SMU Health Sciences 2027: Specialised APS Requirements

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is South Africa’s dedicated health sciences university, focused on training health professionals in fields such as Medicine, Nursing, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and more. 

Admission to SMU’s health sciences programmes for the 2027 academic year is competitive and based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results and a calculated Admission Point Score (APS). 

SMU sets specific APS thresholds and subject minimums for each programme. 

Achieving the minimum APS is essential to be considered for selection, but it does not guarantee admission.

SMU typically uses the best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation or including it, depending on the programme’s rules) to calculate your APS. 

Each subject is assigned APS points based on your percentage mark, and the total helps determine whether you meet the minimum requirement for your chosen health programme.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Calculate Your SMU APS

• Step 1: Collect Your NSC Results
  Get a copy of your final Grade 12 NSC results showing your percentage marks in all subjects.
• Step 2: List Six Subjects
  Choose your strongest six subjects that meet programme subject requirements (English, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Science, etc.).
• Step 3: Use the APS Conversion Table
  Convert your percentage marks into APS points using the table below.
• Step 4: Add Your APS Points
  Add the APS points for your six selected subjects to get your total APS score.
• Step 5: Compare With Programme Requirements
  Check the specialised APS and subject requirements for your chosen SMU health programme. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission because final selection is competitive.

SMU APS Conversion Table (NSC % to APS Points)

Here is the standard APS conversion scale used by SMU for NSC results:

NSC Percentage	APS Points
90–100%	7
80–89%	6
70–79%	5
60–69%	4
50–59%	3
40–49%	2
30–39%	1
0–29%	0 (Fail)

Use this table to convert each of your subject marks into points. Most programmes require high achievement levels in core subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences, and English.

General SMU Health Sciences Admission Requirements

To apply for health sciences programmes at SMU:

1. You must hold a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s degree endorsement.
2. You must meet the minimum APS specified for your chosen programme.
3. You must achieve the minimum required marks in specific subjects as detailed below.
4. Selection is competitive; meeting the minimum APS and subject criteria does not guarantee admission.

Specialised APS Requirements for SMU Health Sciences Programmes

Below are the minimum APS and subject requirements for key health sciences programmes at SMU. 

These requirements reflect official faculty admission rules and recent admissions guidance.

Bachelor of Dietetics

• Minimum APS: 25
• Subject Minimums:
  • Mathematics: 4
  • Physical Sciences: 4
  • English (LOLT): 4
  • Life Sciences: 4
  • Life Orientation: 3
  • Two additional subjects: minimum 3 each
• Total APS: 25 required

Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM)

• Minimum APS: 25
• Subject Minimums:
  • Life Sciences: 4
  • Mathematics: 4
  • Physical Sciences: 4
  • English (LOLT): 4
  • Life Orientation: 3
  • Two other subjects: 3 each
• Total APS: 25 required

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

• Minimum APS: 25
• Subject Minimums:
  • Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English: 4 each
  • Life Orientation: 3
  • Two additional subjects: 3 each
• Total APS: 25 required

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

• Minimum APS: 28
• Subject Minimums:
  • Life Sciences: 4
  • Mathematics: 4
  • Physical Science: 4
  • English (LOLT): 4
  • Life Orientation: 4
  • Two other subjects: 4 each
• Total APS: 28 required

Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology

• Minimum APS: 25
• Subject Minimums:
  • Mathematics: 4
  • English: 4
  • Life Sciences: 4
  • Language (home or first additional): 4
  • Life Orientation: 3
  • Two other subjects: 3 each
• Total APS: 25 required

Bachelor of Audiology

• Minimum APS: 25
• Subject Minimums:
  • Mathematics: 4
  • English: 4
  • Life Sciences: 4
  • Language (home or first additional): 4
  • Life Orientation: 3
  • Two additional subjects: 3 each
• Total APS: 25 required

Dentistry (BDS) Programmes

Dentistry at SMU usually requires a higher minimum APS depending on specific calendar rules, with competitive subject criteria similar to other clinical programmes. 

Many applicants aim for APS totals above the baseline and specific NSC levels in Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Science.

Other Subject Requirements

1. English proficiency at a minimum level 4 is required in almost all health science programmes.
2. Mathematics and Physical Sciences are compulsory for most clinical degrees.
3. Life Sciences is a core subject for health and biomedical programmes.
4. Life Orientation often contributes to APS totals but usually at a lower weighting.

Other Admission Criteria

In addition to APS and subject requirements:

1. SMU may require you to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) for undergraduate programmes before the application closing date.
2. You must meet the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) requirements where applicable.
3. Selection is competitive, and faculty selection committees make final decisions based on merit and capacity.