Stellenbosch University (SU) publishes an Undergraduate Prospectus 2027 for applicants with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) certificate. It sets out the basic admission requirements and the programmes in each faculty, and SU notes that it was accurate when it went to press in December 2025. Here is what it contains and how to use it.
What is in the SU prospectus
- Open Day: SU's annual Open Day, held on Saturday, 18 April 2026 on the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses, and an Online Open Day from 20 April to 31 July
- Consultation sessions and guidance: one-on-one sessions with a student recruitment practitioner, and subject-choice and career planning assessments
- Admission to the university: the basic requirements for bachelor's study and how selection works
- Faculty sections: AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science and Theology
- Programme entries: each programme's duration, admission requirements, similar programmes and career opportunities
Basic requirements
You need an NSC or IEB certificate, certified by Umalusi, for admission to bachelor's degree studies. According to the 2027 prospectus, the National Benchmark Tests are not required for admission in 2027, except for all Faculty of Law programmes and some other curricula.
Every programme is a selection programme
SU receives more applications than it has places, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. All programmes are selection programmes, and SU selects applicants according to each faculty's selection guidelines, published on its website.
How to use the prospectus
- Find your field in the faculty sections and read each programme's requirements.
- Look at the similar programmes listed for each one, as possible second or third choices.
- Read the faculty's selection guidelines on SU's website.
- Apply online for up to three programmes before the closing date.
Extended curriculum programmes
The prospectus lists extended curriculum programmes, which add a year. For example, Theology considers applicants with an NSC aggregate of 55% to just under 60% for its extended programme, which may include an interview with the Dean.
Closing dates
Undergraduate applications and residence applications close on 31 July. Law applicants must write the NBT before the end of July.
Indemnity
SU reserves the right to adjust the information at any time, and says verifying it remains the prospective student's responsibility. The latest information is on SU's Maties website.
Contact
For consultations or career assessments, contact Student Recruitment on 021 808 4709 or csr@sun.ac.za. SU's Client Service Centre is on 021 808 9111.
Related pages
See the Stellenbosch admission requirements, Stellenbosch courses and how to apply to Stellenbosch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stellenbosch need the NBT for 2027?
Only for Faculty of Law programmes and some other curricula.
Are all SU programmes selection programmes?
Yes. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
When was the SU Open Day in 2026?
On Saturday, 18 April 2026, with an Online Open Day until 31 July.