Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Late Applications Link 2026
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a public specialised university in South Africa that focuses exclusively on health sciences education and research.
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It offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in fields such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Oral Health, and Health Care Sciences.
Many prospective students aim to study at SMU for the 2026 academic year, but some miss the original application deadlines and look for a late application link or another chance to apply.
What were the official SMU application dates for 2026?
SMU’s online applications for the 2026 academic year opened on 1 April 2025 for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
According to the official SMU application FAQs, the closing dates were:
- 31 July 2025 for most undergraduate programmes, including health sciences degrees.
- 29 August 2025 for postgraduate programmes.
This means that the official application period ended in August 2025, and those were the final dates SMU published for receiving online applications.
Does SMU accept late applications for 2026?
No. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University does not allow late applications for the 2026 intake once the published closing dates have passed.
The official SMU guidance states that late applications and walk-ins will not be allowed because the university receives a large volume of applications for each programme.
This means that if you did not submit your application by 31 July 2025 (undergraduate) or 29 August 2025 (postgraduate), SMU will not accept your application for the 2026 academic year.
There is no official late applications link on the university website where you can submit a new application after the deadline.
Why are late applications not accepted?
SMU states that it receives more applications than the number of available spaces in each programme.
Because of this high demand, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, and the university finalises selections once the deadline passes.
The policy to refuse late applications helps SMU manage this high volume of applicants.
Where was the official SMU application link?
All applicants for SMU had to apply via the official online application portal on the university’s site. There is no separate portal for late applications.
The official way to start an application was:
Visit https://www.smu.ac.za/students/apply/online-application/ to begin the application process.
From this portal, you could register a profile, submit personal and academic details, upload certified supporting documents (such as your ID or passport, academic records, and proof of payment), and submit your application.
What if I missed the SMU application deadline?
If you missed the SMU application deadlines in 2025:
- You cannot submit a late application for 2026. SMU’s official policy is that applications received after the published deadlines will not be accepted.
- Contact SMU Admissions immediately to confirm whether any special exceptions exist (rare and only by invitation).
- Prepare for the next application cycle (2027) when applications usually open around 1 April 2026.
- You may also consider applying to other universities with open or later deadlines for 2026 entry.
The SMU prospectus also explicitly states that late applications will not be considered.
How do I check my SMU application status?
After submitting your application before the deadline, SMU will communicate the outcome via email or SMS after selections are made.
You can also check your status on the university’s online portal (Self Help portal) once selections are released in January 2026, after the Grade 12 exam results are available.
Official SMU requirements and fees
When submitting your application before the deadline, you typically need to provide:
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport.
- Certified academic results (Grade 11 final or Grade 12 results when available).
- Proof of payment of the application fee (the university charges a non-refundable fee for the application).
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as final selection depends on academic performance and available space.
Official SMU contact information
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University – Admissions Help:
- Application/Enquiries email: apply@smu.ac.za
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Admissions Phone: +27 (0)12 521 4204 / 4319 / 4644 / 5057
- General SMS/Enquiry: 012 521 4204 / 4319 / 4644 / 5057
- Postal Address: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria North, Gauteng, South Africa.
- Official Website: https://www.smu.ac.za
FAQs
Can I submit a late application for SMU 2026?
No. SMU does not accept late applications after the published closing dates.
When did SMU 2026 applications close?
Undergraduate applications closed on 31 July 2025 and postgraduate on 29 August 2025.
Was there a separate late applications link for SMU 2026?
No. There was only the official online application portal; no late link was provided.
Can I still check the status of my application?
Yes. Status updates are usually sent by email and can also be checked on the SMU self-help portal in January 2026.
What happens if I missed the SMU deadline?
You cannot apply for 2026 at SMU and must prepare for the 2027 cycle. Consider other universities with open applications.
How many qualifications can I apply for?
SMU allows a maximum of two qualifications per application.
What documents are required for SMU applications?
You need certified ID/passport copies, matric results or latest results, and proof of fee payment.
Is the SMU application fee refundable?
No. The application fee is non-refundable.
How will I be informed of admissions decisions?
SMU sends admissions outcomes by email and SMS after selections in January 2026.
Who do I contact for help with my SMU application?
Email apply@smu.ac.za or call +27 (0)12 521 4204 / 4319 / 4644 / 5057.
