If you’re planning to study at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in the 2025 or 2026 academic year, it’s essential to understand the APS (Admission Point Score) requirements for your chosen programme. SMU offers a range of undergraduate qualifications in Medicine, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, and the Sciences — and each programme has a specific minimum APS you must meet to qualify.
In this post, we provide a complete list of all SMU undergraduate degrees and their minimum APS scores, as published in the official 2025/2026 prospectus.
What Is APS and How Is It Calculated?
Your APS (Admission Point Score) is calculated from your final Grade 12 results in six subjects (excluding Life Orientation). Here’s the standard scoring scale:
| NSC Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 80–100% | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 |
To calculate your APS, add up the points for your six best subjects.
📚 SMU APS Requirements by Programme (2025/2026)
Below is the official list of SMU undergraduate degrees and the minimum APS required for each:
| Programme | Minimum APS |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) | 35 |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | 35 |
| Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH) | 28 |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) | 32 |
| Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy | 32 |
| Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy | 32 |
| Bachelor of Science in Dietetics | 32 |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science | 30 |
| Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) | 30 |
| Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Sciences) | 30 |
| Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) | 30 |
| Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) | 30 |
| Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health | 28 |
| Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences | 32 |
| Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography | 30 |
| Bachelor of Nuclear Medicine | 30 |
| Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice | 30 |
| Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences | 30 |
Application Tips
- Apply early – SMU programmes are highly competitive and spaces are limited.
- Ensure your NSC/IEB results meet the APS and subject requirements for your programme.
- Visit the official SMU website to apply: https://www.smu.ac.za