Starting in 1918 in the historic oak-lined town of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch University had four faculties (Arts, Science, Education, and Agriculture), 503 students, and 40 lecturing staff. Since then, Stellenbosch University (SU) has grown into a vibrant and cosmopolitan community of more than 32,000 students and nearly 3,500 academic and support services staff spread over ten faculties and five campuses with an extensive range of degree programmes to choose from. Our undergraduate and postgraduate student community includes over 3,000 international students from 100 countries.
The University is home to some of the nation's best and brightest scholars. Rooted in Africa, global in reach Stellenbosch University (SU) attracts students from all over the world. Students from more than 100 countries, from as far as South Korea, Switzerland, Australia, Gabon, and Colombia, roam our campuses, making SU a truly international university.
During their time in South Africa, international students are supported by Stellenbosch University International. The office offers a range of services, from logistical to academic and social. Established in 1993, SU's international office testifies to the institution's long-standing commitment to internationalization.
Our focus is on interdisciplinary research that benefits society on a national, continental and global scale.
Stellenbosch University (SU) is firmly committed to the pursuit of knowledge, research, and innovation, in service of society. We provide a world-class centre for learning and development, which is globally relevant, yet rooted in the upliftment and transformation of our local communities. Our actions are guided by key values, and attributes, and enabled by outstanding staff and students, sound operating systems, and a deep sense of purpose.
Our ten faculties (AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Military Science, Science, and Theology) as well as the School for Climate Studies, the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking and the Stellenbosch Business School are located across five campuses in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
According to official figures of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) released in 2022, SU is among South Africa’s top three research-intensive universities, both per capita and in terms of total research output.
SU now boast a total of 20 A-rated researchers - our highest number to date - having received nine new A-ratings in the 2021 rating round.
We host 44 research chairs - 23 as part of the DSI-NRF SARChI programme and 21 endowed or industry-funded chairs. In 2012, that number was 16. Research chairs make a very significant contribution to the research outputs, impact and income of SU as a thriving research-intensive institution.
The number of postdoctoral fellows has grown from 154 in 2012 to more than 340 registered postdoctoral research fellows registered at SU in 2022.
According to official figures of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) released in 2022, SU is among South Africa’s top three research-intensive universities, both per capita and in terms of total research output. SU now boast a total of 20 A-rated researchers - our highest number to date - having received nine new A-ratings in the 2021 rating round. We host 44 research chairs - 23 as part of the DSI-NRF SARChI programme and 21 endowed or industry-funded chairs.
In 2012, that number was 16. Research chairs make a very significant contribution to the research outputs, impact and income of SU as a thriving research-intensive institution. The number of postdoctoral fellows has grown from 154 in 2012 to more than 340 registered postdoctoral research fellows registered at SU in 2022.
SU is cementing its reputation as a world-class institution. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, SU is one of the top 300 universities in the world, and among the top 20 in BRICS countries. It also features among the world's elite institutions in 10 of the 36 subjects featured in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2015. SU was also included in the 2014 CWTS Leiden Ranking, which measures the scientific performance of 750 major universities worldwide.
With 18 research chairs under the NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi), the University is regarded as a leader in the fields of biomedical tuberculosis research and management, wine biotechnology, animal sciences and mathematical biosciences. Another SARChi chair, in the field of invasion biology, is shared between SU and the University of Venda. This constitutes but one of SU's many partnerships, both local and international. As a preferred research partner, SU also participates in various international academic networks.
Stellenbosch University will be Africa's leading research-intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society.
Stellenbosch University is a research-intensive university, where we attract outstanding students, employ talented staff and provide a world-class environment; a place connected to the world, while enriching and transforming local, continental and global communities.
The main campus in the picturesque university town of Stellenbosch in the heart of the Western Cape Winelands is quite an attraction for students. Stellenbosch is situated about 50 km from Cape Town and just 30 km from Cape Town International Airport.
Eight faculties are on the main campus, with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences situated on the Tygerberg campus adjacent to the Tygerberg academic hospital, and the Faculty of Military Sciences - the only one of its kind in South Africa and one of only two in Africa - based at the South African Defence Force Military Academy in Saldanha. The Stellenbosch Business School and other postgraduate business and planning programmes of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences are located on the Bellville Park campus.
The fifth SU campus, in Worcester, was officially opened in 2012 with the launch of the Ukwanda Rural Clinical School of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Here, medical and related health sciences students have the opportunity to complete their clinical training on a rural platform. This is yet another example of SU's pioneering work in the field of academic innovation.
Each year, the campus also houses a new group of school-leavers who participate in Stellenbosch University's Science and Mathematics bridging programme (SciMathUS). The programme offers students from educationally disadvantaged communities the opportunity to gain access to higher education.
Please familiarise yourself with the Stellenbosch University Admissions Policy and our Terms and Conditions for new applications.
What are the minimum academic requirements for an NSC (National Senior Certificate) Pass?
To obtain an NSC pass in your Gr12 year, you must have a minimum of 7 subjects. Of these 7 subjects, you are required to have:
Furthermore, you have to pass with at least:
*Life Orientation will not be considered as part of your average.
What are the minimum academic requirements for a Bachelor's degree?
How do we calculate your National Senior Certificate average?
We use the highest score in Language of Learning and Teaching (Eng or Afr) + (5 x best results in 20-credit subjects excluding Life Orientation, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematics 3 and any other non-NSC subject s). The total is then divided by 6.
How do we assess international qualifications?
What are the basic admission requirements to study at Stellenbosch University?
International students are required to have a valid study visa to study at Stellenbosch University (SU).
SU is not permitted to register a student without a valid temporary residence visa.
As part of your visa application, you will be required to submit a medical certificate in addition to any other documents which may be required (consult with the South African mission closest to you). You will also have to provide proof of medical cover recognition in South Africa from a provider that is registered with the South African Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998, as per the following link South African Council for Medical Schemes.
Please contact the nearest South African High Commission to confirm the application process and supporting documents required for the visa application.
Important: Please note it can take up to eight (8) weeks to obtain a visa, but the circumstances may vary from country to country. Start your visa application by acquainting yourself with the necessary supporting documentation which may be time-consuming to obtain. Please ensure that you submit a complete application for your visa.
This information serves as a guide only. Requirements for obtaining a visa for South Africa are subject to change and each application is treated as an individual case. Always enquire from your nearest SA Mission before travelling to South Africa.
Kindly visit the webpage for permit-related information and you must apply online. Kindly login to the website >Home page > Visa types> Temporary Residence/Permanent Residence then scroll down for different categories of permits and their requirements.
Click on the Home page on COMPLETE ONLINE FORM, to apply and the system will automatically take you through the whole online application process.
Medical Cover Requirements for Stellenbosch University Students
Explore your options:
Please note that Stellenbosch University is not affiliated with any medical aid provider. The university accepts any medical cover, as long as it is registered with the SA Council for Medical Schemes. Most of the students registered at Stellenbosch University use the following options:
Stellenbosch University can accommodate about 6,500 students in approximately 31 university residences and other university accommodations on the Stellenbosch Campus. The five residences on the Tygerberg Campus, where the Faculty of Health Sciences is situated, house a further 1,000 students. Most Maties studying on these two campuses (there are more than 30,000 students in total) make use of private accommodation in Stellenbosch and its environs.
Students who are placed in any one of these residences are under the supervision of a Residential Head. The Residential Head, in turn, is assisted by a house committee. In each residence, there are also mentors. Mentors are senior students who are appointed in residences and Private Student Organizations (students who live privately) to assist new students with their adjustment to university life.
Each new student should have access to a mentor. The mentor already plays an important role during the welcoming period with general assistance regarding university life queries and psychosocial support. Through the mentor, the new students have the opportunity to partake in the Wellness programme of the University, which aims to enhance the wellness of students throughout the year.
