Nursing at SMU Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Nursing at SMU Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

The Nursing Science Department is one of the biggest departments in the School of Health Care Sciences. The Department was established in 1979 and became the first in South Africa to provide the BCUR programme for young black matriculants wishing to study the basic nursing programme at university level to become registered nurses.  The Department has contributed immensely towards the health care of society by producing graduate nurses of a high calibre.

SMU Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Nursing Courses

BCUR/BNSA

Degree: Bachelor of Nursing Science and Art

The B Cur/BNSA is a degree programme leading to registration as a Nurse (general, psychiatric, community) and midwife in accordance with R425. The BCUR/BNSA curriculum consists of both theory which is taught in the classroom and clinical practice which is done in an approved hospital/clinic depending on the level of study.  A clinical schedule, to which students must adhere, is compiled in collaboration with the approved institutions. The duration of the degree programme is four (4) academic years. The curriculum consists of the Nursing and Midwifery courses and the relevant clinical practice, pharmacology, biological and social sciences.

Duration: Full time, 4 year programme in accordance with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

 

Postgraduate Programmes

BNSc/BANS

The course is a post-registration degree program presented in modules with clinical and non-clinical pathways in line with the South African Council R212.  Non-clinical pathways include Nursing Education, and Nursing Management. Clinical pathways include Community Health Nursing Science, Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science, Medical and Surgical Nursing Science, Child Nursing, Occupational Health Nursing Science, Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment and Care, Psychiatric Nursing Science: NOTE:  All pathway subjects will be registerable with the SA Nursing Council for additional qualification. Relevant practical work is done during university vacation and if necessary, over weekends

 

DIPLOMA IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING

The Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing is offered by the Department of Nursing Science and Environmental and Occupational Health in Public Health.

 

HONOURS DEGREE

The programme shall be comprised of two core subjects namely Research Methodology and Nursing Dynamics. At least two papers should be chosen from the following electives: Nursing Education, Health Services Administration, Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Science, Advanced Community Health Nursing Science, Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science, Advanced Medical and Surgical Nursing.

800 Hours of appropriate and/or prescribed practica in an approved post for a clinical B Cur Honours degree

Presentation: The course can be presented on a part-time or full-time basis

The major course shall be selected in collaboration with the head of the Department and in relation to the degree and qualifications held by the student.

 

MASTERS DEGREE

M Cur

The M Cur programme for both clinical and non-clinical courses shall consist of course work and a minor dissertation.  Students who have completed an honours degree and have fully or partly complied with the requirement for course work shall be exempted accordingly, and can proceed with the research aspect of the Masters degree.  This will be a minor dissertation.

Students who do not wish to undertake coursework can register for a Masters degree by research and submit a full dissertation.

All students registered for M Cur regardless of focus must register for:
MCDS801          Dissertation
BARE801          Research Methodology

Electives for all students pursuing a clinical or non-clinical Masters degree by course work must be on a major subject of the basic degree or completed coursework for the Honours degree

Duration: Minimum 2 years; Maximum 4 years for all students

 

DOCTORAL STUDIES

Doctoral degree studies are by research only.

Duration: No longer than five years

Note:  Except where otherwise stated, the General Rules for postgraduate studies shall apply to the honours degree

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Application

A fully completed application form can be:

Posted to this address:

The Registrar
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
P.O Box 60
Medunsa
0204

Or hand deliver to this address:

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Student Administration and Registration Office
Clinical Pathology Building
Basement

Enquiries can be directed to:

Contact details: (012) 521 4979/4058/5886/4319/4317/4204
Email: mmule.hlatshwayo@smu.ac.za
Office hours from Monday to Friday: 07h30am – 16h00pm

Banking Details:

A non-refundable application fee of R200 is applicable with all applications and should be deposited to the following Banking Account:
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 071 244 395
Account Name: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Branch number: 020 909
Reference: Use your ID number as reference

NB: No cash should accompany the application form

NB: Any application submitted without an application fee will not be processed. Please ensure that you keep a copy of your proof of payment.

Applications closing dates:

July is the closing date to apply for the following courses:

Bachelor of Nursing Sciences and Art (B Cur); Bachelor of Advanced Nursing Science (BNSc), Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSc Diet), Bachelor of Speech Language, Pathology and Audiology (B SLP & A); Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B Occ Ther); Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physiology, Psychology and Statistics

 NB: Applications sent by fax or submitted after closing date will not be considered

SUBMIT A COPY OF THE NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (NSC) FINAL EXAMINATION RESULTS AS SOON AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
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✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

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📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

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📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

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  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
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  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
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  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

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🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
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You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
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  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
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📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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