Stellenbosch University Application Information For 2025 Intake
Prospective students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as electronic applications open 01 March 2025. Application for admission to postgraduate degree programmes for both South African and International candidates are subject to faculty specific closing dates.
Please note that certain programmes require additional supporting documentation which must accompany your application.
To view the closing dates for a specific programme or the additional supporting documentation, click on the relevant faculty listing or programme below:
Faculty of AgriSciences
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Faculty of Economic and Managment Sciences
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Theology
- Department of Old and New Testament
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
Proof of English Language proficiency is required from candidates who have obtained their qualifications from institutions where the medium of instruction was not English. This evidence must accompany your application and serves as part of the supporting documenation required to successfully complete the credential evaluation of an application.
The English language requirements and recognised language tests for admission to Stellenbosch University’s postgraduate degree programmes are as follows:
English Language Requirements |
||||||||
CEF Level |
Cambridge ESOL |
IELTS Band |
TOEFL iBT |
TOEFL CBT |
BULATS |
PTE General |
PTE Academic |
|
No language tuition required |
C2 Proficient |
CPE |
8 – 9 |
96 – 110 |
243 – 270 |
90 – 100 |
Level 5 |
85+ |
Support Language tuition may be required *(EAP) |
C1 |
CAE |
6.5 – 7.5 |
79 – 95 |
213- 240 |
75 – 89 |
Level 4 |
76 – 84 |
Language Tuition is required |
C1 |
FCE / CAE |
Lower than 6.5 |
Lower than 79 |
Lower than 213 |
Lower than 75 |
Lower than level 4 |
Lower than 76 |
The minimum English language proficiency requirements for acceptance to University courses are:
- 6.5 IELTS band (minimum 6 at all bands)
- 550 TOEFL paper based / 79 TOEFL iBT / 213 TOEFL CBT
Guidance on how to apply is available here. If you already know which programme you wish to apply for, click on the red button below to proceed with your application.
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.