SMU NBT Requirements 2027: Health Science Entry

The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a specialised university focused on Health Sciences, including programmes like Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Pharmacy, BSc in Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and other allied health qualifications. 

SMU’s selection process is highly competitive because of limited spaces and high demand for health science degrees. 

A common question from applicants is whether the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are required for entry, especially into health science programmes such as medicine. 

Are NBTs Compulsory for Health Science Entry at SMU in 2027?

Yes. Students applying to competitive health science programmes such as MBChB (Medicine and Surgery) and similar degrees are required to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) before or during the application process. 

Multiple credible admissions guides note that NBTs are part of the requirements for competitive undergraduate health science programmes and should be written ahead of application closing dates.

This means that if you want to apply to medicine and most other health science degrees at SMU for 2027, you must register for and complete the NBTs as part of your preparation and application documentation.

List of Programmes Where NBTs Are Considered or Required

At SMU, the NBT Requirements 2027 apply especially to the following competitive health science programmes:

1. MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) – core medical degree programme with highly competitive selection.
2. BPharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) – pharmacy degree.
3. BSc Dietetics – dietetics programme.
4. Oral Health Sciences and Audiology – allied health sciences.

For other less competitive or diploma-level programmes, NBTs may still be required depending on the structure of selection panels or internal assessments, but the primary emphasis for health science degrees is that you should complete the NBTs.

Comparison Between NBT Scores and APS Scores at SMU

APS (Admission Point Score) is a central component of SMU’s admission criteria. 

Your APS is calculated from your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, with specific subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English carrying significant weight. 

For programmes such as MBChB, SMU typically expects high achievement levels and adequate subject results, often with scores well above the minimum APS for a basic bachelor’s degree.

NBT scores are separate from APS and are not included in APS calculations. 

Instead, NBT results provide an additional measure of your academic literacy, quantitative literacy, and mathematics competence through standard national tests. 

At SMU, NBT results are used by selection committees as part of the overall evaluation of your suitability for health science degrees. 

This means:

• APS reflects school performance and determines minimum eligibility and ranking for programmes.
• NBT results are considered alongside APS by selection committees, especially for competitive degrees like medicine. Strong NBT results can help demonstrate academic readiness, particularly when APS and subject strength alone may not differentiate among many strong applicants.

In some cases, universities that require NBTs use a weighted formula or selection process that incorporates both NSC achievement and NBT performance; while SMU does not publicly publish exact weighting, credible admissions guides assert that NBT results must be available to be considered.

How to Register for the National Benchmark Tests (NBT)

If you are applying to SMU Health Sciences and need to write the NBTs for 2027 admission:

1. Visit the official NBT website and access the registration portal.
2. Create an account using your personal details and a valid email.
3. Select the test modules you need: most applicants write Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and, if required or recommended, the Mathematics Test (MAT).
4. Choose your preferred test date and centre. NBT sessions are held multiple times each year at various centres throughout South Africa.
5. Pay the registration fee for the NBT.
6. Include your NBT reference number on your university applications so institutions can access your results.

NBT results are typically valid for more than one admission cycle, so one test may serve multiple applications.

How to Apply to SMU for Health Science Programmes in 2027

To apply to SMU for programmes like MBChB, Pharmacy, Dietetics, or Allied Health Sciences in 2027:

1. Visit the official SMU application portal and register an applicant profile.
2. Complete the online application form with personal and academic information, including your NSC results.
3. Attach certified copies of your NSC results and identification, plus your NBT results once available.
4. Ensure you meet the minimum APS and subject requirements specified for the health science programme you apply to (for example, strong levels in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences for MBChB).
5. Submit your application before the closing date, usually mid-year (for example, in July). Late applications may not be considered.

After submitting, monitor your application and respond to any requests from SMU regarding interviews, additional documents, or placement tests.

Bursaries for SMU Health Science Applicants 

Students applying to SMU’s health science programmes can consider these bursaries and funding options:

1. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) — Provides funding to eligible South African students to cover tuition, accommodation, and allowances.
2. SMU Financial Aid Office bursaries — University-administered bursaries based on academic merit and financial need.
3. Health science–specific scholarships from government funds, trusts, and professional associations supporting degrees in medicine, pharmacy, and allied health fields.

Check both the NSFAS portal and the SMU financial aid pages for eligibility criteria, how to apply, and deadlines.