Semey State Medical University is considered to be one of the best universities of Kazakhstan. It was founded in 1952. The university was initially named as Semipalatinsk State Medical Institute. After more than four decades, the name of the university was changed to Semey State Medical University by the orders of the Health Services Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The very first batch of students got admission under the medicine faculty of SSMU in the year 1953. Gradually, other faculties were also started in the university. These faculties include the pediatrics which began in 1963, stomatology faculty in 1991, Medico-prophylactical, pharmaceutical faculty and General Medicine faulty was started in 2003. In the year 1984, SSMU started the post- diploma education in Pavlodor city. Every year around 1000 doctors pursue their post- diploma education here.

Currently there are more than 3500 students pursuing their medical education in General Medicine, pediatrics, Stomatology, pharmaceuticals and medico-prophylacties. Semey State Medical University provides the best medical education using the best equipment and up to date technology. There are around 450 teachers in the university including 35 Doctors of Sciences, 1 academician, 168 PhDs, 3 Corresponding member of the AMS RK and 4 corresponding member of the ANS RK.

The university has many hospitals affiliated where the students can practice their internship and have some practical experience under the guidance of their mentors and doctors working there.