Stellenbosch University
Universiteit Stellenbosch
A research-intensive university in the Cape Winelands, teaching in English and Afrikaans, with entry by school average.
- Students
- 35,370
- Tuition
- ZAR 57,130
- From · 2025 programme fees (latest published fee book); 2027 international fees
- Founded
- 1918
- QS World Ranking
- #296
- 2027 edition
About SU
Stellenbosch University (SU) grew out of the Stellenbosch Gymnasium of the 1860s, became Victoria College and gained university status on 2 April 1918. It is based in the historic town of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, with further campuses including Tygerberg (medicine and health sciences) and Bellville Park (the Stellenbosch Business School). SU reports 35,370 students, 10 faculties, 150+ undergraduate and 800+ postgraduate programmes, 52 research chairs and 505 NRF-rated researchers.
Historically an Afrikaans-medium university, SU now runs a multilingual language policy: Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa are used across the university, and classes are offered in English and Afrikaans. In the BEng programmes, for example, all undergraduate lectures are presented in English, with Afrikaans parallel sessions or simultaneous interpreting in many first-year modules, and students may write assessments in either language. Its three-language slogan, 'Forward together, Sonke siya phambili, Saam vorentoe', reflects that mix.
Admission is by your school-leaving average rather than an APS score, with each programme setting minimum averages and subject marks, and selection is competitive because enrolment is capped. SU suits academically strong students who want a research-intensive, residential university town with a strong sporting and residence culture.
Pectora roborant cultus recti
“A sound education strengthens the spirit” — university motto
Why students choose SU
A research-intensive university reporting 52 research chairs, 505 NRF-rated researchers and 34 spin-out companies.
Classes in English and Afrikaans, with interpreting or parallel Afrikaans sessions in many first-year engineering modules.
A small-town campus in the Cape Winelands, with the Tygerberg health sciences campus near Cape Town.
A global network of more than 200,000 alumni and 100+ partner institutions on seven continents.
Admissions
2028 intake (applications expected April to July 2027); 2027-intake applications closed on 31 July 2026
Selectivity
SU does not publish an acceptance rate. Council sets enrolment targets per programme, so applicants who meet the minimum requirements may still not be selected; faculties rank applicants by a selection score based on school results.
Typical entry requirements
| NSC / IEB (BEng) | At least 70% average, Mathematics 70%+, Physical Sciences 60%+, and English Home Language 50% (or First Additional Language 60%) |
|---|---|
| A-levels (BEng) | University exemption with 70% average; Maths, Physics and Chemistry at D or above at A-level; English E at A-level or C at GCSE/O-level |
| IB Diploma (BEng) | 70% average; English, Maths, Chemistry and Physics at 4 HL or 5 SL (Matriculation Board requires 24 points or equivalent) |
| A-levels (BCom Actuarial Science) | 85% average with Maths C at A-level (A at AS-level) |
| Grade conversion | SU converts international grades to percentages, e.g. A-level A* = 95%, A = 90%, B = 85%; IB HL 7 = 90%, 6 = 85%, 5 = 75% |
Deadlines
- Undergraduate applications and residences (2027 intake) Non-binding Passed31 July 2026
Opened 1 April 2026; now closed. No late applications. SU aims to finalise international applications by 31 August.
- Undergraduate applications (2028 intake) Non-bindingNot yet published; expected 31 July 2027
SU's standing rule is that applications open on 1 April and close on 31 July of the year before study; 2028-specific dates have not been published.
- SU financial assistance Non-binding30 September
For SA students; NSFAS sets its own dates.
The only published dates are for the 2027 intake (1 April to 31 July 2026). For 2028 entry, SU's faculty guidelines state that applications close on 31 July of the year before study, so expect 1 April to 31 July 2027, but check SU's Dates page when the 2028 cycle opens. International applicants need an offer by 30 November to leave time for a study visa.
How to apply
Apply online through SU's applicant portal from 1 April, choosing up to three programmes (you may receive several offers but can hold only one). Upload the required documents and pay the application fee (R100 for South Africans, R400 for international applicants; waived for quintile 1-4 schools). Grade 12 learners are assessed on final Grade 11 results for a conditional offer; final offers follow Grade 12 results in January. International applicants also need Matriculation Exemption from Universities South Africa, a study visa and South African-registered medical cover.
What admissions looks for
- A school average above the programme minimum, calculated from your language of learning and five best 20-credit subjects.
- Programme-specific subject marks, such as 70% Mathematics and 60% Physical Sciences for engineering.
- Strong final Grade 11 results for a conditional offer, confirmed by final Grade 12 results.
- For Law applicants, completed NBTs before 31 July.
Tips for applying to SU
- 1 International students cannot apply for MBChB: SU's selection guidelines consider only SA citizens, permanent residents and refugees.
- 2 Use all three programme choices, since you are considered for each and can receive multiple offers.
- 3 Budget for the international tuition fee: for 2027 it is R79,810 a year for students from outside Africa and R39,905 for Africa beyond SADC, on top of programme fees, and must be paid in full before registration; SADC students pay none.
- 4 Apply for residence at the same time as your programme: residence applications also close on 31 July.
Costs & financial aid
2025 programme fees (latest published fee book); 2027 international fees · figures in ZAR
SU offers bursaries and loans to South African students (financial assistance applications close 30 September) and NSFAS for eligible South Africans. SU does not offer bursaries or loans to international students, who must show sufficient funds and make a compulsory initial payment before registration.
- R124,810 (R45,000 towards tuition + R79,810 ITF)
- Payable before registration, undergraduate, outside Africa (2027)
- R84,905 (R45,000 + R39,905 ITF)
- Payable before registration, undergraduate, Africa beyond SADC (2027)
- R45,000 in the first year, R33,750 in later years
- Payable before registration, undergraduate, SADC (2027)
- R100 (SA applicants), R400 (international)
- Application fee
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (academic year from January/February)
BEng (Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Electrical and Electronic, Chemical, Industrial)
A 70% average and 70% Maths needed; lectures in English with Afrikaans parallel sessions or interpreting in many first-year modules.
BCom (Actuarial Science)
One of SU's most demanding entry points, with an 85% school average.
BSc (Viticulture and Oenology)
Wine science in the heart of the Cape Winelands, from the Faculty of AgriSciences.
MBChB
Taught at the Tygerberg campus; 75% minimum average, open only to SA citizens, permanent residents and refugees.
BAccounting
A chartered accountancy route with a 70% average and strong Maths or Accounting marks.
Research
- 52 research chairs and 505 National Research Foundation-rated researchers (SU figures).
- 34 spin-out companies and 329 doctoral degrees awarded in 2024.
- Alumnus J. L. B. Smith was the first to identify the coelacanth, a fish thought long extinct.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of AgriSciences
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Faculty of Military Science
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Theology
- Stellenbosch Business School
Student life
Stellenbosch is a classic university town, and much of student life revolves around residences, Maties Sport and student societies. Undergraduates can apply for placement in university residences or university-managed private accommodation at the same time as they apply to study, and all first-years join an official Welcoming Programme. The university publishes the student newspaper Die Matie and hosts the Woordfees, a festival of the written and spoken word. SU International runs a first-arrival transfer from Cape Town International Airport for new international students.
- Maties Sport, with the sports nickname 'Maties' and the mascot Pokkel.
- The SU Woordfees festival of the written and spoken word.
- An official Welcoming Programme for all first-year students.
- Airport pickup for new international students on first arrival.
Housing. Undergraduates apply for university residence placement by 31 July alongside their academic application; for 2027 the compulsory first residence instalment for international students is R25,000, plus R15,000 towards the meal quota in catered residences.
Location
Stellenbosch is a historic university town in the Western Cape's winelands, with mountains rising behind the campus. Cape Town and its airport are within easy reach for weekends, and daily life in town is walkable and centred on the university. The Tygerberg health sciences campus is in the Cape Town metro area.
Nearest airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Notable alumni
- JR Johann RupertChairman of Richemont and former Chancellor of Stellenbosch University
- NP Naledi PandorSouth African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
- EC Edwin CameronJustice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and later SU Chancellor
- JL J. L. B. SmithIchthyologist who first identified the coelacanth
- CW Christo WieseBusinessman and former chairman of Shoprite
- JM Jannie MoutonFounder and chairman of PSG Group
- JS Johan Steyn (Baron Steyn)British Law Lord
- NN Novel Njweipi ChegouMolecular biologist, winner of the Royal Society Africa Prize 2022
Frequently asked questions
What APS do you need for Stellenbosch University?
SU does not use an APS. It uses your school average (language of learning plus five best subjects, divided by six), e.g. 70% for BEng and BAccounting, 75% for MBChB and 85% for BCom Actuarial Science, plus subject minimums.
When do Stellenbosch applications close for 2028?
SU has not yet published 2028 dates. Its rule is that applications open on 1 April and close on 31 July of the year before study, so expect 31 July 2027; applications for 2027 entry closed on 31 July 2026.
Is Stellenbosch University taught in English?
Classes are offered in English and Afrikaans under SU's multilingual language policy. In engineering, all undergraduate lectures are in English, with Afrikaans parallel sessions or interpreting in many first-year modules.
How much does Stellenbosch cost for international students?
International students pay the programme fee (e.g. about R57,000 for BCom or R78,000 for BEng in 2025, the latest published fee book) plus an annual international tuition fee, which for 2027 is R79,810 if you are from outside Africa or R39,905 from Africa beyond SADC; SADC students pay no ITF.
Can international students study medicine at Stellenbosch?
No. SU's MBChB selection guidelines consider only South African citizens, permanent residents and refugees.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
- QS World University Rankings 2027 (topuniversities.com)
- THE World University Rankings 2026
- ShanghaiRanking ARWU 2026
- Stellenbosch University: About (archived September 2026)
- Stellenbosch University: How to apply, undergraduate (archived March 2026)
- Stellenbosch University: Admission and selection requirements (archived March 2026)
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