Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology Course Requirements at SMU
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University · School of Health Care Sciences
The Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology is a bachelor's Degree offered by SMU for 2027 learners. 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 Speech-Language Pathology at SMU
Selection is determined by the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Applicants need Mathematics, English and Life Sciences each at level 4, a Home Language or First Additional Language subject at level 4, Life Orientation at level 3, and two further subjects at level 3 each.
About this course
This degree prepares speech-language pathologists to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of speech, language, voice, feeding and swallowing disorders, whether developmental or acquired, including cases resulting from strokes or other functional impairments. Graduates also counsel affected individuals and work with other healthcare professionals in patient care. Admission is limited and applicants must observe clinical practice before final selection.
Possible careers
Communication Disorders Specialist, Feeding And Swallowing Disorder Specialist, Rehabilitation Therapist, Speech-Language Therapist
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 Speech-Language Pathology
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Communication Disorders Specialist. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
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.
View all Courses at SMU
- NQF Level
- 8
- APS / Points
- Total minimum 25 admission points (Mathematics 4, English 4, Life Sciences 4, Home Language/First Additional 4, Life Orientation 3, two additional subjects at 3 each)
- 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.