Stellenbosch University (SU) offers postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees, master's degrees by thesis or structured programme, and PhDs across its faculties and the Stellenbosch Business School. You apply online through SUNStudent, and closing dates often depend on the department and on your citizenship. Here is how it works, based on SU's official pages.
Closing dates
SU says that some programmes have specific closing dates, so check the SU Almanac or your faculty's yearbook. For 2027, for example, the Department of Economics listed 30 September 2026 for international applicants and 31 October 2026 for South African applicants, for both its honours and master's programmes. The MSc in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence closed on 31 October 2026.
How to apply
- Choose your programme and check its closing date in the Almanac or yearbook.
- For a research master's or PhD, contact the department about a supervisor.
- Apply online through SUNStudent and upload your documents.
- Pay the application fee, which must accompany your application.
Application fees for 2026
The fee is non-refundable and payable once per application. South African citizens, permanent residents, and holders of refugee, asylum seeker or diplomatic status pay R100. International applicants to undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes pay R400. The Stellenbosch Business School charges R1,050 for MBA programmes and R850 for its other programmes.
Fees in 2026
- Honours and postgraduate diplomas in agriculture: R65,505, for example
- Humanities honours: such as BAHons in English Studies at R54,406
- Thesis-based MA: R30,049 for all years of registration
- PhD: R22,470 a year for the first to fourth years of registration
Under a fee structure phased in since 2023, doctoral students pay the same annual amount, with yearly adjustments, until they finish. After four years of PhD study, you must reapply to continue.
Funding
SU's Postgraduate Funding Office manages postgraduate funding. Its main scheme for master's and doctoral students is the Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, which needs a separate application from your study application. In its recent calls, master's and doctoral applicants generally needed at least 65% in their previous degree, a preliminary research idea of up to 500 words, and a recommendation from a prospective supervisor. Amounts vary by faculty. The 2026 call opened on 1 September 2025 and closed on 31 October 2025.
SU also points students to NRF bursaries, and departments may offer their own funding. You can contact the office at postgradfunding@sun.ac.za, or visit it in Room 3015 of the Krotoa Building on Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch.
Related pages
See Stellenbosch fees, Stellenbosch bursaries and how to apply to Stellenbosch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is SU's postgraduate application fee?
R100 for South Africans and R400 for international applicants in 2026, with higher fees at the Business School.
How much is a PhD at Stellenbosch?
R22,470 a year for the first four years of registration in 2026.
Does SU have a postgraduate scholarship?
Yes, the Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, which needs a separate application.