Requirements to study medicine at MEDUNSA (Sefako Makgatho University)
One can embrace numerous courses and start a lucrative career today. However, one of the most prestigious courses in the world is in medicine. Medicine is not only a profession; it is a calling. It is a course that is not for the faint-hearted! So, what are the requirements to study medicine at MEDUNSA? Find out below.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Applicants must hold an NSC with a Bachelor's endorsement.
- A minimum APS of 38 is required, calculated based on specific subject performance.
- SMU offers provisional admission based on Grade 11 results.
- Admission is highly competitive due to limited spaces.
Requirements to study medicine at MEDUNSA in 2026
Sefako Makgatho University provides students with a platform to undergo training in medicine and health sciences. Therefore, the selection is quite competitive, and one has to meet all the set requirements to gain a spot. Generally, MEDUNSA requirements for medicine in 2026 are:
- An NCS with at least 5 out of the usual 7 subjects in grade 12.
- A minimum achievement level of 50 per cent in the 5 subjects.
- A minimum APS of 38 is required. The APS is calculated based on performance in specific subjects.
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission.
- Have a matriculation exemption certificate issued by the South African matriculation board.
- Have a pass mark in mathematics and physical science, a combined rating of 9 and higher, or a standard grade.
Source: UGC
Subject Requirements:
- English Language: Minimum performance level of 5 (60-69%).
- Mathematics: Minimum performance level of 5 (60-69%).
- Physical Science: Minimum performance level of 5 (60-69%).
- Life Sciences: Minimum performance level of 5 (60-69%).
- Life Orientation: Minimum performance level of 4 (50-59%).
- Two Additional Subjects: Each with a minimum performance level of 4 (50-59%).
Subjects | Minimum APS Points | SMU Admission Score for pre-selection |
English | 6 | 6 |
Mathematics | 6 | 6 |
Physical science | 6 | 6 |
Life Sciences | 6 | 6 |
Additional Subject 1 | 5 | |
Additional Subject 2 | 4 | |
Life Orientation | 5 | 5 |
Total | 38 points | 29 points |
Once selected, students attain the MEDUNSA requirements, the institution ensures that they can complete their studies in the minimum duration. You can download the requirements to study medicine at MEDUNSA PDF for more comprehensive details.
Sefako Makgatho courses
The institution offers a degree in medicine and other courses. Here are some of MEDUNSA's courses:
School of Medicine
- MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- MBChB (ECP - Extended Curriculum Programme)
- Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (BRad Diagn)
- Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
- Diploma in Emergency Medical Care
- M Med Degrees (Specialist training in Anaesthesiology, Dermatology, Family Medicine, Forensic Pathology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Public Health, Surgery, etc.)
School of Health Care Sciences
- Bachelor of Nursing Science
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
- Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
- Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing
- Postgraduate Diplomas in Public Health
School of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy
- PhD in Pharmacy
School of Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry & Biotechnology
- BSc in Biology & Environmental Sciences
- BSc in Chemistry & Chemical Technology
- BSc in Computer Science & Information Technology
- BSc in Mathematics & Applied Mathematics
- BSc in Physics
- BSc in Statistics
Postgraduate (Medical Sciences/Health)
- BSc (Hons) in Anatomical Pathology, Haematological Pathology, Medical Physics, Microbiology, Virology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychology
- MSc in Clinical Psychology/Physiology
- PhD/MD in Health Sciences (Nursing, Physiotherapy, OT, Dietetics, Public Health)
Requirements to study Nursing at MEDUNSA
To pursue a Bachelor of Nursing at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), applicants must meet specific academic and regulatory criteria.
- Applicants must possess an NSC or an equivalent school-leaving certificate with a full exemption certificate issued by the South African Matriculation Board.
- A minimum APS of 25 is required.
- Applicants must have achieved the following minimum performance levels:
Subject | Minimum Level (APS) |
Life Sciences | 4 (50-59%) |
Mathematics | 4 (50-59%) |
Physical Sciences | 4 (50-59%) |
Language of Learning/English | 4 (50-59%) |
Additional Subject 1 | 3 (40-49%) |
Additional Subject 2 | 3 (40-49%) |
Life Orientation | 3 (40-49%) |
Requirements to study Pharmacy at MEDUNSA
To pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), applicants must meet specific academic and selection criteria. Below are the key MEDUNSA requirements for pharmacy:
- Applicants must have an NSC endorsement for bachelor's degree study or an equivalent qualification with a matriculation exemption certificate issued by the South African Matriculation Board or Universities South Africa (USAf).
- A minimum APS of 25 is required.
- Applicants must have achieved the following minimum performance levels:
Subject | Minimum Level (APS) |
Mathematics | 5 (60-69%) |
Physical Sciences | 5 (60-69%) |
Life Sciences | 5 (60-69%) |
English (Home or First Additional Language) | 4 (50-59%) |
- Non-South African applicants should have A-Levels in Mathematics, Physical Science, Biology, and English, along with a matriculation exemption certificate from the South African Matriculation Board or USAf.
- Applicants with Health Sciences or BSc degrees will be considered for first-year enrollment.
What is the APS score needed for medicine at MEDUNSA?
The APS score for medicine at MEDUNSA is at least 38. Students are selected based on these subjects:
- English
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematics
However, a pre-selection offer may be withdrawn if the applicant’s offer in the above four subjects drops below their performance in the Grade 11 results.
What do you need for the MEDUNSAMBChB extended program?
For a student to qualify for the competitive MBChB modules at MEDUNSA, the institution converts one’s grade 12 achievement in specific subjects to enrol prospective candidates for the program. Therefore, an admission point of 32 is needed in addition to a program-specific minimum score in certain subjects.
Subject | Minimum APS Points |
Physical Science | 5 |
Life Sciences | 5 |
Mathematics | 5 |
English Language | 5 |
Life Orientation | 4 |
Additional Subject 1 | 4 |
Additional Subject 2 | 4 |
Total | 3 |
With the above-detailed read on the requirements to study medicine at MEDUNSA, you can be sure to find out if you are eligible or not. You will also find out what it needs for you need to study your dream course.
What are the matric requirements to study medicine at Wits?
To study medicine (MBBCh) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, you need an NSC with an APS of at least 40+ points (excluding Life Orientation), including Level 5 (60-69%) in English, Mathematics, and Physical Science/Life Sciences.
The selection process is highly competitive, with initial offers based on Grade 11 results, followed by National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores (40% weight) and final Grade 12 results.
The Grade 11 requirements to study medicine at Wits include high performance (likely 70-79%+ range) in English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, with a high overall Admission Point Score (APS).
Briefly.co.za published an article on all you need to know about how you can study Medicine Courses in South Africa.
South Africa has numerous world-class institutions offering rigorous medical training to its students. With these intuitions, one is guaranteed to graduate with impeccable skills needed in the field.
Source: Briefly News
Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for seven years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo has vast experience in search engine optimization through digital content generation, research, editing, and proofreading. She joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019 and completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
