Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University crest

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa Founded 2015 World Rank #3929

Overview

English Name: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Acronyms: MEDUNSA, SMU
Founded: 2015
Control Type: Public
World Rank: #3929
Rank in South Africa: #24
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University crest

Based in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is a public university that traces its founding to 2015. It functions as a higher-education provider within South Africa's higher-education sector.

Teaching at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University covers bachelor's through doctoral programmes, delivered through multiple faculties. The institution maintains a catalogue of active programmes spanning undergraduate and postgraduate routes.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University's ranking position is #3929 globally and #24 within South Africa. The institution participates in South Africa's academic ecosystem alongside other higher-education providers.

Location & Contact

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.

Address: Molotlegi St
Postal Code: 0208
Map:
Social Media:

Academic Details

The basic academic profile of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.

Accrediting Agency: South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

Degrees

The degree levels available at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University — bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and others — are organised below. Each tier signals a different depth of specialisation and minimum study duration.

Bachelor's 26 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Anaesthesiology
  • Anatomy
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Cardiology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Dental Studies
  • Dental Surgery
  • Dentistry
  • Dietetics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Health Administration
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Nursing
  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Pharmacy
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Statistics
Master's 49 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Anatomy
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Dental Studies
  • Dental Surgery
  • Dentistry
  • Dermatology
  • Dietetics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Haematology
  • Health Administration
  • Information Technology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Science
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Neurology
  • Nursing
  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Occupational Health
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthodontics
  • Orthopaedics
  • Paediatrics
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Radiology
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology
  • Statistics
  • Surgery
  • Urology
  • Virology
  • Zoology
Doctoral 31 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Anatomy
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biochemistry
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Clinical Dentistry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Dental Studies
  • Dental Surgery
  • Dermatology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Haematology
  • Health Administration
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Science
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Ophthalmology
  • Oral Pathology
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Statistics
  • Urology
  • Virology
  • Zoology
Diploma & Certificate 1 program

Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.

  • Dentistry
Other 20 programs
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dental Studies
  • Dermatology
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Haematology
  • Information Technology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Science
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physics
  • Public Health
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

Faculties & Divisions

Subject coverage by faculty inside Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Faculty groupings reflect both academic tradition and the institution's strategic positioning across disciplines.

Health Care Sciences (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dietetics
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Public Health
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (School) 25 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anaesthesiology
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Dermatology
  • Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
  • Haematology
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Neurology
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Occupational Health
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Paediatrics
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Radiology
  • Surgery
  • Urology
  • Virology

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Oral Health Sciences (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Clinical Dentistry
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Dental Science
  • Dental Studies
  • Dental Surgery
  • Dentistry
  • Oral Pathology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pharmacy (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science and Technology (School) 16 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Environmental Management
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Occupational Health
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.

Bachelor's Degree

11 programmes

Browse 11 programmes at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.

Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics Nutrition & Dietetics
Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostic Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Pharmacy Pharmacy
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences
Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery Midwifery
Bachelor of Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Audiology Speech & Language Therapy

Master's Degree

54 programmes

There are 54 programmes to choose from at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.

Master of Medicine in Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Master of Philosophy in Infectious Disease Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Philosophy in Geriatric Medicine Medicine
Master of Philosophy in Critical Care Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Pharmacy in Radiopharmacy Pharmacy
Master of Pharmacy in Public Health Pharmacy and Management Pharmacy
Master of Pharmacy Pharmacy
Master of Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences
Master of Medicine in Virological Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Urology Medicine
Master of Philosophy in Nephrology Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Medicine in Radiation Oncology Medicine
Master of Medicine in Public Health Medicine Public Health
Master of Medicine in Psychiatry Medicine
Master of Medicine in Plastic Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health Medicine
Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology Medicine
Master of Medicine in Orthopaedics Medicine
Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology Optometry
Master of Medicine in Occupational Medicine Medicine
Master of Speech-Language Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Medicine
Master of Science in Dentistry Dentistry
Master of Philosophy in Vascular Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Master of Philosophy in Upper Gastroenterology Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Master of Philosophy in Trauma Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Master of Philosophy in Rheumatology Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Pulmonology Medicine
Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Nephrology Medicine
Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Critical Care Medicine
Master of Dentistry in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Master of Dentistry in Community Dentistry Dentistry
Master of Audiology Speech & Language Therapy
Master of Dentistry in Oral Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Dermatology Medicine
Master of Medicine in Nuclear Medicine Medicine
Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery Medicine
Master of Medicine in Neurology Medicine
Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine Medicine
Master of Medicine in Haematological Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Forensic Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Emergency Medicine Medicine
Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology Medicine
Master of Medicine in Clinical Pharmacology Pharmacy
Master of Medicine in Clinical Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Chemical Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Master of Medicine in Anatomical Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Medicine in Anaesthesiology Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Master of Dentistry in Prosthodontics Medicine
Master of Dentistry in Periodontology and Oral Medicine Dentistry
Master of Dentistry in Orthodontics Dentistry

Doctorate

2 programmes

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University's 2 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.

Doctor of Pharmacy Pharmacy
Doctor of Medicine Medicine

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

13 programmes

These 13 programmes cover Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Pharmacy
Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery Midwifery
Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management Healthcare Administration
Postgraduate Diploma in Dentistry Dentistry
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Forensic Medicine Medicine
Higher Certificate in Vaccinology
Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Diploma in Emergency Medical Care Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Advanced Diploma in Community Dentistry Dentistry

How to apply to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

The standard application path for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University offers 80 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University's online portal at www.smu.ac.za. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University as a study destination.

When was Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University founded?

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University was established in 2015 (approximately 11 years ago).

In which city is Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University?

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is based in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa.

Is Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University public or private?

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University operates as a public institution.

Where does Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University stand in university rankings?

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University holds rank #3929 globally and #24 in South Africa.

What degrees does Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University offer?

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

Is Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University accredited?

Yes, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is recognised by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

What is Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University's official website?

The institution's website is www.smu.ac.za.

Top-Ranked Universities in South Africa

The institutions topping South Africa's rankings give national context for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Context matters because employer perception in South Africa often correlates with national rankings.

Where Else to Study Medicine

Programme-led research opportunities for Medicine students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.

Universities Often Compared with Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Faculty mobility between Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.

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