Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physio) Course Requirements at SMU
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University · School of Health Care Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physio) is a bachelor's Degree offered by SMU for 2027 learners, taking 4 years minimum 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 Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physio) at SMU
- Applicants need the National Senior Certificate with Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English each at level 4, two additional subjects at level 4 each, and Life Orientation at level 4.
About this course
Physiotherapy graduates assess, treat and prevent disorders of human movement, pain and physical dysfunction across all age groups, using techniques such as mobilisation, manipulation, massage and tailored exercise programmes. The profession also has a strong role in community and workplace health promotion. Graduates can work in public and private hospitals, community clinics, sports settings, schools for children with special needs, or set up their own private practice.
Possible careers
Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Lecturer Or Researcher, Private-Practice Physiotherapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Sports Physiotherapist
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physio)
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: Physiotherapist 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 Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physio).
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.
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.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s own official application page.
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- Duration
- 4 years minimum
- NQF Level
- 8
- APS / Points
- Total minimum 28 admission points (Mathematics 4, Physical Sciences 4, Life Sciences 4, English 4, two additional subjects at 4 each, Life Orientation 4)
- Campus
- Ga-Rankuwa Campus, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.
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.