{"id":350,"date":"2026-02-20T10:33:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T10:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/?p=350"},"modified":"2026-02-18T18:36:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T18:36:47","slug":"smu-aps-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/smu-aps-points\/","title":{"rendered":"SMU Health Sciences 2027: Specialised APS Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is South Africa\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Admission to SMU\u2019s 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).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SMU sets specific APS thresholds and subject minimums for each programme.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Achieving the minimum APS is essential to be considered for selection, but it does not guarantee admission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SMU typically uses the best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation or including it, depending on the programme\u2019s rules) to calculate your APS.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each subject is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/unizulu-aps-calculator\/\">assigned APS points<\/a> based on your percentage mark, and the total helps determine whether you meet the minimum requirement for your chosen health programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step-by-Step Instructions to Calculate Your SMU APS <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1: Collect Your NSC Results<br><\/strong>Get a copy of your final Grade 12 NSC results showing your percentage marks in all subjects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2: List Six Subjects<br><\/strong>Choose your strongest six subjects that meet programme subject requirements (English, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Science, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3: Use the APS Conversion Table<br><\/strong>Convert your percentage marks into APS points using the table below.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4: Add Your APS Points<br><\/strong>Add the APS points for your six selected subjects to get your total APS score.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 5: Compare With Programme Requirements<br><\/strong>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SMU APS Conversion Table (NSC % to APS Points)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is the standard APS conversion scale used by SMU for NSC results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>NSC Percentage<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>APS Points<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>90\u2013100%<\/td><td>7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>80\u201389%<\/td><td>6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>70\u201379%<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>60\u201369%<\/td><td>4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>50\u201359%<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>40\u201349%<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>30\u201339%<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>0\u201329%<\/td><td>0 (Fail)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">General SMU Health Sciences Admission Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply for health sciences programmes at SMU:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You must hold a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor\u2019s degree endorsement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must meet the minimum APS specified for your chosen programme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must achieve the minimum required marks in specific subjects as detailed below.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selection is competitive; meeting the minimum APS and subject criteria does not guarantee admission.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specialised APS Requirements for SMU Health Sciences Programmes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are the minimum APS and subject requirements for key health sciences programmes at SMU.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These requirements reflect official faculty admission rules and recent admissions guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bachelor of Dietetics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum APS: 25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject Minimums:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mathematics: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical Sciences: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English (LOLT): 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Sciences: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Orientation: 3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two additional subjects: minimum 3 each<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total APS: 25 required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum APS: 25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject Minimums:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Life Sciences: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mathematics: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical Sciences: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English (LOLT): 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Orientation: 3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two other subjects: 3 each<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total APS: 25 required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bachelor of Occupational Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum APS: 25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject Minimums:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English: 4 each<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Orientation: 3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two additional subjects: 3 each<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total APS: 25 required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bachelor of Physiotherapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum APS: 28<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject Minimums:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Life Sciences: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mathematics: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical Science: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English (LOLT): 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Orientation: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two other subjects: 4 each<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total APS: 28 required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum APS: 25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject Minimums:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mathematics: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Sciences: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language (home or first additional): 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Orientation: 3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two other subjects: 3 each<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total APS: 25 required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bachelor of Audiology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum APS: 25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject Minimums:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mathematics: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Sciences: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language (home or first additional): 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Orientation: 3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two additional subjects: 3 each<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total APS: 25 required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dentistry (BDS) Programmes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dentistry at SMU usually requires a higher minimum APS depending on specific calendar rules, with competitive subject criteria similar to other clinical programmes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many applicants aim for APS totals above the baseline and specific NSC levels in Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Subject Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>English proficiency at a minimum level 4 is required in almost all health science programmes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mathematics and Physical Sciences are compulsory for most clinical degrees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Sciences is a core subject for health and biomedical programmes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life Orientation often contributes to APS totals but usually at a lower weighting.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Admission Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to APS and subject requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SMU may require you to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) for undergraduate programmes before the application closing date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must meet the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hpcsa.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Health Professions Council of South Africa<\/a> (HPCSA) requirements where applicable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selection is competitive, and faculty selection committees make final decisions based on merit and capacity.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is South Africa\u2019s 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.&nbsp; Admission to SMU\u2019s health sciences programmes for the 2027 academic year is competitive and based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":228,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"iawp_total_views":33,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-applications"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=350"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":351,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350\/revisions\/351"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/228"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}