Sefako Makgatho University 2026 Application Guide: How to Apply

If you’re considering applying for a diploma, higher certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program at Sefako Makgatho University, this guide contains all the crucial details to help you navigate the application process successfully. Applications for the 2026 academic year will open on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, so it’s best to begin your preparations early.

Sefako Makgatho University 2026 Admission Open

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), a leading medical university located in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng Province, South Africa, is ranked 41st in Africa by Times Higher Education. SMU is committed to offering professional training and education in a variety of health sciences fields, with a strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, learning, innovative research, and community engagement. Applications for the 2026 academic year are now open online

Sefako Makgatho University 2026 Application Deadlines

The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) application period for both domestic and international admissions for the 2026 academic year will begin on 1 April 2025. To ensure your application is processed, please submit all required documents and fees by the following deadlines:

Thursday, 31 July 2025, for undergraduate programs
Saturday, 30 August 2025, for postgraduate programs

List of Courses offered at SMU for the 2026 academic intake year

Below are the faculties and their respective courses offered at the Sefako Makgatho University.

School of Medicine

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Extended Curriculum (MBChB – ECP)
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (DIP EMC)
Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (HCERT EMC)
Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B RAD)

School of Dentistry

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Bachelor of Dental Therapy (BDT)
Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH)

School of Pharmacy

Higher Certificate in Vaccinology
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

School of Health Care Sciences

Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM)
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B OCC THER)
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physio)
Bachelor of Audiology (B AUD01)
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology

School of Science and Technology

Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc-ECP (Bachelor of Science – Extended Curriculum Programme)

SMU Admission Requirements For 2026 Intake

Students are initially offered a provisional place based on their final Grade 11 results. To be pre-selected, Grade 11 students must meet the following criteria:

Achieve an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 37.
Obtain a good pass in the following subjects:
- English
- Life Sciences
- Physical Science
- Mathematics
- Life Orientation
A relevant matriculation or examination results that qualifies enrolment into a degree program

However, pre-selection does not guarantee admission, as final decisions are made based on Grade 12 results. Admissions are competitive, with limited spaces available.

If an applicant’s Grade 12 performance in any of the five specified subjects or their total APS score falls below their Grade 11 results, or if their performance remains the same but is lower than that of other applicants, the pre-selection offer may be withdrawn. In such cases, the student’s application will be returned to the general pool and considered based on their Grade 12 performance in the same five subjects.

N.B.: Download the 2026 SMU prospectus to explore all entry requirements. Click Here to download it

Documents Required for SMU 2026 Applications

All prospective students are required by the Sefako Makgatho University to submit the following documents as part of the application process:

Certified copy of your ID/passport document (compulsory).
Certified Grade 11 end-of-year examination results (for those currently in grade 12) or your National Senior/Matric/IEB Certificate (if you have already completed Grade 12).
Certified copies of your degree certificate(s) and academic record (if you attended or are currently a student at SMU or another university).
Certified copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable).
Proof of payment of the compulsory and non-refundable application fee
A valid email address and contact number

How to Apply at SMU 2026

Follow the guidelines and steps below to apply to the Sefako Makgatho University for admission 2026

Go to www.smu.ac.za.
Select Online Applications.
Choose “No” if you’re a new applicant, and “No” again if you want to complete the application later.
Agree to POPI Act
Type in your Token Specific to Qualification (provided by SMU).
Click the “Next Button” to proceed.
List all relatives and payment-responsible parties’ full names.
Enter your address and phone number.
Select your qualification type (e.g., undergraduate or postgraduate).
Enter your last school leaving certificate number and matriculation/Grade 12 year.
Fill in all required fields, including personal and academic details.
Enter the name of your most recent high school.
Choose the qualifications, campus, and instruction language.
Upload all supporting documents.
Double-check all entered details for accuracy.
Confirm accuracy and submit your application.
Pay the R300 non-refundable application fee and upload proof of payment.

SMU Accommodation Applications 2026

The application system includes an option for students to apply for university accommodation. If you require a place in university residence, you must indicate this on your application. Please note that there are limited spaces available in the university residences, and being admitted to study at SMU does not automatically guarantee accommodation. Residence placements are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and the university is not obligated to provide a residence spot.

Sefako Makgatho University Financial Aid

As a first-year student at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, if you have achieved 80% or higher in your Grade 12 final examinations, you may be eligible for a merit bursary if you are pursuing your first degree after completing Grade 12. Students who do not meet the criteria for the automatic bursary are encouraged to apply for external bursaries, including the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

How to Check SMU Admission Status

Follow the steps below to check your Sefako Makgatho University 2026 application status

Go to www.smu.ac.za.
Select Check Admission status
Enter your E-mail address and Password.
Select the 2026 academic year.
Follow the instructions to view your admission status

SMU Contact Details for 2026 Applications

If you need assistance with your Sefako Makgatho University 2026 application, use the contact details below:

Physical Address: Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng
Postal Address: Registry, P.O Box 60, Medunsa, 0204
Contact details: Phone: (012) 521-5057 / 5059 / 5062, Fax: (012) 560-0086

To learn more, go to the official website by clicking here.

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