Stellenbosch University (SU) is one of South Africa’s most prestigious institutions, celebrated for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and strong research culture. If you’re aiming to study at SU in 2025, it’s essential to understand the admission criteria and application process to enhance your chances of acceptance. This guide offers a fresh and detailed overview of Stellenbosch University’s entry requirements for prospective students.
General Admission Requirements
Admission to Stellenbosch University depends on the level of study, program choice, and whether you are a South African or international applicant.
For South African Students
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): Applicants must have a certified NSC with university exemption as verified by Umalusi.
- Minimum Achievement: You need at least 50% (achievement rating 4) in four recognized 20-credit subjects.
- Admission Point Score (APS): SU uses an APS system calculated from your NSC results. Each program has a specific APS threshold, with competitive courses requiring higher scores.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum of 40% in the language of learning and teaching (English or Afrikaans) is required.
- Subject-Specific Requirements: Certain programs require specific subjects and minimum marks. For example:
- Engineering: At least 70% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Sciences.
- Medicine and Health Sciences: APS of 50 or higher, with minimum 60% in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
- Law: Strong academic performance with an APS of 45 or more recommended.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Minimum 50% in the language of instruction.
For International Students
- Final school results from recognized international curricula such as Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate (IB), or A-levels are evaluated.
- International applicants must meet equivalent academic standards and provide proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL if English is not their first language.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
- Honours Degrees: Require a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum average of 65% in final-year modules.
- Master’s Degrees: Completion of an honours degree or equivalent, along with a research proposal for research-based programs.
- Doctoral Degrees: A master’s degree in a related field, academic references, and a detailed research proposal aligned with departmental interests.
Additional Admission Components
- National Benchmark Tests (NBTs): Required for undergraduate applicants to assess academic readiness.
- Equity and Diversity Considerations: SU takes into account socio-economic background and school type to promote inclusivity.
- First-Year Experience: First-time undergraduate applicants must complete a First-Year Experience Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) before accepting admission.
Application Process and Deadlines
- Applications open in early April 2025 and close at the end of July 2025 for most programs.
- Some faculties, like Health Sciences and Law, may have earlier deadlines due to high demand.
- Applications are submitted online via the SU portal, where applicants upload certified documents and pay a non-refundable application fee.
- Applicants can select up to two programs; if admitted to both, they choose which to register for.
Faculties and Programs
SU offers a wide range of programs across faculties including:
- AgriSciences
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education (Foundation and Intermediate Phase)
- Engineering
- Law
- Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences (including MBChB, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing)
- Military Science
Admission to Stellenbosch University is competitive and demands meeting specific academic and language requirements. By understanding the APS system, subject prerequisites, and application timelines, you can better prepare your application. SU’s commitment to academic excellence and diversity makes it a top destination for students seeking quality higher education in South Africa.