Applicants must be first-time entering students pursuing their first degree immediately after Grade 12 and achieve an average of at least 80% in the final examinations. SMU calculates the average from the six best subjects under the old curriculum or all subjects except Life Orientation under the National Senior Certificate curriculum.
What it may cover
Funding and study level
Qualifying students receive a 50% tuition-fee waiver under the university's published merit-award rules. Other study costs, accommodation and living expenses are not stated as part of this award and require separate funding.
What to do
How the automatic award works
Check how this route worksAutomatic university consideration — no separate form. Old adverts and screenshots may have expired.
Compare the rules with your situationRead the short answer above one condition at a time. If a condition is unclear, ask the provider before sending documents.
Do not pay for a separate formApply for admission or register as required, keep your results and contact details current, and follow any evidence instruction in the short answer above.
Keep your records privateSave results, document lists, submitted forms and reference numbers that apply to you. Never share an OTP, password or banking PIN.
Direct answers
SMU First-Time Entering Student Merit Award questions
Who should check SMU First-Time Entering Student Merit Award?
Applicants must be first-time entering students pursuing their first degree immediately after Grade 12 and achieve an average of at least 80% in the final examinations. SMU calculates the average from the six best subjects under the old curriculum or all subjects except Life Orientation under the National Senior Certificate curriculum.
What can SMU First-Time Entering Student Merit Award pay for?
Qualifying students receive a 50% tuition-fee waiver under the university's published merit-award rules. Other study costs, accommodation and living expenses are not stated as part of this award and require separate funding.
Is SMU First-Time Entering Student Merit Award open now?
Automatic university consideration — no separate form. The official source was checked on 31 August 2026; confirm the live call before sending documents.