International Students
International Students are responsible to:
- Facilitate and coordinate the admission, registration and accommodation of international students in the University,
- Provide information about SMU and studying in South Africa to prospective and current international students,
- Advice and assist students with the application and renewals of study visas,
- Provide information about South African approved medical aid service providers,
- Participate on the general orientation programme of new students in the University,
- Plan and facilitate the orientation of new students in the University,
- Initiate and assist in the organisation of cultural celebrations of international students and related functions,
- Develop international students’ handbook that has information and services available to students,
- Provide information to foreign embassies and consulates,
- Serve as liaison within the University community and beyond on behalf of international students,
- Advice on and facilitate social interactions amongst the international students,
- Participate in the recruitment of international students,
- Liaise and coordinate bursaries and scholarships of students with their funders,
- Serve as a liaison between the students and Home Affairs.
Categories of International Students
SMU has the following categories of International students: These categories pay fees as follows:
- All international students pay an annual membership fee,
- SADC students pay an annual levy and annual local tuition fees,
- Non-SADC students from Africa pay an annual levy and twice (2x) the annual tuition fees,
- Students from outside Africa pay an annual levy and thrice (3x) the annual tuition fees.
Students on exchange programmes
*NB Students on exchange programmes/elective term are not required to pay these fees (Annual Membership Fee & Foreign levy).
- All international students pay an annual membership fee,
- SADC students pay an annual levy and annual local tuition fees,
- Non-SADC students from Africa pay an annual levy and twice (2x) the annual tuition fees,
- Students from outside Africa pay an annual levy and thrice (3x) the annual tuition fees.
*NB Students on exchange programmes/elective term are not required to pay these fees (Annual Membership Fee & Foreign levy).
International Students Organisation
All international students registered with the Sefako Makgatho Health Science University regardless of discipline are automatically members of SMUISO.
The following are key activities that we organize for International Students:
- Special orientation programme for new International Students,
- Elections of the new executive committee,
- Welcome function,
- Trip to places of interest to students,
- Cultural day celebration in September
- End of the year function in October.
About International Students
About Advocacy and Diversity
The Advocacy and Diversity division is responsible (manage and coordinate) but not limited to the following six (6) functions:
- International Students
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University International Student Organisation (SMUISO)
- International Scholarship and Research funding
- International collaborations and partnerships
- International exchange programme for staff and students of the University
- International relations
International Exchange Programmes for staff and students of the University
- Initiate and coordinate international scholarships programs of both staff and students of the University,
- Initiate, facilitate and manages opportunities for SMU staff and students to participate in exchange programs with our partner Universities abroad,
- Create and manage database of students on exchange programs,
- Coordinate welcome activities for students on exchange programs,
- Assist in arranging their accommodation on campus,
- Advises and assist students with immigration matters.
International Scholarships and Research funding
Initiate and coordinate scholarships programmes of both staff and postgraduate students of the University, e.g Fulbright scholarship, Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, etc.
International Collaborations and Funding
- Initiate, maintain and manages international collaborations and partnerships,
- Facilitate and manages collaborative projects with international institutions and governments,
- Manage database of collaborations and partnerships within the University.
International Relations
- Actively participate in the activities of International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA),
- Facilitate academic visits by staff into and out of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sceince University,
- Promote SMU at international conferences and workshops,
- Receive and entertain international visitors and delegations,
- Liaise/interact with international relations divisions of government departments and related institutions on matters of common interest.