The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Extended Program (MBChB-ECP) is reserved for South African Black learners from Quinle 1 and 2 schools who have not previously been engaged in tertiary education and have not been able to get admission into the six-year SMU medicine degree program (MBChB). Applicants that do not meet the above criteria are declined. Only 50 spaces are available on a competitive basis. After completing the one-year foundation program, students enter the mainstream SMU MBChB program.
The MBChB Extended Curriculum Programme is designed to provide additional academic and foundational support to students from disadvantaged educational backgrounds who show strong potential for medical study. The first year focuses on bridging sciences, study skills, and contextual learning before students join the mainstream MBChB programme. This qualification addresses South Africa's need to transform the medical profession and expand access to quality healthcare education for students from under-resourced communities.
