Stellenbosch University is one of the topmost higher educational institutions in Africa. If you want to study in Stellenbosch University and you want to apply, here are simple guides for you. This guide contains online application, offline application and admission requirements.
Step 1: Before you apply
Before you apply,
1. Read on all the programmes offered at Stellenbosch University.
2. Make sure that you understand what it takes to be accepted by the different faculties by reading the admission and selection requirements below.
3. Check the closing dates before you apply.
Closing dates:
30 June: Residence applications close.
31 August: Applications close for Stellenbosch University financial assistance.
31 May: Applications close for the programme MB,ChB in the Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences.
30 June: Applications close for all other undergraduate programmes.
Check out : Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements
Step 2: Pick your programme
You get to pick three programmes, because some programmes are harder to get into than
others because of the limited space available.
Even if you’re not selected for your first choice, you could still be selected for your second or third choice.
Step 3: Start your application
Offline application
Only apply with a paper application form if you don’t have access to the internet, otherwise, simply apply online.
- You can get a paper application form at 021 808 9111 or at info@sun.ac.za.
- Complete all the required fields and post the form with the other application documents so that they reach the university before the closing date.
- If the university receive both an online application and a paper form application from you, they’ll only look at the online application.
Online application
Stellenbosch University loves online applications.
- Start your online application. Click here to apply.
- Get your username and 8-digit password.
- Complete the online form.
Also Read : Stellenbosch University application status: How to check on your Stellenbosch University application
Step 4: Upload the needed documents
When you’re applying online, the university will need:
- your signed contract,
- proof of payment of the R100 application fee, and
- certified copies of supporting documents asked for (like your academic results and
faculty specific non-academic forms, if applicable).
Make sure the school receive the documents on time. You can monitor your application on Your Admission Status to ensure that your application is complete.
If you apply online, upload your documents online to Your Admission Status before the closing date.
If you apply with a paper form, you should put all the documents in the envelope with your application.
Step 5: Write the National Benchmark Test (NBT)
- If you apply to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences or for a programme in Law, you must write the National Benchmark Test (NBT) before the end of June, because your NBT result is used in the selection process.
- Everyone needs to write the NBT before you may register as a student at Stellenbosch University.
Step 6: Track your application
You can monitor the progress of your application at Your Admission Status. Check out Stellenbosch MySun student portal.
Admission and selection requirements
Also note Stellenbosch University has a brand new Admissions Policy.
To study at Stellenbosch University you are required to:
- South African school system: Have obtained a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with admission to Bachelor’s degree studies, which means that you must obtain a mark of at least 50% in each of four school subjects from the list of university admission subjects: Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Consumer Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Information Technology, Languages (one language of learning and teaching at a higher education institution and two other recognised language subjects), Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Music, Physical Sciences, Religion Studies and Visual Arts.
- International school system: Final school results from International Curriculum (Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate, etc.), including School of Tomorrow.
- Have written the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
Note that when you apply for a programme in the faculty of Law and of Medicine and Health Sciences, the NBT’s need to be written before 30 June if you want to be considered for selection.
- Also meet further requirements specific to the programme(s) of your choice as set out in the programme outlines under the various faculties
Recommended : Stellenbosch University Courses
Faculty selection guidelines
Large numbers of prospective students apply for programmes. Unfortunately the school can accept only a limited number of students.
Even though you may meet the admission requirements of a programme, you are not guaranteed admission to the programme of your choice.
- AgriSciences
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education (Foundation Phase)
- Education (Intermediate Phase)
- Engineering
- Law
- Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
– MB,ChB?
– Dietetics
– Physiotherapy
– Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy
– Occupational Therapy
– Nursing
For further inquiries, please contact our Client Service Centre
Tel.: 021 808 9111
E-mail: info@sun.ac.za
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.