How to Apply to Stellenbosch University

You apply to Stellenbosch University (SU) online, through its applicant portal, from 1 April each year. Undergraduate and residence applications close on 31 July, and SU does not accept late undergraduate applications. You may apply for up to three undergraduate programmes. Here is how the process works, based on SU's official application pages.

Before you apply

Make sure that you meet the basic requirements for a bachelor's degree and the selection criteria for each programme. SU receives thousands of applications every year, and space is limited, so even applicants who meet every requirement may not get a place. Check the Stellenbosch admission requirements first.

The application steps

1. Create a profile. Set up an online profile on the applicant portal, with an email address and phone number that you use.
2. Choose your programmes. Select up to three undergraduate programmes.
3. Upload your documents. You cannot submit your application until you have uploaded every required document, and SU cannot review documents that are unclear or incorrect.
4. Submit your application. SU then confirms receipt and updates you whenever a document or application status changes.
5. Pay the application fee. You pay it after you submit.

The application fee

The application fee is R100 for South African citizens, permanent residents, and holders of refugee or asylum seeker status. Other international applicants pay a higher fee. You pay it once per application, and it is not refundable.

Previous studies

If you are studying now, or studied before at any tertiary institution, including SU, you must declare it, however short the studies were. If you do not, SU may cancel your application, admission or registration.

The National Benchmark Tests

Faculty of Law applicants must write the NBT before the end of July. This applies to BA Law, BCom Law, BAccLLB and the four-year LLB. You can write the NBT online, or request a remote session through the NBT office.

After you apply

SU considers you for all your programme choices, so you could receive more than one offer. However, you can accept only one offer at a time, and SU communicates the cut-off dates for accepting. Once you accept, you upload your student contract on the portal. SU sends all application communication to the email address you applied with, and it also appears on your applicant portal.

Other deadlines

Financial assistance applications at SU close on 30 September, while NSFAS sets its own dates. The Diploma in Public Accountability has a later closing date of 15 December.