Many students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) are funded by NSFAS and by public sector health sponsors, alongside private and verified sponsors. SMU's finance guidelines explain how each funded student is cleared for registration. The details below come from SMU's 2026 registration guidelines on finance matters and its fees pages.
Who does not pay the registration fee
Every student granted a place for the first time is expected to pay an initial minimum registration fee of R4,500. But students who have received bursaries, as shown by confirmation letters from NSFAS, public sector sponsors or listed verified sponsors, are not usually expected to pay it, and are unblocked automatically.
If your bursary is still pending
Students who have applied for a bursary but are still waiting for the outcome must pay the full registration fee. Special cases are referred to the Student Appeals Committee secretariat, the Chief Financial Officer or a delegated official.
Returning bursary holders
Returning students with bursaries who are promoted to the next level and do not owe SMU must produce a letter from their sponsor confirming funding for the new year, or appear on the sponsor's list. Students who owe nothing and have a credit of R4,500 or more are unblocked automatically.
NSFAS
NSFAS funds qualifying South African students from low-income households. Apply on the NSFAS website on its own dates, and keep your NSFAS confirmation letter ready for registration.
Self-funded students
Self-funded students not listed with a verified sponsor pay the minimum registration fee and sign an acknowledgement of debt, followed by an agreed payment plan. SMU prefers that you attach a loan agreement from a registered financial institution.
Students with debt
The Student Debt Appeals Committee considers cases where a student owes R150,000 or more. It looks at academic progress, affordability and whether you applied for concessionary loans, such as those from Standard Bank or Fundi. Students who owe more than R50,000 cannot register for postgraduate studies.
What funding needs to cover
SMU's programmes are expensive. In 2026, the first year of the MBChB cost R90,138, and BSc in Physiotherapy R104,580, including the admin fee and SRC levy. SMU's 2026 sundry fees also list an SRC levy of R1,046, an academic administration fee of R2,057 and a residence administration fee of R3,425.
International students
International students must settle their fees in full on registration, including any outstanding fees from earlier years.
Refunds
SMU publishes a refund application form for students with credit balances on its fees and financial aid page.
More funding
Public sector and verified sponsors fund many SMU students, so look for health science bursaries early. Browse our bursaries, or see SMU fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NSFAS students pay SMU's registration fee?
Not usually, if they have a confirmation letter from NSFAS.
What if my bursary outcome is still pending?
You must pay the full R4,500 registration fee.
Do public sector sponsors count at SMU?
Yes. Students with confirmation letters from public sector sponsors are usually unblocked automatically.