Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a top choice for health sciences training. Getting into their MBChB programme is tough, but it’s based on how well you do in school. This guide will help you figure out your Admission Point Score (APS) to boost your chances of getting into SMU’s MBChB programme.
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Understanding the Admission Point Score (APS)
The Admission Point Score (APS) is a points system used by South African universities to check applicants’ academic performance. It’s based on a student’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) or similar results. Each subject gets points that add up to the total APS Score. This score is key in deciding if a student can join a programme.
Prerequisites for MBChB Programme at SMU
To apply for the MBChB programme at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), you must meet certain requirements. You need a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 38. This score comes from your marks in five subjects, including Life Orientation.
For the MBChB programme, you must study certain subjects. These are English Language, Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Science. You should get at least a 6 (60-69%) in each of these subjects. These subjects help prepare you for the challenging medical course.
Calculating Your APS Score
Your Admission Point Score (APS) is key to getting into the MBChB programme at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). It’s based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or similar qualification.
Each subject gets a points value, adding up to your APS score. SMU provides a table that shows points for different qualifications like NSC, IGCSE, and A-Level.
APS Equivalency Conversion Table
The APS goes from 1 to 7, with 7 being the top and 1 the lowest. To figure out your APS, look at the points for your subject marks. Here’s how:
- A symbol (80 – 100%) = 7 points
- B symbol (70 – 79%) = 6 points
- C symbol (60 – 69%) = 5 points
- D symbol (50 – 59%) = 4 points
- E symbol (40 – 49%) = 3 points
- F symbol (30 – 39%) = 2 points
- G symbol (0 – 29%) = 1 point
Add up the points of 6 Matric subjects, leaving out Life Orientation. For instance, if Tsepho got: Mathematics 65% (APS 5), English 68% (APS 5), Afrikaans 59% (APS 4), and so on, their total APS is 32.
To be eligible, you need a certain APS score. For a Bachelor’s Degree, it’s at least 23, and for a Diploma, 19. Meeting these scores is a must for SMU.
But remember, the APS isn’t the only thing they look at. Your subject choices, grades, and how many spots are left also matter.
APS Score Criteria for Final Selection
The final choice for the MBChB programme at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) depends a lot on the Grade 12 results. If an applicant keeps or raises their Grade 11 pre-selection APS scores, they might get a firm offer, if there are spots left. But, if their scores go down or are lower than others, they’ll be in a pool for more checks.
Grade 12 Results Evaluation
The last step in choosing looks at the actual marks in five subjects, including Life Orientation. The selection is based on how well applicants did, as per the National Senior Certificate (NSC) rules:
- Outstanding achievement level:Â 80 – 100%
- Meritorious achievement level:Â 70 – 79%
- Substantial achievement level:Â 60 – 69%
- Adequate achievement level:Â 50 – 59%
- Moderate achievement level:Â 40 – 49%
- Elementary achievement level:Â 30 – 39%
- Not achieved:Â 0 – 29%
The Admission Point Score (APS) is key in seeing if a student can join SMU’s academic programmes. It’s tied to the NSC results. The APS score goes from 1 to 8. Each subject gets a score that adds up to the Admission Point Score, which is crucial for getting into college.
Choosing for the MBChB programme at SMU is a detailed process. It looks at the Grade 12 results and APS scores of applicants. This ensures the best and most deserving students are picked.
Spaces Allocation for Different Categories
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), there are 250 spots for the MBChB programme. These spots go to different types of applicants to make sure everyone gets a chance. This includes matric students, those from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), SMU alumni, and more.
The SMU Faculty of Health Sciences picks students based on their merits, not just numbers. They use a merit-point scoring system to make sure everyone gets a fair shot.
- For school leavers, you need to meet certain standards and have the right certificate to apply.
- International students get a few spots, but SADC countries get priority.
- Offers are conditional until you pass your final exams and meet the criteria.
- There’s a waiting list for different groups, and spots can open up if others cancel or don’t take them.
SMU makes sure the MBChB programme is open to a wide range of applicants. They focus on giving everyone a fair chance through their selection process.
| Degree Programme | Minimum APS Requirement | Subject Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Dietetics | 28 | Specific subject achievements |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science | 28 | Specified subject requirements |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy | 30 | Particular subject achievement prerequisites |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy | 30 | Particular subject achievement prerequisites |
| Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostics) | 30 | Particular subject achievement prerequisites |
To get into degree programs at SMU, your APS score comes from six subjects rated 1 to 7. The top score is 42.
Waitlist and Merit-Based Consideration
There are only a few spots for the MBChB programme at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). Just meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t mean you’re in. If you do well and score high but aren’t in the top 145, you might be on a waitlist. You could get a spot if some of the chosen students say no.
SMU picks students based on how well they do academically and manages the waitlist. Those on the waitlist are ranked by their grades, with the top scorers first in line for any open spots. This way, the best candidates get a chance to join the MBChB programme.
The waitlist stays open until the second week after classes start. During this time, final offers are given out based on how well students did in their exams. If spots open up, offers can be made to those on the waitlist, giving them another chance.
SMU’s selection process values merit-based admission, giving the top students a shot at becoming doctors. This method promotes academic excellence and helps build a diverse, talented student body.
Application Process and Deadlines
The application process and deadlines for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) change often. Prospective applicants should check the university’s website or contact the admissions office for the latest info on the MBChB application process and application deadlines.
With that said, students looking to apply to SMU for the 2025 academic year need to take note of the following information below.
Application dates:
- The closing date for undergraduate programmes is Wednesday, 31 July 2024.
- Postgradute programmes are set to close on Friday, 30 August 2024.
You can submit applications for up to two study programmes. If you intend to apply for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, please submit separate applications for each and provide the necessary documents accordingly. However, there is only one application fee to be paid for both applications.
To apply for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, please use the online application portal to apply.Â
A non-refundable application fee of R300Â is required. Please use your ID or passport number as a reference when making the payment.
Please note that applications submitted manually by post or over the counter will not be accepted.
Fund Your Studies at SMU with Fundi
If you’ve received an acceptance letter from SMU, you may be ready to move onto the next step: Aquiring funding for your studies. This is where Fundi comes in to save the day.
Fundi offers educational loans for students in need of assistance, covering everything from tuition fees, textbooks, study devices and more.
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