Stellenbosch University Application for 2028: How to Apply

Stellenbosch University Application for 2028: How to Apply, Requirements, Dates and Fees

Planning to study at Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2028? Applying early and understanding the university’s application process can significantly reduce the risk of missing important deadlines or submitting an incomplete application. Continue to read more about Stellenbosch University Application for 2028.

Stellenbosch University, commonly known as SU, is one of South Africa’s leading research universities and offers undergraduate programmes across fields including AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science and Theology.

This guide explains the Stellenbosch University Application for 2028, including how to apply, expected application dates, application fees, programme choices, admission requirements, supporting documents, residence applications, National Benchmark Tests, international applications and tips for improving your chances of admission.

Applicants should also check out:

Stellenbosch University Scholarships and Bursaries

Stellenbosch University Prospectus

When Will Stellenbosch University Applications for 2028 Open?

Prospective students should expect the Stellenbosch University 2028 undergraduate application period to be announced through the university’s official admissions channels.

For the latest published undergraduate cycle, applications opened on 1 April and closed on 31 July. Stellenbosch University has also stated that it does not accept late undergraduate applications.

This means prospective 2028 students should start preparing well before applications open.

A typical preparation timeline could look like this:

Do not assume that the dates for 2027 will automatically be the same for 2028. Always confirm the dates published for your intended intake.

How to Apply to Stellenbosch University for 2028

The Stellenbosch University undergraduate application is completed online.

The university directs prospective undergraduate students to its online application system and provides programme information, admission criteria and application guidance through its prospective-student resources.

Step 1: Choose Your Programme

Before starting your application, decide what you want to study. Click to see List of Stellenbosch University Courses

Stellenbosch University offers undergraduate programmes through faculties including:

• AgriSciences
• Arts and Social Sciences
• Economic and Management Sciences
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Science
• Theology

The university advises prospective students to research available programmes and understand the admission and selection requirements before applying.

Step 2: Check the Admission Requirements

Every programme has its own admission and selection requirements.

This is particularly important because simply meeting a general university requirement does not necessarily mean that you qualify for a particular degree.

Check:

• Required school-leaving qualification
• Required subjects
• Minimum subject percentages
• Language requirements
• Programme-specific selection criteria
• NBT requirements, where applicable
• Additional requirements such as portfolios for selected programmes

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Collect the documents you will need before beginning the application.

Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

• South African identity document
• Passport, where applicable
• Grade 11 results
• Grade 12 results when available
• Academic transcripts
• School-leaving certificate
• International qualification documents
• Proof of relevant exemption where applicable
• Additional programme-specific documentation

Submitting accurate information is important because the university places responsibility on the applicant to complete the application correctly and provide the required supporting documents.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Enter your personal, academic and programme information carefully.

Review your information before submitting because errors in your application can cause delays or affect the processing of your application.

Step 5: Select Your Programme Choices

Stellenbosch University allows applicants to select up to three programmes from any faculty under the current published application guidance.

This is an important opportunity for applicants.

Instead of selecting only one programme, you can use your choices strategically by selecting programmes that match your interests and academic profile.

Step 6: Upload the Required Documents

Make sure all documents requested by the university are uploaded correctly.

An incomplete application may not be processed as expected.

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee if Applicable

An application fee may be required after submitting your application. Clickto see Stellenbosch University Fees

The amount can depend on your citizenship and residency status. The latest published undergraduate application guide lists R100 for qualifying South African applicants and R400 for international applicants, while some South African applicants may qualify for a fee exemption depending on their school’s quantile.

Because fees may change for 2028, applicants should check the official 2028 fee information before making payment.

Step 8: Monitor Your Application

After submitting your application, regularly check your application status and email.

Do not assume that submitting the application means that you have been admitted. Click to read on Stellenbosch University Status Check.

Stellenbosch University Application Requirements for 2028

Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements

The Stellenbosch University admission requirements for 2028 will vary according to the programme.

There is no single set of marks that applies to every degree.

For this reason, applicants should avoid relying on generic “APS requirements” found on unofficial websites without checking the specific Stellenbosch University programme.

The university itself states that each programme has its own requirements.

For a prospective student, this means you should check:

1. Whether you have the required school-leaving qualification.
2. Whether you have the required subjects.
3. Whether your marks meet the programme’s minimum levels.
4. Whether the programme has selection criteria beyond the minimum admission requirements.
5. Whether you need to write the NBT.
6. Whether you need to submit a portfolio or other additional material.

Does Meeting the Stellenbosch University Requirements Guarantee Admission?

No.

This is one of the most important things to understand before applying to Stellenbosch University.

SU receives a large number of applications, while the number of available places is limited. The university’s application terms explicitly state that some programmes may have selection criteria higher than the minimum admission requirements and that meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission.

Therefore, an applicant can meet the minimum academic requirements but still not receive an offer.

This is particularly important when applying for competitive programmes.

Students should therefore aim to achieve results that are comfortably above the minimum requirements wherever possible.

Can You Apply for More Than One Programme at Stellenbosch University?

Yes.

According to the university’s current undergraduate application guidance, applicants can select a maximum of three programmes from any faculty.

Applicants should use these choices carefully.

For example, if you are interested in business, you could select three programmes that align with your career interests and academic performance rather than choosing unrelated programmes simply to fill the available spaces.

However, make sure you meet the admission requirements for each programme you select.

Does Stellenbosch University Require the NBT?

The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are not universally required for every Stellenbosch University applicant.

The university’s current admissions information indicates that NBTs are required for applicants to the Faculty of Law and for School of Tomorrow students.

Applicants should nevertheless check the requirements for their specific 2028 programme because admission policies can change.

If an NBT is required, do not leave the test until the last minute.

Stellenbosch University Application Fee for 2028

Stellenbosch University Fees

Applicants should budget for an application fee when planning their 2028 application.

Under the latest published undergraduate application guidance:

• R100 applies to South African citizens and certain qualifying South African residents/status holders.
• R400 applies to international applicants who do not fall into the listed South African categories.
• Some South African applicants may qualify for a R0 application fee depending on the quantile of their school.

The fee is non-refundable according to the university’s published application guide.

Important: These are the latest published figures available for planning purposes, not confirmed 2028 fees. Check the official Stellenbosch University application portal when the 2028 cycle opens.

Stellenbosch University Application for International Students

International students can also apply to Stellenbosch University, but they may have additional requirements.

Applicants who completed an international curriculum rather than the South African NSC/IEB system need to ensure that their qualification satisfies the relevant South African matriculation exemption requirements.

Stellenbosch University’s international undergraduate guidance explains that matriculation exemption is a legal requirement for first-degree study at a South African university for applicants following applicable international curricula. Prospective applicants can use the Universities South Africa (USAf) assessment process to determine whether they meet the relevant requirements.

International applicants should therefore consider:

• Academic qualification requirements
• Matriculation exemption
• Programme-specific requirements
• English-language requirements where applicable
• Passport documentation
• Study visa requirements
• Medical health cover requirements
• Financial arrangements
• Accommodation

International students who do not hold South African citizenship generally need a valid study visa for study in South Africa. Stellenbosch’s international information also highlights medical health cover requirements for applicable international students.

Stellenbosch University Application for South African Students with International School Qualifications

Not every South African applicant follows the NSC curriculum.

Stellenbosch University distinguishes between applicants following the South African NSC/IEB route and South African citizens studying through international curricula such as Cambridge, Pearson, International Baccalaureate and American High School qualifications.

If you are a South African citizen studying at an international school, make sure you follow the correct application guidance for your qualification.

Do not automatically use the same requirements as an NSC applicant.

Stellenbosch University Residence Application for 2028

Students who want university accommodation should also pay close attention to residence applications.

Under the current application process, applicants can apply for student accommodation during the university application process.

Residence should not be treated as an automatic benefit of applying to Stellenbosch University.

Because accommodation is limited, prospective students should apply as early as possible and carefully follow the university’s residence requirements and deadlines.

Remember that:

University admission and residence placement are not necessarily the same thing.

A student may be academically admitted but still need to meet separate accommodation requirements.

What Documents Do You Need for Stellenbosch University Application?

The exact documents required can depend on your applicant category and programme.

Generally, prospective students should have access to:

South African Applicants

• South African ID
• Grade 11 results
• Grade 12 results when available
• Relevant academic records
• Other documents requested by the university

International Applicants

• Passport
• School-leaving qualification
• Academic transcripts
• International examination results
• Matriculation exemption documentation or evidence of eligibility
• Additional documents requested by Stellenbosch University

Programme-Specific Documents

Certain programmes may require additional information.

For example, programmes involving creative or practical assessment may have portfolio or other selection requirements. The university’s admissions resources specifically provide information on portfolio requirements for Visual Arts.

Always check the exact document list for your chosen programme.

Important Stellenbosch University Application Mistakes to Avoid

Many application problems can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions.

1. Applying for the Wrong Programme

Research the programme carefully before submitting your application.

Do not choose a degree simply because you think it sounds attractive. Consider the subjects you enjoy, your academic strengths and your intended career.

2. Ignoring Programme-Specific Requirements

The university has different requirements for different programmes.

Always check the exact programme information.

3. Waiting Until the Closing Date

Technical problems, missing documents or payment issues can become much more stressful close to the deadline.

Apply early.

4. Assuming Minimum Requirements Guarantee Admission

They do not.

Selection and available space can affect the final outcome.

5. Forgetting About Residence

If you need university accommodation, investigate residence application requirements early.

6. Providing Incorrect Information

Your application is your responsibility. Stellenbosch University’s terms and conditions specifically emphasize that applicants must complete the process correctly and on time.

7. Relying Only on Unofficial Websites

University admission requirements can change.

Use unofficial education websites for guidance, but confirm important dates, fees and admission requirements against the official Stellenbosch University information.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Stellenbosch University

There is no guaranteed formula for admission, but prospective students can take several practical steps.

Start Early

Research programmes well before applications open.

Work on Your Grade 11 Results

Grade 11 results can be important during the application process, particularly when final Grade 12 results are not yet available.

Choose Appropriate Subjects

Some degrees require particular school subjects.

Aim for Strong Academic Results

Meeting the minimum requirement is not the same as being a competitive applicant.

Complete Additional Requirements

If your programme requires an NBT, portfolio or another selection activity, complete it according to the university’s instructions.

Apply to Suitable Programmes

Use your available programme choices strategically.

Check Your Application Regularly

Monitor your email and application status for requests or updates.

What Happens After You Apply to Stellenbosch University?

After submitting your application, the university processes your information against the relevant admission and selection requirements.

Possible outcomes can include:

• An admission offer
• Conditional admission
• A request for additional information
• Waiting for final results
• Unsuccessful application
• Other programme-specific outcomes

The precise process and timing can differ according to the programme and applicant category.

Under the university’s current guidance, applicants should monitor their application status rather than assuming that no immediate response means their application has been rejected.

Stellenbosch University Application 2028: Frequently Asked Questions

When does Stellenbosch University Application 2028 open?

The official 2028 undergraduate opening date should be confirmed by Stellenbosch University. The latest published undergraduate cycle opened on 1 April, so prospective 2028 applicants should begin preparing before April and verify the official date when the 2028 application cycle is announced.

When does Stellenbosch University Application 2028 close?

The final 2028 closing date should be confirmed by the university. The latest published undergraduate cycle closed on 31 July, and the university states that late applications are not accepted.

How many programmes can I apply for at Stellenbosch University?

Under the current application guidance, applicants may select up to three programmes from any faculty.

Is the Stellenbosch University application free?

Not necessarily. The latest published guide lists an application fee, although some qualifying South African applicants may be exempt depending on their school quantile. International applicants may pay a different fee.

Can international students apply to Stellenbosch University?

Yes. Stellenbosch University accepts international applicants, but they may have additional requirements relating to qualifications, matriculation exemption, immigration and other documentation.

Does Stellenbosch University accept applications after the deadline?

The university’s current undergraduate application terms state that the undergraduate closing date is firm and that applicants should submit all required information and documents before the deadline. The university does not guarantee consideration of late applications.

Does applying to Stellenbosch University guarantee admission?

No. Stellenbosch University explicitly states that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission because programmes can have higher selection criteria and limited spaces.

Where can I get help with my Stellenbosch University application?

The university’s Contact and Client Services Centre can assist prospective students. Current contact information lists +27 21 808 9111, info@sun.ac.za and a WhatsApp helpline at 061 729 8858. Click to see Stellenbosch University Contact Details.