Stellenbosch University

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.

SU is home to an academic community of more than 32,500 students, including more than 3,700 international students from 104 countries. SU has 4 658 permanent and fixed-term contract staff members, including 1,393 academics.​

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.

Academic Excellence, Research and Innovation

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.

Our vision

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.

Our mission

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.

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:

• Two (2) South African languages;
• Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy (1);
• Three (3) 20-credit subjects and;
• Life Orientation (1).

Furthermore, you have to pass with at least:​

• 40% minimum for your Home Language;
• 40% for two other subjects and;
• 30% for two other subjects one of which must be an official language at First Additional or Home Language level and;
• ​20% in the final subject​

*Life Orientation will not be considered as part of your average.

What are the minimum academic requirements for a Bachelor's degree?

• 30% for a South African Language of Learning and Teaching (English or Afrikaans), and
• An achievement rating of 4 (50% - 59%) in four 20-credit subjects.

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?

• We use the final school results from the International Curriculum (Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate, etc.), including School of Tomorrow.
• Click here for the minimum requirements for international curricula. (Cambridge A-levels, AS-levels, GCSE/IGCSE/O-levels; IB Diploma; American School and Abitur)
• Also, meet further requirements specific to the programme(s) of your choice as set out in the programme outlines under the various Faculties.

​What are the basic admission requirements to study at Stellenbosch University?

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) school-leaving certificate as certified by Umalusi for admission to bachelor's degree studies.
• Faculty-specific requirements

Study Visa Before Arrival

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.

Renewal of Study Visa in 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.

• Create an Email ID and a password to be able to fill in the online application.
• After you have filled out the form online you will be provided with the following options:
• Online payment via Debit/Credit card through the secure online portal
• EFT payment through the secure online portal
• Pre-payment at Standard Bank by downloading and completing the online generated bank receipt and depositing the cash into the nearest Standard Bank.
• ​After you have made payment you will be able to book an appointment date to submit your renewal application. You will also be able to do your Police clearance certificate application at the VFS office.​

Medical cover

Medical Cover Requirements for Stellenbosch University Students

• The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires proof of medical cover registered with the SA Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998 for the duration of your study visa from a registered scheme in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
• Any student registering at Stellenbosch University on a study visa must have South African Medical cover from the commencement of the study visa until 31 December of the specific academic year of registration.
• If a student re-registers for a new academic year, the renewal of the medical cover must commence on 1 January until 31 December of the new academic year.
• No continuing student will be allowed to be registered without medical cover from Jan and until Dec.
• Students are strongly advised to read the contents of the medical cover carefully to ensure they have sufficient coverage during their stay in SA and deal directly with the provider.

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:

• Momentum Health
• CompCare Wellness

Support documents from SU International

• Letter of support
• Request for a letter of continuation (Visa renewal process for Undergraduate students
• Medical aid membership renewal form
• Request for invitation letter

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.

What international students say “I chose to study at Stellenbosch University because from what I saw the University is very student interest-based, allowing you to be more than just a student number. It has a multitude of programs and classes and the campus in Stellenbosch is incredibly beautiful, inside and out. I feel that the learning environment contributes to student's overall performance." - Morgan Cornwall (Canada)

“Stellenbosch University is a world-class institution with an international outlook. I like the exceptional programs that are being offered. Education has always been a crucial aspect of my life and I particularly find Stellenbosch University conducive for learning." - Oluwadamilola Oluwusi (Nigeria)

“As a researcher at SU, you'll have an excellent learning and research experience. Stellenbosch University is one of the leading universities in Africa and the University offers a state-of-art platform that is respected by employers and academics worldwide." - Dr Astik Biswas (India) Research For Impact Our research agenda is to optimise the scientific, economic, and social, scholarly and cultural impact of our research.

Our focus is on interdisciplinary research that benefits society on a national, continental and global scale.

• SU is a founding partner of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) The Alliance of 16 African Universities promotes & strengthens research on the continent.
• According to official figures that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) released in 2022, we are among South Africa’s top three research-intensive universities, both per capita and in terms of total research output.
• SU had 7 centres of excellence of the Department of Science and Innovation and the National Research Foundation (DSI-NRF).
• 504 researchers with a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating. These include 17 A-rated researchers,
• 47 research chairs including one of the highest numbers of national (SARChI) chairs in the country.

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.

Residence facilities

• Each room has a network point for connecting your own computer to the University's network, electronic information resources, the Internet and web-based e-learning tools.
• Laundry facilities
• A common "living room" area for socialising, watching TV or just "hanging out"
• All the women's residences, and some of the men's, also have a communal and/or private lounge area where visitors can be received and entertained.
• Most of the residences boast lovely courtyards and/or gardens for play and relaxation.