Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a premier public health sciences university located in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, in the Gauteng Province. Established on 1 January 2015, SMU is dedicated to the education and training of healthcare professionals and scientists, developing skilled, competent, and compassionate graduates who contribute to improving healthcare delivery across South Africa and the African continent.
With a strong commitment to academic excellence and research innovation, SMU offers comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs across five major schools: Medicine, Oral Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Health Care Sciences, and Science and Technology. The university leverages state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty members, and partnerships with leading healthcare institutions.
SMU is recognized as a NSFAS-eligible institution, providing financial support to eligible South African students. The university’s commitment to accessibility and equity ensures that talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds can pursue careers in healthcare and related fields.
Prospective students planning to apply to SMU for the 2026 academic year should note the following critical deadlines.
Undergraduate Application Deadline: 31 July 2026 (2027 applications open from 1 April 2026). Postgraduate Application Deadline: 31 August 2026. First-Year Student Registration: 27 – 30 January 2026. Orientation Programme: 27 – 30 January 2026. Returning Student Registration: From 5 January 2026. First Semester: January/February 2026. Second Semester: July/August 2026.
Only online applications are accepted. Late applications will not be considered. All students must complete financial clearance before commencing studies.
SMU maintains a transparent fees structure for its diverse range of programs. Tuition costs vary depending on program level and discipline, ranging approximately from R30,000 to R121,000 per annum. The application fee is R200 (non-refundable).
All fee payments must be made to the university’s Standard Bank account (Account: 071244395, Branch: 020909). The university does not accept cash payments. Students must pay fees on time before each semester, or adequate arrangements must be made during registration.
Eligible students can access NSFAS funding, which covers tuition, registration, books, accommodation, transportation, and living expenses. Additional scholarships, bursaries, and payment plans may be available through the Scholarship and Financial Aid office.
Admission to SMU requires meeting specific academic and entry criteria that vary by program. Undergraduate students must possess a valid National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with appropriate subject grades.
Typical Requirements: Valid NSC or equivalent from a recognized institution, minimum university admission requirements, strong performance in Mathematics and Science (typically at least 60%) for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy programs, South African citizenship or valid study permit, and health clearances where required.
Postgraduate Requirements: Relevant bachelor’s degree, specific GPA requirements, academic transcripts, and research proposals or interviews depending on the program. Some specialization programs may require prior clinical experience.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s main campus is located in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, in the Gauteng Province. The campus is strategically situated to provide students with access to leading healthcare facilities, clinical training opportunities, and research centers throughout the Pretoria and Johannesburg metropolitan areas.
SMU boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to support world-class health sciences education and research. The campus includes modern teaching laboratories, simulation centers, well-equipped lecture halls, research facilities, a comprehensive library, student accommodation services, healthcare clinics, sports and recreational facilities, and computer laboratories.
The university maintains partnerships with major public and private hospitals and clinics throughout Gauteng, providing students with extensive clinical training opportunities. The Ga-Rankuwa location provides convenient access to Pretoria’s major academic and healthcare institutions and transport links to Johannesburg.
SMU only accepts online applications. Visit the official SMU website at www.smu.ac.za and navigate to the online application section. Create an applicant account, select your program and level of study, and complete all required fields.
Upload supporting documents including academic transcripts and identity documents. Pay the non-refundable application fee of R200 to the Standard Bank account provided. Submit your completed application before the deadline and monitor your status through the online portal.
Late applications will not be considered. For technical issues or questions, contact SMU’s admissions office at 012-521-058. Upon acceptance, complete online registration during the designated period. First-time students must attend the mandatory orientation programme.
Main Switchboard: (012) 521-4111. Admissions Office: 012-521-058, 4315, 4319, 4137, 4204, 5886, 4979. Registration and Student Services: 012-521-4204, 4319, 4644, 5057. Fax: (012) 560-0086. Website: www.smu.ac.za.
Physical Address: Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
Student Support Services: SMU provides comprehensive support including academic advising, counseling, disability support, accommodation assistance, healthcare services, library resources, and career development programs.
SMU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple health sciences disciplines, all designed to meet international standards.
Key programs: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) – six-year undergraduate medicine program. Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) – comprehensive pharmacy degree. Dental Programs – BDS, BDT, and BOH through the School of Oral Health Sciences. Health Care Sciences – Emergency Medical Care, Physiotherapy, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing. Postgraduate Programs – Master of Medicine (MMed), MSc, PhD programs, and specialist diplomas. Science Programs – through the School of Science and Technology.
All programs emphasize practical training, research, and clinical experience through partnerships with major hospitals and healthcare facilities in Pretoria and Gauteng Province.
SMU is an NSFAS-approved institution, offering eligible South African students access to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. NSFAS funding covers tuition fees, registration costs, books, accommodation, transportation, and living expenses for full-time undergraduate students.
NSFAS Eligibility: SASSA recipients automatically qualify, or combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per year, or individuals with disabilities with household income not exceeding R600,000. Applicants must be South African citizens, accepted as full-time undergraduate students, and first-time undergraduates.
All major health sciences disciplines including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and related health professions are covered by NSFAS. Beyond NSFAS, SMU offers various scholarships, bursaries, and payment plan options through its Scholarship and Financial Aid office.