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?
Source: UGC
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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.
What are the requirements to study medicine at Medunsa?
Sefako Makgatho University provides students with a platform to undergo training in health sciences. Therefore, the selection is quite competitive, and one has to meet all the set requirements to gain a spot.
Source: UGC
Sefako Makgatho University was previously known as the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA). The medical institution is named in honour of Sefako Makgatho, a former South African politician and the second president of the African National Congress. Today, it is commonly referred to as SMU.
Once selected students attain the Medunsa requirements, the institution ensures that they can complete their studies in the minimum duration. Here are the requirements to study medicine at Medunsa in 2025:
- Obtain a national curriculum statement NCS with at least 5 out of the usual 7 subjects in grade 12.
- Scored a minimum achievement level of 50 per cent in the 5 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.
| 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 |
Sefako Makgatho courses and requirements
There are various courses for one to study at the institution. Here are some of Medunsa's courses:
- School of Health Care Sciences: Bachelor of Sciences in Dietetics.
- School of Medicine: Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography.
- School of Oral Health Sciences: Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
- School of Pharmacy: Bachelor of Pharmacy.
- School of Science and Technology: Bachelor of Science.
Requirements for Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
To pursue the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), applicants must meet specific academic and selection criteria.
- Applicants must possess an NSC with a Bachelor's endorsement.
- A minimum APS of 35 is required. The APS is calculated based on performance in specific subjects.
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%).
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 is an overview of the key requirements:
- Applicants must have an NSC endorsed 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?
The APS score for medicine at Medunsa University is at least 38. Students are selected based on the following four 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 Medunsa MBChB extended programme?
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 programme 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 to study your dream course.
Briefly.co.za published an article on Medicine Courses: All you need to know about how you can study medicine 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
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