SMU Fees 2025 – Registration Fees
If you’re planning to pursue your studies at Sefako Makgatho University (SMU) in 2025, understanding the tuition fees and associated costs is an essential step in your academic planning. SMU is one of South Africa’s prominent universities, offering a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional qualifications. The institution is known for its high-quality education, particularly in the fields of health sciences, social sciences, and business.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the tuition fees for SMU in 2025, including details on various programs, payment options, and financial assistance opportunities. Whether you’re a prospective undergraduate or postgraduate student, this guide will help you navigate the costs associated with studying at SMU.
About Sefako Makgatho University (SMU)
Sefako Makgatho University, based in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, is a prominent South African public university that offers a variety of academic programs in diverse fields. Established in 2004, SMU was formerly known as MEDUNSA (Medical University of Southern Africa) and is now a fully accredited institution providing a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The university is especially well-regarded for its health sciences programs, but it also offers qualifications in education, law, human sciences, business, and natural sciences.
SMU Tuition Fees for 2025
The tuition fees at SMU in 2025 will vary depending on the program, your year of study, and whether you’re a South African citizen or an international student. Below is an estimated breakdown of tuition fees for some of the major undergraduate and postgraduate programs at SMU.
1. Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate programs at SMU span across various faculties, including Health Sciences, Human Sciences, Management Sciences, and Education. Here’s an overview of the estimated tuition fees for popular undergraduate programs:
a. Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences is one of the most popular faculties at SMU. It offers undergraduate programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB):
- Tuition Fees: R50,000 to R60,000 per year
- Additional costs: laboratory fees, clinical rotation fees, and textbooks (R5,000 to R7,000)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS):
- Tuition Fees: R40,000 to R50,000 per year
- Additional costs: clinical fees and textbooks (R5,000 to R7,000)
- Bachelor of Nursing:
- Tuition Fees: R30,000 to R40,000 per year
- Additional costs: practical training and textbooks (R3,000 to R5,000)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy:
- Tuition Fees: R35,000 to R45,000 per year
- Additional costs: lab fees and books (R4,000 to R6,000)
b. Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities offers programs in fields such as psychology, sociology, and social work.
- Bachelor of Social Work:
- Tuition Fees: R25,000 to R30,000 per year
- Additional costs: fieldwork fees and textbooks (R2,000 to R4,000)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology:
- Tuition Fees: R22,000 to R28,000 per year
- Additional costs: course materials and books (R1,500 to R3,000)
c. Faculty of Management Sciences
The Faculty of Management Sciences offers business-related degrees such as Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and Bachelor of Public Administration.
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom):
- Tuition Fees: R20,000 to R30,000 per year
- Additional costs: textbooks and course materials (R2,000 to R5,000)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA):
- Tuition Fees: R22,000 to R28,000 per year
- Additional costs: study materials and course fees (R1,500 to R3,500)
d. Faculty of Education
The Faculty of Education offers programs aimed at training educators at various levels.
- Bachelor of Education (BEd):
- Tuition Fees: R18,000 to R25,000 per year
- Additional costs: study materials and books (R1,000 to R2,500)
2. Postgraduate Programs
SMU offers a variety of postgraduate qualifications including honours, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Below is an overview of the tuition fees for some of the popular postgraduate programs:
a. Master of Medicine (MMed)
The Master of Medicine program is aimed at medical professionals who want to specialize in various fields of medicine.
- Tuition Fees: R50,000 to R80,000 per year (depending on the specialization)
b. Master of Public Health (MPH)
The Master of Public Health is designed for individuals interested in public health management, research, and policy.
- Tuition Fees: R40,000 to R50,000 per year
c. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The MBA program at SMU is targeted at professionals seeking to develop leadership and managerial skills in a business environment.
- Tuition Fees: R80,000 to R100,000 per year
d. Master of Education (MEd)
The Master of Education program focuses on the development of educational leaders and researchers.
- Tuition Fees: R30,000 to R45,000 per year
3. International Students Fees
International students will generally pay higher tuition fees than South African students. The estimated fees for international students in 2025 are:
- Undergraduate Programs: R50,000 to R80,000 per year
- Postgraduate Programs: R80,000 to R120,000 per year
In addition, international students may be required to pay visa fees, health insurance, and other associated costs.
Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the tuition fees, there are various other costs that students should consider when budgeting for their studies at SMU:
- Registration Fees: R1,500 to R3,000 (usually required at the time of application and enrolment)
- Accommodation: R3,000 to R5,000 per month (on-campus or off-campus housing)
- Meals and Transport: R1,500 to R3,000 per month
- Study Materials: R1,000 to R5,000 per year depending on the program
Payment Options and Plans
SMU provides various payment options to accommodate students’ financial situations:
- Full Payment: Pay the full amount of tuition at the beginning of the academic year.
- Installment Payments: Students can pay their tuition fees in monthly or quarterly installments. This option is convenient for students who cannot afford to pay the full amount upfront.
- Payment via Employer Sponsorship: Some employers may be willing to sponsor the education of their employees, particularly for postgraduate programs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
SMU offers various financial aid and scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students:
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds may be eligible for funding through NSFAS, which covers tuition fees, study materials, and accommodation.
- Bursaries and Scholarships: SMU offers bursaries and scholarships to both meritorious students and those in financial need. Interested students can apply for financial assistance directly through the university’s student finance office.
- Student Loans: Students can also apply for student loans through banks or financial institutions if other funding options are unavailable.
The tuition fees at Sefako Makgatho University (SMU) in 2025 will range from R18,000 for undergraduate programs in fields such as education to R80,000 or more for postgraduate degrees like the Master of Business Administration (MBA). In addition to tuition fees, students will need to budget for other costs such as registration, accommodation, study materials, and transport.
There are various payment options and financial aid opportunities available to help students manage their expenses, including NSFAS funding, bursaries, and student loans. By taking advantage of these options, students can reduce their financial burden and focus on their academic goals.
For more information about tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid, visit the official Sefako Makgatho University
website at www.smu.ac.za.