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South Mediterranean University (SMU): Unlocking Academic Excellence

With a wealth of experience gained over fifteen years of studying and working with US universities, and a decade of teaching at HEC Paris and the University of Tunis, Professor Mahmoud Triki conceived the vision of establishing a private university. His innovative approach involves structuring programs in English, that align with the standards of top-ranked North American universities. At the heart of this vision is the South Mediterranean University (SMU), a private university in Tunisia pioneering international education with a focus on offering prestigious international diplomas. Professor Triki's strategic initiative involves collaboration with corporations, business leaders, scholars, and professionals who become integral founding members of this groundbreaking institution. Explore academic excellence and a global perspective at SMU – your destination for an international university experience in Tunisia.

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Facts and Figures

 

1500+
1500+ Students
35+
35+ Nationalities represented on campus
 2500+
 2500+ Leaders as a network of alumni
20+
20+ Opportunities to study abroad 
20+
20+ Programs
1st
1st English-Speaking Educational HUB in Tunisia

News

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British Ambassador Visit 2024-12-20

🎉 Strengthening Ties: LCI and British Council Partnership🤝 We’re proud to announce that the SMU Language &a...

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Partnership between MedTech and the College of Mechanical Engineering at Guizhou University 2024-12-20

Breaking Boundaries, Building Futures! We’re beyond excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership betwee...

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Strengthening Partnerships and Inspiring Students at SMU 2024-12-10

Strengthening Partnerships and Inspiring Students at SMU

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Events

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SMU Research Groups

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Since its creation in 2018, Software Improvement Laboratory (SIM) has been dedicating its efforts to all software engineering activities from developing, designing, and testing the software to researching new techniques, approaches and technologies.  

In the broad field of Software Engineering, the main research areas SIM focuses on are: 

  • Software verification and validation 

  • Software Refactoring 

  • Software Measurement 

SIM’s interests include collaborating with large industrial players. One of its major collaborations is with Sama Partner, a German IT company. 

Keywords:

MedTech Research Group Software engineering Computer science Génie logiciel Master génie logiciel Licence informatique

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As the only university that provides the renewable energy engineering program, it is Medtech’s obligation to enhance the faculty and scholars’ knowledge in the field. This obligation is pursued through the research unit, Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG). SERG’s mission is to study and analyze the efficiency of cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, namely microalgal-biofuel technologies, energy efficiency in buildings and materials for renewable energy applications.

Keywords:

MedTech Research Group Renewable Energy Engineering Sustainability Energy Management Génie Energies Renouvelables Master Energy Management and Sustainability Master Gestion de l’Energie et Développement Durable

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The main scope of the “Innovation on Advanced Computer Technologies” (I-ACT) Research Group is to innovate in the field of Computer Systems Engineering. 

Our research incorporates various aspects on designing and optimizing secured systems such as: Cybersecurity, Computer Network, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotics, Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), precision farming, localization, Internet of Thing (IoT), Optimization of complex systems and secure distributed systems.  

Keywords:

MedTech Research Group Computer Network Cybersecurity Blockchain Artificial Intelligence(AI) Machine Learning (ML) Robotics Precision farming Localization Optimization of complex systems Secure distributed systems

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The Data Science and Analytics research group is at the forefront of transforming raw data into actionable intelligence. In our team, we collaborate on multidisciplinary projects that leverage machine learning algorithms, data analytics and mathematical modeling to decode patterns, predict trends and solve optimization problems.

From mathematical modeling to deep learning applications, we are committed to shaping the future of data science and unlocking the potential of numerical analysis.


Keywords:

MSB Research Group Data Science Analytics Machine Learning Mathematical Modeling Predictive Analytics Optimization Deep Learning Multidisciplinary Projects Actionable Intelligence

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Comprised of dedicated researchers, faculty members, and passionate students, our group is committed to pushing the boundaries of financial knowledge and exploring the forefront of the finance field.

Our research activities encompass a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Financial Markets and Investments
  • Corporate Finance and Governance
  • Fintech and Innovation in Finance
  • Behavioral Finance and Decision Making
  • Risk Management and Derivatives
  • Sustainable Finance and Ethical Investments

We engage in various activities, including seminars, workshops, collaborative projects, and publications in highly ranked journals, all aimed at contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of finance.

Keywords:

MSB Research Group Financial Markets Investments Corporate Finance Fintech Innovation Behavioral Finance Decision Making Risk Management Sustainable Finance Ethical Investments

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The Management Research Group is a vibrant cohort of researchers dedicated to exploring the frontiers of modern management. Our multidisciplinary team investigates diverse aspects of organizational behavior, technological advances, and strategic operations. Recent efforts include groundbreaking studies of AI adoption and resistance, operational optimization, corporate sustainable practices, the impact of HR practices, and innovative learning methods in management education. Our collaborative efforts are designed to unravel the complexities of dynamic workplaces and provide valuable insights that drive innovation and promote effective management strategies.

Keywords:

MSB Research Group Organizational Behavior Technological Advances Strategic Operations AI Adoption Resistance Operational Optimization Corporate Sustainable Practices HR Practices Impact Innovative Learning Methods Workplace Dynamics Innovation Effective Management Strategies

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The Marketing Research Group is dedicated to developing relevant research activity that contributes to the betterment of society and engaging with industry to support managerial decision making.

Our research aims at

  • Studying culture and cultural dimensions for a variety of products, in the context of consumer behavior, decision making, product management.
  • Assessing AI impact on e-tailers and consumer decision making in a variety of contexts
  • Supporting key marketing strategies of green and sustainable product.


Keywords:

MSB Research Group Branding Culture sustainable consumption and marketing strategy decision making AI and emerging technologies consumer behavior marketing mix

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This is a collaborative consortium formed of professors from both the Mediterranean School of Business (MSB) and the Mediterranean Institute of Technology (MedTech). This interdisciplinary group is committed to addressing challenges and opportunities in education, advancing knowledge, and promoting innovation in several research areas, with a primary focus on the Integration of Technology in Education, Pedagogical Innovations, Assessment and Evaluation, Comparative Education, Faculty Development and Training, Curriculum Design and Redesign, Student Perspectives and Experiences, etc. Additionally, it aims to make a substantial contribution to the advancement of educational practices. The outcomes of the research are expected to have a positive impact on students, faculty, and the University and to foster continuous improvement in education at SMU and beyond.

Keywords:

MSB Research Group MedTech Research Group Technology in Education Pedagogical Innovations Assessment and Evaluation Comparative Education Faculty Development Curriculum Design Student Experiences Educational Impact

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The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Group focuses on advancing the scientific understanding of AI, Machine Learning(ML), and Deep Learning (DL) to foster impactful discoveries. The group's mission is to provide an interdisciplinary environment that serves as a platform for theoretical concepts and practical applications in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between AI professionals and researchers from various domains. By doing so, it empowers other disciplines with AI capabilities and drives innovative thinking and transformative discoveries, leading MedTech, SMU in the international AI community.

Keywords:

Machine Learning Deep Learning Language Models Image Processing Applied AI

Faq

SMU, South Mediterranean University, is the University regrouping MSB, the Mediterranean School of Business, Medtech, the Mediterranean Institute of Technology, and LCI, the Language and Culture Institute. 

SMU was founded in 2002 with the launch of the  Executive MBA program which was overseen by Pr. Mahmoud Triki. 

The Advising and Counseling Center (ACC) provides academic advising and personal counseling to current students. The ACC staff works with members of the University to assist students in resolving academicpersonal, and psychological issues. 

The Career Center helps students and alumni define and reach their career goals, guide them throughout their professional development, and help them expand their professional network. The Career Center is also committed to maintain and develop partnerships with SMU’s employers' network and assisting them in terms of recruitment needs, thanks to our diverse student profiles. The Career Center also helps students find opportunities for internships.   

A South Mediterranean University alumnus/a is defined as any person receiving either a degree or a certificate of completion from MSB, Medtech, or LCI.  

Created in 2011 to create an environment where SMU graduates can connect for mutual benefits. Its objective is to foster and nurture Alumni relations through different programs such as Alumni Network and the Alumni relation programs. SMU Alumni Association has the responsibility to provide graduates with a suitable framework and opportunities to meet and exchange with each other through events, fundraising activities, cultural and sporting events, round tables. 

The Student Life Department plays a role in mobilizing students and ensuring extracurricular activities on and off-campus by organizing different events and activities.  Student life offers many on-campus activities such as; basketball, ping-pong, and chess. It also organizes events such as Tunisian Day, Japanese Day, and Indonesian Day.

SMU offers the opportunity for students to be part of one of their various clubs. Campus life is vibrant outside the classrooms, where the spirit of teamwork and collectivity is supported by the University. There are 14 SMU student clubs and partnerships and relationships with national and international networks and associations such as AIESEC, Leo Club, ENACTUS.

SMU students, depending on the school (MedTech or MSB), can enjoy partnerships with many other universities all over the world.  Students can benefit from partnerships with HEC Montréal, University of MichiganIE Madrid, IESEG Paris and Lille, Catolica Lisbon, EM Normandy, and more. 

SMU accepts the transfer of up to 50% of validated courses from another University. To process the transfer, students must provide the syllabus of the transferred courses and their transcripts.

To be comfortable with the different courses at the SMU, you should have an English level of IELTS 6, TOEFL PBT 563, TOEFL IBT 80, or level B2. In other words, you need to be a competent user: the student should have a correct proficiency in English with some approximations and can successfully engage in everyday conversations. 

A transcript is an official list of the courses (or classes) you have taken and the grades you have earned in those courses during your academic career. 

GPA and CGPA both measure the performance of a student on a course. The main difference is that GPA [La moyenne pondérée] measures the performance of a single unit or semester and CGPA [La moyenne cumulative pondérée] measures the performance throughout the course including all units and semesters. 

The number of students per class varies from 20 to 30 students. 

The Professors and SMU use a wide variety of tools: 

  • LMS Moodle where students can find all their courses, their grades, and their attendance records. Students are sometimes asked to pass their quizzes or submit assignments on Moodle. 

  • An intranet, My Info, where students can get their schedules, fill academic forms, find the deliberation document, find the student handbook, find the curriculum... 

  • helpdesk where students can book boxes or classes, send an IT support request...

  • The Outlook Email is the official means of communication between Professors, students, and the administration. 

  • The online courses are assured through Microsoft Teams. 

Each student at SMU has three reference documents: 

  1. The student Handbook containing all SMU Academic policies and regulations. 
  2. The syllabus of each course is the agreement between the professors and the students. It details the course objectives, the assessment details, the grading and evaluation policies, and the required reading materials. 
  3. The admission letter serves as an engagement letter. It outlines and details all rules, regulations, and fees/payment conditions governing the different programs at SMU. 

The department that offers advice and supports services is the Advising and Counseling Center (ACC). Moreover, if the student faces some study difficulties, Professors have office hours answering any course-related questions. The ACC also offers a peer tutoring program where the most brilliant students from older years help students in difficulty. 


SMU bought for its students two large databases accessible only by their student account: EBSCO and Emerald. EBSCO is the leading provider of research databases, e-journals, magazine subscriptions, e-books, and discovery services to libraries of all kinds.  Emerald Publishing's research platform is a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed management journals providing full-text access to 150 journals and reviews from 300 management journals. They offer access to over more than 2,500 books and over 1,500 case studies. 

Il n’y a pas de date limite pour l’envoi des candidatures. Cependant, les places sont limitées : premier arrivé, premier servi. Les étudiants ayant soumis leur demande d’admission tardivement seront inscrits sur la liste d’attente pour l’année académique suivante.

SMU’s application process is the following one: 

1) The admission procedure starts when the candidate fills out the online application form and submits a complete file. 

2) The candidate must pay the applicable admission fees (MSB/MedTech: 500 TND – HEC Montreal: 600 TND). 

3) The candidate takes the different admission tests (If applicable). 

4) Upon validation of the test, the Admission Office schedules an interview with the candidate (if applicable). 

5) The admission decision is then communicated to the applicant. 

6) Once admitted, a letter of admission is delivered to the candidate, and a payment of 2000 dinars (1700 Euros to the EMBA) is required as confirmation. Otherwise, the seat will be awarded to another candidate.  

For the undergraduate program, whether for the Medtech or the MSB, there are two admission tests to pass: a mathematics test and an English test. For the graduate program, there are five admission tests to pass: an English placement test, a statistics placement test, an economics placement test, an accounting placement test, and a placement Management test. For the executive program, there is only one English placement test to pass.

There are different conditions depending on the type of program: 

  • Undergraduate Program in Management (License): Tunisian Baccalaureate in Arts, Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics and Management or equivalent or French Baccalaureate in S or ES. The minimum required is a GPA of 12/20. 

  • Bachelor MSB/ HEC Montreal (2+2): Tunisian Baccalaureate in Science or Mathematics with the minimum required GPA of 14/20 or French Baccalaureate in S or ES with math specialization. Thminimum required GPA of 14/20. 

  • Pre-Engineering Program: Tunisian Baccalaureate in Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Technique or a French Baccalaureate in S. The minimum required GPA of 12/20. 

  • Engineering Program: License in a Scientific or Technical subject, or passing the national examination for entrance to engineering schools 

  • Master's in Business Management: Undergraduate diploma or equivalent: 3 years minimum in any specialization on analysis of the candidate's file 

  • Executive MBA: License Degree or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a managerial position. 

Underneath is the list of the required documents for checking: 

  • One certified copy of the Baccalaureate Diploma with the exam report and/or Equivalence from Higher Ministry of Education (for a foreign diploma) 

  • One certified copy of the school reports (the last two years of High School) 

  •  A copy of the CIN (for Tunisians) or the passport (for international students). 

  • A recent birth certificate in French 

  • A Medical Certificate/ File 

  • Certified Copy of the last diploma for the master and EMBA applicants 

  • One certified copy of the academic reports (the last three years) + CV and Motivation Letter in English for master and EMBA applicants 

  • A Business Card for EMBA applicants 

ANY INCOMPLETE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. 


The admission committee examines your application and makes a final decision within two weeks. Once informed, our admission officer will get back to you with the verdict. Once admitted, a letter of admission is delivered to the candidate, and a payment of 2,000 dinars is required as confirmation. Otherwise, admission acceptance will be awarded to another candidate. 

Your application is valid throughout the academic year. However, after the academic year, the applicant must go again through all the application process. 

Depending on the program and the year, the term starts between the 1st of September and the 25th of September for full-time students. The admission letter will specify the date of the term start. 

Once you pass your placement test(s), the admission office will contact you to schedule an appointment for your interview. International students may request a virtual admissions interview (over Skype or an online video conference). However, the interview is not automatic: it is specific to the applicant.  

The campus is open to visitors whenever they want as long as they come to the Admission of the SMU and inform them. SMU often organizes campus tours before the application deadline. To get informed of any campus tours, please follow us on social media.

The tuition fees are contingent on the program of study: it varies from the MSB to Medtech to LCI. The tuition fee includes VAT (7%) but may increase depending on the government taxation policy. SMU reserves the right to increase the fees by no more than 5% each year as per what is permitted by the Tunisian law. Other fees such as official documents, issuing a new ID, reactivation, exam only, and course retaking are listed in the Students’ Handbook. 

SMU accepts payments by bank transfer, by cheque, or by debit card. Cash payments are not accepted. 

To promote diversity and excellency, SMU Foundation offers 3 types of scholarships, at admissionfor their students, whatever the program they follow: 

  • The Excellence Scholarship for candidates with an excellent academic record, talented, passionate, and invested in extracurricular activities. It varies from 25% to 100% tuition fees depending on the candidates' scores and ranking.  

  • Equality Scholarship is addressed for candidates with an excellent academic record, talented, passionate, and invested in extracurricular activities and who encounter financial difficulties. The equality scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fees.  

  • The Diversity Scholarship is directed to International students from emerging countries and/or candidates with special needs 

During your studying journey, SMU encourages students to pursue their exceptional behavior and excellency by offering scholarships for the top students for each program: a 100% scholarship for the first one, 50% for the second one, and 25% for the third one. Finally, our partnership with Zitouna Bank allows a bank loan with 0 interest rates. 

The admission fees (MSB/MedTech: 500 TND – HEC Montreal: 600 TND) and the initial payment (2000 dinars or 1700 Euros for the EMBA) are not refundable. 

Graduation is not automatic. There are some requirements to be fulfilled. Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0 over 4, earn 75% of all program credits, no grades less than D+, validated both internships, completed Start Smart, and fulfill the Business Communication proficiency requirements.

If a student does not meet the graduation’s requirements, they will be placed on academic probation. There are two types of probation: 

  • The academic Probation GPA, where the student does not maintain at least a 2.0 GPA but earns 75% or more of the program/term credits.  
  • The academic Probation Cr, where the student does not earn 75% of the program/term credits but cumulate a minimum of 2.0/4.0. 

Students that accumulate three probations will be dismissed from the University. 

Students will receive their diplomas 1 to 2 months after the graduation ceremony. 

SMU students enjoy a good reputation in the professional and academic world on the national and international level: 

  • After the MSB Undergraduates program: 64% of the students pursued graduate programs, 20% joined the business world, and 6% became entrepreneurs in 2019. 
  • After the MedTech engineering graduation: 33% of the students joined the business world, 8% become entrepreneurs and, 33% pursued graduate programs in 2019 
  • 83 % of MSB master's degree holders joined the business world.  7% of them become entrepreneurs, and 4% pursued graduate programs in 2019. 

SMU students who joined the business world gained an average net salary between 1246 TND to 1483 TND 

To encourage excellence at SMU, students can benefit from 2 types of honors during an Academic Term (Fall or Winter). 

  • Honors List: Students achieve a GPA higher or equal to 3.3 and lower than 3.5 over 4.0 

  • Deans List: Students achieve a GPA higher or equal to 3.5 over 4.0.  

All SMU programs are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, meaning the diplomas issued by SMU are the same as those of public institutions; they are therefore recognized by the Government. 

Studying in Tunisia has many benefits. For example, we can list the following ones: 

  • Strategic location: in the heart of the Mediterranean with daily connections to major cities in the region. By air, Tunis is only one hour away from Rome, two hours from Paris, and many other Western European capitals. 

  • Diverse and & tolerant people: an open and broad-minded society with a mosaic of cultural backgrounds. 

  • A touristic Destination. 

  • A privileged position for women.

We recommend that you arrive in Tunis at least two weeks before classes start. You will have time to discover Tunis, the University, and have your landmarks. 

To open a bank account, you must present yourself in any bank agency with: 

  • A copy of your registration certificate at either MSB, MedTech, or LCI
  • A copy of the first page of your passport 
  • A copy of your “carte de séjour.” 

You can receive money from your hometown by bank transfer once you open a Tunisian bank account. You may also use the more expensive Western Union service in Tunisia. We recommend that you bring cash or, preferably, international credit cards to help facilitate transactions until a local bank account can be opened. 

Upon your arrival in Tunisia, you can exchange your foreign currency in airport banks (open 24/7)exchange stations (that you can find near the University), or in your bank. 

SMU is located near many facilities in Lac 2 close to the northern suburbs of Tunis (la Marsa, Ain Zaghouan, L’Aouina, Les Jardins de Carthage, and La Goulette), where you can find many housing opportunities. 

SMU provides a Housing Office to support the international students with their relocation to Tunisia (including a reception at the airport, support in housing & residency procedures including the “carte de séjour”).  

Thinformation below could help you have an estimation of the living costs in Tunis: 

  • Shared Apartment: 250-400 DT per month  

  • Studio: 500-700 DT per month  

  • Individual Housing (Nothern Suburbs): 800-700 DT per month  

  • Food: 250-500 DT per month  

  • Local Transportation: 200 DT per month  

  • Books & School Materials: Included in the tuition fees  

  • Clothing & Personal Expenses: Depends on student and requirements  

Upon your arrival, you should present yourself to our Admissions office. Our team will help you finalize your admissions to SMU. 

To do so, you must submit the following documents: 

  • The original copies of your transcripts and diplomas (or any other documents you sent via fax or e-mail). 
  • A copy of the first page of your passport. 
  • A copy of your residence permit if applicable. 

It is compulsory to fill in a request for a residence permit shortly after your arrival (within a maximum of one month). 

Below is the list of the required documents (to submit to the police station serving your area of residence) to obtain a residence permit: 

  • A copy of your passport. 
  • A copy of your registration certificate at SMU with a copy of the receipt of payment of SMU’s tuition fees
  • A copy of your lease or proof of residency
  • Two (02) photos. 
  • Two (02) revenue stamps of 10 TND (to be bought at the “Recette des Finances.” 
  • All the copies must be certified. 

It is possible to work while studying in Tunisia for Tunisians. However, for international students, you need to have prior authorization from local authorities. 

Lac II is centrally located but does not offer public transportation. Most bus lines have stops on the La Marsa highway (GP9), but not inside Lac II. Taxis are also available and are recommended for most trips. 

There are many carpooling Apps enabling students to get rides to and from school. Hezni Maak, a phone App founded by Youssef Meksi, a former MSB student. 

The Tunisian community, and consequently, the SMU community, is cordial and cosmopolitan. International students will find support and help from most of the inhabitants. SMU hosts an integration club, TuniGaory, which enables international students to better integrate through different fun activities. Also, faculty members and diverse students offer assistance and support to international students.

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