Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B RAD) Course Requirements at SMU
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University · School of Health Care Sciences
The Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B RAD) is a bachelor's Degree offered by SMU for 2027 learners, taking 4 years minimum, up to 6 years maximum to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B RAD) at SMU
Applicants need the National Senior Certificate for degree purposes with Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and English each at a minimum achievement level of 4.
About this course
This degree prepares students to operate imaging equipment and produce diagnostic images used to detect and monitor disease and injury. Clinical training takes place at accredited hospitals across Gauteng, Limpopo and North West provinces, giving students hands-on exposure alongside classroom learning. Graduates can pursue further specialisation in areas such as ultrasound, mammography or nuclear medicine.
Possible careers
Diagnostic Radiographer, Mammographer, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Radiography Lecturer, Radiotherapist, Ultrasonographer
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply directly through SMU's online e-Student Recruitment Portal (https://www.smu.ac.za/e-student-recruitment-portal/) between 1 April and 31 July of the year before intake; a non-refundable R300 application fee is payable.
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B RAD)
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Good sign: Medical Diagnostic Radiographer appears on South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand, a Department of Higher Education and Training analysis of employer hiring activity. Employers have been reporting real recruitment pressure for this role, which generally works in your favour once you’ve completed Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B RAD).
NSFAS funding
As a Bachelor's Degree at SMU, a public institution, this course generally falls within NSFAS’s undergraduate funding scope. Funding is means-tested and not automatic, so confirm your own eligibility at nsfas.org.za before relying on it.
Admission chances
SMU’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with SMU and NSFAS.
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- Duration
- 4 years minimum, up to 6 years maximum
- NQF Level
- 8
- APS / Points
- Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and English each at a minimum NSC achievement level of 4 (no single combined APS total specified; achievement levels range from level 7 = 80-100% down to level 1 = 0-29%)
- Campus
- Ga-Rankuwa Campus, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria
Related courses
Source: sefako-makgatho-health-sciences-university.json, last verified 2026-08-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University before applying.