Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

About SMU

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University was formed when the Medunsa campus separated from the University of Limpopo, becoming South Africa's only university dedicated exclusively to health sciences education.

Named after ANC leader and physician Sefako Makgatho, the university trains doctors, dentists, pharmacists and allied health professionals through its schools based at Ga-Rankuwa, directly adjacent to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital — giving students hands-on clinical exposure from early in their studies.

Because SMU is a single-focus health sciences university, its entire campus culture, facilities and academic calendar are built around clinical training, making it a distinctive option for students who already know medicine or allied health is the direction they want to go.

Why students choose SMU

• South Africa's only university dedicated solely to health sciences
• Based next to a major academic hospital for clinical training
• Formerly the Medunsa campus, with decades of medical training history

Fields of study

• Medicine
• Dentistry / Oral Health Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Health Care Sciences
• Science & Technology

What you'll need to apply

Every South African public university sets its own admission point score and subject requirements per programme, so the details below are general guidance rather than SMU-specific rules — always confirm exact requirements on the official site before applying.

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) that meets the minimum admission point score for your chosen programme.
• Specific subject and mark requirements, which vary by faculty — competitive programmes like medicine or engineering typically set higher thresholds.
• An online application through the university's own portal, usually opening the year before you intend to start.
• Supporting documents such as certified copies of your ID and academic records, and proof of application fee payment where applicable.