Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Fees for 2028 Application
If you are planning to apply to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) for the 2028 academic year, understanding the application fee, tuition fees, registration costs, residence fees and other university charges is an important part of preparing for your studies.
SMU is a specialised South African university offering programmes in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, science and technology, and related fields. Because tuition fees can differ substantially between programmes and study years, prospective students should not assume that one fixed fee applies to all SMU students.
Important: The latest official undergraduate fee schedule currently available on the university’s website is for 2026, and SMU explicitly states that its fees are subject to annual increases. Therefore, the 2026 figures below should be used as a planning reference, not as confirmed 2028 prices.
This guide explains what prospective applicants should know about SMU fees for the 2028 application, including the application fee, tuition fees, registration payment, residence costs, international student charges, financial aid and how to budget for university.
Students should also check out: SMU Scholarships and Bursaries
SMU Fees for 2028: What Applicants Should Know
There are several different costs that prospective students need to distinguish when researching SMU fees.
These include:
- Application fee
- Tuition fees
- Registration or initial payment
- Academic administration fee
- SRC levy
- Residence fees
- Residence administration fee
- International student levies
- Other sundry fees
- Personal study and living expenses
The amount you ultimately pay will depend on your programme, year of study, accommodation arrangements and student status.
SMU’s official Fees and Financial Aid page provides separate sections for undergraduate fees, postgraduate fees, sundry fees and study-cost estimation.
Is the SMU 2028 Fee Schedule Available?
At the time of writing, the official SMU website does not yet list a 2028 tuition-fee schedule.
The university’s current Fees and Financial Aid page lists:
- Sundry Fees 2026
- Undergraduate Fees 2026
- Postgraduate Fees 2026
- Study Cost Estimation
- Registration and finance information
The latest undergraduate fee document was created and updated in January 2026.
This means applicants searching for “SMU fees 2028” should be careful with websites that publish exact 2028 tuition figures before SMU officially releases them.
The safest approach is to use the latest official fee schedule as a budgeting guide and update your calculations when SMU publishes the 2028 fees.
SMU Application Fee for 2028
The application fee is separate from tuition.
SMU’s current online application information states that applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of R300 and use their ID number as the payment reference. The same page says applicants may select up to two study choices.
However, there is an important update applicants should be aware of.
SMU’s separate 2026 Sundry Fees document lists the application fee as R350, rather than R300.
What does this mean for 2028 applicants?
Because the university’s official pages currently contain different figures, prospective students should not assume that R300 or R350 will be the 2028 application fee.
The most reliable approach is to check the fee displayed in the official SMU application instructions when the 2028 application cycle opens.
This distinction is important because the application fee is non-refundable, meaning applicants should verify the current amount and payment instructions before making payment.
SMU Undergraduate Tuition Fees
SMU’s latest official undergraduate fee schedule provides a useful indication of the costs associated with different programmes.
The 2026 schedule shows that tuition varies according to the qualification and year of study. The document separates tuition, academic administration fee, SRC levy and the resulting total. SMU also states at the top of the schedule that all fees are subject to annual increases.
For example, the 2026 schedule lists the following amounts:
| Programme | 2026 Tuition Example | 2026 Total* |
|---|---|---|
| MBChB Year 1 | R87,035 | R90,138 |
| BSc Physiotherapy Year 1 | R101,477 | R104,580 |
| BSc Dietetics Year 1 | R97,902 | R101,005 |
| BSc Life Sciences Year 1 | R85,522 | R88,625 |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Year 1 | R95,757 | R98,860 |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science Year 1 | R67,820 | R70,923 |
| Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery Year 1 | R136,965 | R140,068 |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy Year 1 | R112,177 | R115,280 |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery Year 1 | R87,082 | R90,185 |
| Bachelor of Oral Hygiene Year 1 | R111,113 | R114,216 |
*The total shown in the SMU 2026 schedule combines the listed tuition with the R2,057 academic administration fee and R1,046 SRC levy. These are 2026 figures and are not confirmed 2028 fees.
The figures demonstrate why applicants should search for the fee attached to their specific programme, rather than relying on a single “SMU tuition fee” figure. For more information on SMU fees, Contact Details the university.
SMU Medicine Fees
Medicine is one of the major programmes offered by SMU.
The 2026 undergraduate fee schedule lists separate tuition amounts for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) main stream and Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP).
For the main-stream MBChB, the 2026 schedule lists:
- Year 1: R87,035 tuition
- Year 2: R73,049
- Year 3: R93,924
- Year 4: R102,785
- Year 5: R95,254
- Year 6: R98,427
When the academic administration fee and SRC levy are added, the listed totals range from R76,152 to R105,888 depending on the year of study.
The MBChB ECP also has different amounts for each year.
Prospective 2028 Medicine applicants should therefore wait for the official 2028 schedule before using any exact figure for financial planning. For more information on SMU fees, Contact Details the university.
SMU Pharmacy Fees
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is another programme for which tuition differs by year.
According to SMU’s 2026 undergraduate fee schedule:
- BPharm Year 1 tuition: R112,177
- BPharm Year 2 tuition: R79,448
- BPharm Year 3 tuition: R82,022
- BPharm Year 4 tuition: R92,263
The corresponding totals listed by SMU, after the academic administration fee and SRC levy, are R115,280, R82,551, R85,125 and R95,366 respectively.
These figures should be regarded as historical/current planning figures rather than confirmed prices for 2028. For more information on SMU fees, Contact Details the university.
SMU Dentistry Fees
SMU offers several dental qualifications, including the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS).
The 2026 fee schedule lists BDS tuition as:
- Year 1: R87,082
- Year 2: R92,341
- Year 3: R112,381
- Year 4: R98,246
- Year 5: R64,404
After the academic administration fee and SRC levy, the listed totals range from R67,507 to R115,484.
SMU also lists fees for Bachelor of Dental Therapy and Bachelor of Oral Hygiene programmes. For more information on SMU fees, Contact Details the university.
SMU Nursing Fees
Students interested in nursing should be aware that SMU has different nursing qualifications.
The 2026 undergraduate schedule lists Bachelor of Nursing Science (BANS01) at:
- Year 1: R67,820 tuition
- Year 2: R101,255
- Year 3: R86,946
The corresponding totals listed by SMU are R70,923, R104,358 and R90,049.
The Bachelor Degree in Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM01) has different fees:
- Year 1: R136,965
- Year 2: R131,525
- Year 3: R106,602
- Year 4: R113,145
The 2026 totals range from R109,705 to R140,068 after the listed administration fee and SRC levy. For more information on SMU fees, Contact Details the university.
SMU Physiotherapy Fees
The 2026 SMU fee schedule lists the following tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy:
- Year 1: R101,477
- Year 2: R78,204
- Year 3: R78,499
- Year 4: R89,942
The corresponding totals listed by the university range from R81,307 to R104,580.
Again, these amounts should not be presented as the final 2028 fees because SMU says its fees are subject to annual increases. For more information on SMU fees, Contact Details the university.
SMU Science Programme Fees
SMU offers several science-related undergraduate programmes.
The 2026 fee schedule includes programmes such as:
- BSc Mathematical Science
- BSc Physical Science
- BSc Life Sciences
- BSc Biotechnology
- BSc Environmental Management and Toxicology
- BSc Occupational and Environmental Health
For example, first-year 2026 tuition listed for several of these programmes was approximately between R85,000 and R86,000, while some extended programmes had lower first-year tuition amounts.
The exact cost depends on the programme and year of study. For more information on SMU fees, Contact Details the university.
SMU Registration Fee and Initial Payment
Tuition is not the only payment students should budget for.
SMU’s 2026 undergraduate fee schedule lists a registration fee of R4,500.
SMU’s 2026 registration guidelines state that self-funded first-time entering students are expected to pay an initial mandatory minimum fee of R4,500 before they can register. Funded students are required to provide proof of funding.
This should not be confused with the application fee.
Application fee vs registration payment
Application fee: Paid when submitting an application and is non-refundable.
Registration payment: Paid after admission as part of the registration and financial-clearance process.
Tuition: The academic cost associated with the programme.
Understanding these differences can help applicants avoid budgeting errors.
SMU Residence Fees
Students who want university accommodation must budget separately for residence.
The 2026 SMU undergraduate fee schedule lists several accommodation categories and prices, including:
- Single room: R31,476
- Double room: R23,607
- Nurses Home: R31,871
- Residence 1C: R57,535
- Residence 2B: R54,795
- Drie Lillies: R53,400
- Madeira: R59,940
- Arebeng: R59,700
A R3,425 residence administration fee is also listed.
These are 2026 figures and should not be treated as confirmed 2028 residence fees.
Importantly, SMU says that residence places are limited and that being admitted to study at the university does not guarantee accommodation.
SMU International Student Fees
International applicants should budget for additional costs.
The 2026 undergraduate fee schedule lists:
- International Student Affiliation Fee (Society): R1,780
- International Levy for SADC, non-SADC and other countries: R5,930
SMU also states that non-South African citizens and non-permanent residents must obtain an appropriate study permit before registering. The permit must be issued in favour of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
Applicants with qualifications obtained outside South Africa may also need to provide SAQA evaluation documentation, depending on their circumstances.
Other SMU Sundry Fees
Apart from tuition and accommodation, SMU publishes a separate schedule of sundry charges.
The 2026 document lists, among others:
| Sundry Fee | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | R350 |
| SRC levy | R1,046 |
| Academic administration fee | R2,057 |
| Residence administration fee | R3,425 |
| International Levy | R5,930 |
| International Society | R7,180 |
| Change of qualification | R493 |
| Recognition of module credits per module | R685 |
| Re-marking of exam paper | R702 |
| Replacement student ID card | R230 |
| Access card | R240 |
| ID photos | R28 |
Some of these charges will only apply to particular students or circumstances.
Does SMU Increase Fees Every Year?
SMU’s official undergraduate fee document explicitly states:
“All fees are subject to annual increase.”
Therefore, students should not simply carry 2026 prices forward to 2028.
The actual 2028 cost may be different because of annual fee adjustments and changes to individual programmes or university charges.
This is why an evergreen SMU fees article should use the latest official fee schedule as a reference while clearly identifying the year of each figure.
How Much Money Should You Budget for SMU in 2028?
A prospective student should consider more than tuition.
A basic SMU study budget could include:
- Application fee
- Registration or initial payment
- Tuition
- Academic administration fee
- SRC levy
- Residence fees, if applicable
- Residence administration fee
- International levies, if applicable
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Transport
- Food and personal expenses
- Medical or other required expenses
- Professional registration costs where applicable
This means that the total cost of attending SMU in 2028 will be higher than the tuition amount alone.
Students should therefore create a full-year budget instead of planning only for tuition.
Does SMU Offer Financial Aid?
SMU provides financial-aid and funding information through its student services.
The university’s website includes dedicated sections for financial aid, scholarships, bursaries and NSFAS-related information.
SMU’s registration guidance also states that funded students must provide proof of funding before registration.
Students who expect to receive funding should therefore apply for the relevant funding opportunities early and retain official proof of sponsorship or funding.
How to Apply to SMU for 2028
When the 2028 application cycle opens, prospective students should use SMU’s official online application system.
The current application procedure allows applicants to select two study choices, with the first qualification treated as the first choice and the second as the second choice.
Applicants are generally required to upload relevant certified documentation, such as:
- ID or passport
- Grade 11 results for current Grade 12 applicants
- National Senior Certificate or matric certificate where applicable
- Academic records for applicants who previously attended university
- Proof of application-fee payment
- Other programme-specific documents
SMU warns that applications may not be processed if required documentation is missing.
Important Things to Know Before Paying SMU Fees
Before making any payment for your 2028 application or registration, check the following:
1. Confirm the fee on the official SMU website
Do not rely solely on old fee schedules or third-party education websites.
2. Check the year of the fee schedule
A fee labelled 2026 should not be presented as an official 2028 fee.
3. Check your programme
Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and other programmes can have different tuition amounts.
4. Separate application fees from tuition
Paying the application fee does not cover tuition.
5. Remember accommodation costs
Residence is a separate expense and availability is limited.
6. International students should budget for additional charges
International levies and immigration-related expenses can increase the overall cost.
7. Keep proof of payment
SMU requires proof of application-fee payment as part of the application documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions About SMU Fees 2028
How much is the SMU application fee for 2028?
The official 2028 application fee has not yet been published. SMU’s current online application page states R300, while its separate 2026 Sundry Fees document lists R350. Applicants should therefore confirm the applicable amount when the 2028 application cycle opens.
How much are SMU tuition fees for 2028?
SMU has not yet published its official 2028 tuition schedule. The latest official undergraduate fee schedule available is for 2026, and SMU states that fees are subject to annual increases.
Does SMU charge a registration fee?
The 2026 fee schedule lists a registration fee of R4,500, and SMU’s 2026 registration guidance says self-funded students must pay an initial mandatory minimum of R4,500 before registration. The amount applicable in 2028 should be confirmed when the university releases its 2028 fee information.
Does SMU charge different fees for different courses?
Yes. The official fee schedule shows different tuition amounts according to programme and year of study.
Does SMU offer accommodation?
Yes. SMU has university residences, but accommodation is limited. Admission to SMU does not automatically guarantee a residence place.
Are SMU fees subject to annual increases?
Yes. SMU explicitly states in its undergraduate fee schedule that all fees are subject to annual increases.
Can international students apply to SMU?
Yes. SMU provides an application route for international applicants, but non-South African citizens and non-permanent residents have additional documentation and study-permit requirements.
Final Thoughts on Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Fees for 2028
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) fees for 2028 will ultimately be determined by the university’s official 2028 fee schedule. At present, applicants should avoid treating figures from earlier years as confirmed 2028 prices.
The latest official SMU information provides a useful planning benchmark: tuition differs considerably by programme and year of study, while additional charges can include academic administration, SRC levies, registration, residence and, for international students, applicable international levies.
For applicants planning ahead, the best strategy is to identify your intended programme, review the latest available SMU fee schedule, prepare for annual fee increases, and check the university’s official Fees and Financial Aid page when the 2028 schedule is released.
One particularly important point is the application-fee discrepancy currently visible in SMU’s official information: the online application page states R300, while the 2026 Sundry Fees document lists R350. Prospective applicants should therefore verify the amount displayed in the official 2028 application instructions before making payment.