy

The Bachelor of Dental Therapy (BDentTher) is another undergraduate programme in SMU’s School of Dentistry.

Dental therapy focuses on preventive and clinical oral healthcare within the professional scope of dental therapists.

Students interested in this course should consult the official 2028 admission and selection requirements because dentistry-related programmes can have programme-specific selection criteria.

SMU officially lists the Bachelor of Dental Therapy among its current undergraduate Dentistry programmes.

13. Bachelor of Oral Hygiene

The Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOralHyg) focuses on oral hygiene and preventive oral healthcare.

The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in:

• Oral health promotion
• Dental hygiene
• Preventive healthcare
• Community oral health
• Patient education

SMU’s current information indicates that selection for Oral Hygiene can begin using Grade 11 results, with final selection depending on subsequent academic performance. The university identifies English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Physical Science and Life Sciences among the key subjects considered.

14. Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is offered by SMU’s School of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy is a four-year undergraduate degree at SMU. The university explains that its BPharm programme uses problem-based learning and includes pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy and public health pharmacy and management.

A pharmacy student can learn about:

• Medicines
• Pharmaceutical formulation
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy practice
• Patient counselling
• Pharmaceutical sciences
• Public health pharmacy
• Clinical pharmacy

The qualification can lead to careers in community pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory organisations, academia and other healthcare environments.

After completing the degree, graduates must complete the applicable internship and community-service requirements before full professional registration. SMU’s current programme information also states that first-year students must register with the South African Pharmacy Council within the prescribed period.

15. Bachelor of Science (BSc)

SMU’s School of Science and Technology offers several Bachelor of Science pathways.

The current programmes include:

BSc Life Sciences

Course code: BSCG01

The Life Sciences stream includes areas such as:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physiology

BSc Mathematical Sciences

Course code: BSCH01

This stream includes:

• Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Statistics
• Computer Science
• Physics

BSc Physical Sciences

Course code: BSCI01

This stream includes:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Mathematics

BSc Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences

Course code: BSCJ01

These programmes are officially listed by SMU as current BSc offerings.

16. BSc Extended Curriculum Programmes

Students who do not meet the requirements for the standard BSc pathway may also be interested in SMU’s BSc Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP).

SMU currently lists three extended BSc streams:

• BSc Life Sciences – BSCK01
• BSc Mathematical Sciences – BSCL01
• BSc Physical Sciences – BSCM01

The current admission information specifies a minimum APS of 24, together with minimum subject requirements including English, Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.

The extended programme provides an alternative academic pathway and is structured over a longer period than the standard BSc.

SMU Courses for 2028: Quick List

For readers looking for a simple list, the current undergraduate programmes include:

School of Medicine

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
• MBChB Extended Curriculum Programme
• Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography
• Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
• Diploma in Emergency Medical Care

School of Health Care Sciences

• BSc Dietetics
• Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
• BSc Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Speech Language Pathology
• Bachelor of Audiology

School of Dentistry

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
• Bachelor of Dental Therapy
• Bachelor of Oral Hygiene

School of Pharmacy

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

School of Science and Technology

• BSc Life Sciences
• BSc Mathematical Sciences
• BSc Physical Sciences
• BSc Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences
• BSc Extended Curriculum – Life Sciences
• BSc Extended Curriculum – Mathematical Sciences
• BSc Extended Curriculum – Physical Sciences

These are based on SMU’s current official programme pages and should be checked against the final 2028 SMU prospectus before an application is submitted.

Which SMU Courses Should You Choose?

Your choice should depend on your career interests and Grade 12 subjects.

For example:

Is Admission to SMU Competitive?

Yes. Prospective students should understand that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

SMU explicitly states that selection is competitive and that the university receives substantially more applications than it can accommodate.

The level of competition can be particularly high for programmes such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Dentistry.

For context, SMU reported that applications for the 2026 academic year reached 89,384, while only 1,265 first-year undergraduate spaces were available. The university reported 12,758 applications for MBChB, 15,058 for Nursing and Midwifery and 11,977 for BPharm in that cycle.

This demonstrates why prospective 2028 students should not simply aim to meet the minimum requirement. Strong academic performance can be important in a competitive selection environment.

SMU 2028 Application: What Applicants Should Prepare

Although the final 2028 dates and requirements should be confirmed when SMU publishes its official application information, prospective students can start preparing early.

The current SMU online application instructions require applicants to apply online and upload relevant certified documentation. For the latest application cycle, SMU required documents such as a certified ID/passport, Grade 11 final results for current Grade 12 learners or a matric certificate for those who had already completed Grade 12, and proof of application-fee payment.

Applicants should therefore prepare:

1. South African ID or passport.
2. Grade 11 results if currently in Grade 12.
3. Final matric certificate if already completed.
4. Academic records where applicable.
5. Certified supporting documents.
6. Proof of payment where required.
7. Any additional documents requested for the selected programme.

International applicants should also check the specific requirements applicable to their qualifications and immigration status.

How Many Courses Can You Apply for at SMU?

SMU’s current online application instructions state that applicants can apply for two study choices. The first qualification selected is treated as the first choice and the second as the second choice.

This makes strategic course selection particularly important.

For example, rather than choosing two programmes without considering your academic profile, compare:

• Your Grade 11/12 results
• Required subjects
• APS
• Career objectives
• Programme competitiveness
• Your first-choice preference

Remember that the 2028 application rules should be checked when SMU releases the official application information.

Why Choose Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University?

SMU is particularly attractive to students who want to build careers in healthcare and health-related sciences.

Unlike comprehensive universities that offer programmes across many unrelated disciplines, SMU has a specialised health sciences focus.

Its schools cover medicine, health care sciences, dentistry, pharmacy and science and technology. The university’s current website describes opportunities for students to undergo training in health sciences, while its various schools provide specialised professional programmes.

This specialised environment can be particularly valuable for students who already know that they want to pursue a healthcare-related career.

For more updates, see SMU Contact Details

Important Things to Know Before Applying for SMU in 2028

1. Check the official programme name

Do not rely solely on old articles or social media posts. SMU has changed some programme structures.

For example, the older combined Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology programme is being phased out, with separate Speech Language Pathology and Audiology programmes now listed.

2. Check the latest APS requirements

Admission requirements can change. The figures currently published by SMU should not automatically be treated as confirmed 2028 requirements.

3. Check subject requirements

A high overall APS is not enough if you do not have the required subjects or minimum subject scores.

4. Apply for your preferred course strategically

Some SMU programmes have very limited spaces.

5. Do not wait until the deadline

SMU’s current application information encourages applicants to apply before the closing date and warns that applications cannot be submitted after the deadline.

6. Keep your documents ready

Incomplete applications may not be processed. SMU states that applications will not be processed if required documentation has not been submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions About SMU Courses for 2028

What courses does Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University offer?

SMU offers undergraduate courses in medicine, health care sciences, dentistry, pharmacy and science and technology. Current offerings include MBChB, BPharm, BDS, Nursing and Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Audiology, Speech Language Pathology, Diagnostic Radiography and several BSc programmes.

Does SMU offer Medicine?

Yes. SMU offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), as well as an MBChB Extended Curriculum Programme.

Does SMU offer Pharmacy?

Yes. SMU offers a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) through its School of Pharmacy.

Does SMU offer Nursing?

Yes. The university currently offers the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery.

Does SMU offer Physiotherapy?

Yes. SMU offers the BSc Physiotherapy programme. The current published minimum APS is 28, although applicants should verify the requirements applicable to the 2028 intake.

Does SMU offer Dentistry?

Yes. Current undergraduate Dentistry programmes include Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Therapy and Bachelor of Oral Hygiene.

Does SMU offer a BSc?

Yes. SMU currently offers BSc streams in Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, together with selected Extended Curriculum BSc programmes.

When should I apply to SMU for 2028?

Applicants should monitor the official SMU application portal for the opening and closing dates for the 2028 academic year. As an indication, applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 April 2026, while undergraduate applications closed on 31 July 2026. These dates should not be assumed to be the 2028 dates until SMU officially announces them.

Final Thoughts on SMU Courses for 2028 Application

The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) courses for 2028 application provide prospective students with several pathways into healthcare, health sciences and scientific careers.

The university’s current undergraduate portfolio includes Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Dental Therapy, Oral Hygiene, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Audiology, Speech Language Pathology, Diagnostic Radiography, Emergency Medical Care and various BSc programmes.

However, prospective applicants should remember that 2028 requirements, course availability, application dates and selection criteria may change. SMU itself notes that its admission rules are subject to amendments approved after publication.

The best approach is to start preparing early, identify your preferred programme, check the required Grade 11/12 subjects and APS, prepare your supporting documents and then confirm everything against the official SMU 2028 prospectus and application portal when the 2028 admission cycle is announced.