Stellenbosch University (SU) bases admission on your average across your school subjects, known as your NSC aggregate, along with minimum marks in key subjects. Every programme at SU is a selection programme, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. The figures below come from SU's 2027 undergraduate admissions booklet.
How Stellenbosch measures your results
Instead of an APS, SU sets a minimum NSC aggregate for each programme. This is your average percentage across your subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Each programme then adds minimum marks for subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English or Afrikaans. You also need a National Senior Certificate or IEB certificate that qualifies you for bachelor's degree study.
Minimum aggregates for popular programmes
- BAcc (Accounting): aggregate of 70%, with Mathematics at 70%, or Mathematics at 60% and Accounting at 70%
- BCom (Management Sciences or Economic Sciences): aggregate of 65%, with Mathematics at 60%
- BCom (Financial or Management Accounting): aggregate of 65%, with Mathematics at 60%
- BCom (Actuarial Science): aggregate of 80%, with Mathematics at 80%
- Bachelor of Data Science: aggregate of 80%, with Mathematics at 80%
- LLB (four-year): aggregate of 70%
- BAccLLB: aggregate of 80%
- MBChB (Medicine): aggregate of 75%, with Mathematics at 60% and Physical Sciences at 50%
- BSc Physiotherapy: aggregate of 60%, with Mathematics at 60%
- Bachelor of Nursing: aggregate of 60%, with Mathematics at 40% or Mathematical Literacy at 70%
- BEng (Electrical and Electronic and other fields): aggregate of 65%, with Mathematics at 60%
- BSc programmes: aggregate of 65%
- BA in Humanities: aggregate of 63%
Language requirements
Most programmes ask for a minimum mark in English or Afrikaans. Many commerce degrees accept English or Afrikaans home language at 50%, or a first additional language at a higher level, such as 70% for Afrikaans. Law programmes ask for English or Afrikaans home language at 60%, or first additional language at 70%.
The National Benchmark Tests
For 2027, SU does not require the NBT for most applicants. However, all Faculty of Law applicants must write it before the end of July. Applicants from the School of Tomorrow, online schools and the American High School Diploma also need it. If Mathematics is a requirement for your programme, you must also write the Mathematics paper.
Extended programmes
SU offers extended curriculum programmes in several faculties, which add a year of support. For example, the extended BCom asks for a 60% aggregate with Mathematics at 50%, and the extended engineering route asks for 70% in Mathematics.
Selection guidelines
Each faculty publishes detailed selection guidelines on the Maties website. Some programmes also need a portfolio, an audition or an interview, so check yours early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stellenbosch use APS?
No. SU sets a minimum NSC aggregate, which is your average excluding Life Orientation, plus subject minimums.
What do I need for MBChB at Stellenbosch?
An aggregate of at least 75%, with Mathematics at 60% and Physical Sciences at 50%. Selection then applies.
Do I need the NBT for Stellenbosch?
Only for some applicants, including all Faculty of Law applicants, who must write it before the end of July.