Stellenbosch University Fees for 2028 Application

Stellenbosch University Fees for 2028 Application: Tuition, Application Fee, Residence and International Student Costs

If you are planning to apply to Stellenbosch University (SU) for the 2028 academic year, understanding the expected cost of studying at the university is an important part of preparing your application. Continue to read more about Stellenbosch University Fees for 2028 Application.

Stellenbosch University does not charge one flat tuition fee for every student. The amount you pay depends on factors such as your programme, modules, student category, residence arrangements and whether you are a South African or international student.

It is also important to distinguish between the application fee and the tuition or study fees. The application fee is paid when you submit your application, while study fees are payable after admission and registration.

See Also: Stellenbosch University Scholarships and Bursary

Important 2028 fee update

Stellenbosch University has not yet published its final 2028 student-fee schedule. Therefore, applicants should not treat figures from previous years as confirmed 2028 fees. The university’s official fee information explains that study fees are programme-specific and are adjusted annually. Current official information provides a useful guide for planning, but the final 2028 amounts should be confirmed when Stellenbosch University publishes its 2028 fee information.

This article therefore focuses on the Stellenbosch University fees for 2028 application, explains the different costs applicants should budget for, and uses the university’s latest available information to help prospective students plan ahead.

What Are Stellenbosch University Fees for 2028?

Stellenbosch University fees for 2028 will consist of several possible charges rather than one universal amount.

Depending on your circumstances, your total cost may include:

• Application fee
• Tuition or study fees
• Registration-related charges
• International tuition fees, where applicable
• Accommodation or residence fees
• Meal quota for catered residences
• Books and study materials
• Academic or programme-related costs
• Student or society-related fees
• Other university-related charges

The most important point for applicants is that the tuition fee varies according to the programme and modules selected.

Stellenbosch University’s official study-fee information describes its published programme figures as estimates and advises students to obtain a detailed provisional statement of fees or quotation for a more accurate calculation. It also notes that some expenses, such as textbooks, certain membership fees, parking and some other costs, may be excluded from the published estimates.

Therefore, a student applying for a programme such as Engineering should not assume that they will pay exactly the same amount as a student studying Arts, Education, Law or another qualification.

Stellenbosch University Application Fee for 2028

The application fee is one of the first costs prospective students should understand.

According to the university’s current undergraduate application information, a R100 application fee applies to:

• South African citizens
• Permanent residents of South Africa
• Refugees in South Africa
• Asylum seekers in South Africa
• Holders of diplomatic status in South Africa

The current application information states that the application fee for undergraduate international applicants is R400.

However, applicants should note that Stellenbosch University provides exemptions in certain circumstances.

For example, South African undergraduate applicants may be exempt from the application fee depending on the quantile of their school. If the exemption applies, the online application payment page will show an application fee of R0.00.

Current application-fee guide

Important: These are the latest published amounts available for planning and should not automatically be presented as the confirmed 2028 application fees. Check the official 2028 application portal when applications open.

Is the Stellenbosch University Application Fee Refundable?

Applicants should budget on the assumption that the application fee is non-refundable.

The university’s 2027 undergraduate application information describes the application fee as a non-refundable payment due after submitting the application.

This means prospective students should carefully check their programme choices and application information before submitting their application and making any required payment.

Stellenbosch University Tuition Fees for 2028

The biggest cost for most students will be tuition or study fees.

There is no single Stellenbosch University tuition fee for all undergraduate programmes.

The university’s official study-fee information provides representative estimates for different instructional programmes rather than one fixed university-wide price. It also explains that module-related costs can be included in programme estimates, while some expenses are excluded.

For 2028 applicants, this means you should avoid websites or social-media posts claiming that “Stellenbosch University fees are RXX,XXX for everyone.”

That approach can be misleading.

Instead, determine:

1. The exact programme you want to study.
2. The modules associated with that programme.
3. Whether you will study full-time or part-time.
4. Whether you require university accommodation.
5. Whether you are a South African or international student.
6. Whether additional international fees apply.
7. Whether you need meals through a university residence.
8. Whether your programme has additional academic costs.

How Stellenbosch University Calculates Study Fees

Stellenbosch University explains that study fees can include costs associated with the modules taken by a student. Programme fees can therefore vary depending on the qualification and academic load.

The university recommends obtaining a detailed provisional statement of fees/quotation when students need a more accurate estimate.

This is particularly useful for students planning their finances for 2028 because the published annual figures may not represent every student’s actual bill.

Costs that may not be included in some published estimates

Students may have to budget separately for items such as:

• Textbooks
• Certain academic materials
• Membership dues
• Parking
• Private student organisation fees
• House-related fees
• Other programme-specific expenses

The university specifically notes that some of these costs are excluded from its representative study-fee estimates.

Stellenbosch University Residence Fees for 2028

Students who want to live in university accommodation should budget for residence fees in addition to study fees.

The university’s current payment information states that, where applicable, a compulsory first instalment for residence fees is payable. The currently published amount is R16,400 for the first residence-fee instalment for the relevant student-fee schedule.

However, this should not be treated as the confirmed 2028 residence fee.

Residence costs can change, and the actual amount will depend on the accommodation type and the fee schedule applicable to the 2028 academic year.

Students should therefore check the official Stellenbosch University accommodation and student-fees information when the 2028 fees are released.

Does Stellenbosch University Charge for Meals?

Students placed in a university residence with catering may also need to budget for a meal quota.

The university’s published student-fee information for international students, for example, lists a compulsory first meal-quota instalment of R15,000 for students in catered residences. It also explains that a package covering three standard meals a day, seven days a week, was estimated at approximately R32,550 under that fee schedule.

These figures are historical/current reference figures and should not be used as the confirmed 2028 meal costs.

The actual 2028 meal quota will need to be confirmed through Stellenbosch University’s official fee information.

Stellenbosch University Fees for International Students in 2028

International applicants should pay particular attention to fees because they may have additional financial obligations.

Stellenbosch University distinguishes between South African students and international students in its fee structure.

Its published international-student fee information shows that international students can be required to pay an International Tuition Fee (ITF) in addition to applicable tuition or study-fee amounts. The university also differentiates between students from SADC countries, other African countries and countries outside Africa.

For example, the university’s published 2025 international fee schedule listed different minimum payments before registration depending on the student’s geographic category.

This is particularly important for applicants from countries such as:

• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Kenya
• Uganda
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Botswana
• Namibia
• Mozambique
• Lesotho
• Eswatini

However, students should not assume that their 2028 fees will be the same as the older published figures.

Stellenbosch University Fees for Ghanaian Students

Ghanaian students planning to apply to Stellenbosch University in 2028 should generally plan as international applicants, unless they have a status that places them under the university’s South African fee category.

This means a Ghanaian applicant should investigate:

• International application fee
• Tuition fees for the selected programme
• International Tuition Fee, where applicable
• International registration-related costs
• Accommodation
• Meal costs
• Health insurance or other applicable requirements
• Books and study materials
• Visa and travel expenses
• Personal living expenses

The exact financial requirements should be confirmed with Stellenbosch University International before making final financial arrangements.

Do International Students Pay Their Fees Before Registration?

International students should pay particular attention to payment deadlines.

Stellenbosch University’s current information states that international students generally have different payment arrangements from South African students. Its published registration information says international students are required to pay study fees in full by the registration date, subject to the applicable international-student rules.

The university’s published international fee information also provides minimum compulsory initial payments for international students before registration.

This makes financial planning particularly important for international applicants.

Stellenbosch University Fee Payment Plan

South African students may have the option of paying their study fees in instalments.

The university’s current “Amount payable on registration” information provides a payment schedule in which percentages of the total fees become payable during the academic year. The published schedule includes payments from February through September, with a different arrangement for students using debit orders.

For example, under the current schedule:

This is a current reference schedule, not a guarantee of the 2028 payment schedule. Applicants should check the 2028 Student Fees Yearbook for the final payment requirements.

How Much Money Should You Budget for Stellenbosch University in 2028?

Because final 2028 fees have not yet been published, it is better to build your budget around categories of expenses rather than rely on one estimated total.

Your 2028 budget should include:

1. Application costs

Budget for the applicable application fee when you submit your application.

2. Tuition

This will depend on your programme and modules.

3. Accommodation

If you want university residence accommodation, include residence fees in your budget.

4. Food

Students who live in catered residences should budget for the applicable meal quota. Students living elsewhere need to budget for groceries and meals.

5. Books and study materials

Some programmes require textbooks, equipment, software or other learning materials.

6. Transport

Students living away from campus may need money for daily transportation.

7. Personal expenses

Include clothing, toiletries, communication, entertainment and other personal expenses.

8. International student expenses

International students should additionally budget for visa-related costs, travel, insurance and any university-specific international fees applicable to them.

How to Check the Exact Stellenbosch University Fees for 2028

The safest way to obtain the final fees is to use the university’s official sources.

Stellenbosch University maintains an official undergraduate Fees section covering study fees, residence fees, provisional fee statements, payment options and registration payments.

Students should follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify your programme

Go to the official Stellenbosch University undergraduate programme information and select the exact qualification.

Step 2: Check the applicable fee information

Review the Student Fees section and the relevant University Yearbook.

Step 3: Check whether you are an international student

International students can have additional financial requirements.

Step 4: Generate a provisional quotation

For a more accurate estimate, request the university’s detailed provisional statement of fees/quotation.

Step 5: Check residence costs separately

Tuition and accommodation are not necessarily the same charge.

Step 6: Check the final 2028 fee schedule

Use the 2028 Student Fees Yearbook once it becomes available.

Stellenbosch University 2028 Application Dates and Fees

Prospective students should also pay attention to application deadlines.

The university’s current undergraduate application information states that undergraduate applications and residence applications close on 31 July for the relevant intake.

However, applicants should not assume that the exact 2028 closing date will be identical until Stellenbosch University officially publishes the 2028 application cycle.

It is advisable to apply early rather than waiting until the final day.

Stellenbosch University states that applicants can apply for up to three undergraduate programmes, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

Does Stellenbosch University Offer Fee Exemptions?

Yes. Certain applicants may qualify for an application-fee exemption.

The university’s current application information indicates that some South African undergraduate applicants can be exempt depending on their school’s quantile. The application system will indicate R0.00 where an exemption applies.

This is different from receiving a scholarship or bursary.

An application-fee exemption only concerns the cost of submitting the application. It does not mean that tuition, accommodation and other study expenses are automatically waived.

Are Stellenbosch University Fees the Same for Every Course?

No.

This is one of the most important points for applicants researching Stellenbosch University fees for 2028.

Fees can differ because programmes have different:

• Modules
• Credit loads
• Practical requirements
• Academic costs
• Programme structures
• Duration
• Faculty-specific requirements

The university itself publishes representative programme estimates rather than one universal tuition amount.

Therefore, searches such as “Stellenbosch University fees 2028 per year” should always be interpreted carefully.

The most reliable figure is the quotation applicable to your specific programme and registration year.

Will Stellenbosch University Fees Increase in 2028?

Applicants should expect that fees may change from year to year.

The university’s programme information states that fees are adjusted annually.

For this reason, using a 2026 or 2027 fee figure as the final 2028 price would be misleading.

The final 2028 amount may depend on the university’s approved fee schedule for that year.

Students should therefore use current published fees only for budget planning and confirm the final amount before registration.

How to Reduce the Cost of Studying at Stellenbosch University

Prospective students can take several steps to manage university costs.

Apply for financial aid early

Investigate bursaries, scholarships and other funding opportunities before the application deadline.

Compare accommodation options

University residence is convenient but students should compare the total cost with other legitimate accommodation options.

Budget for textbooks

Check whether prescribed books can be purchased second-hand or accessed through university library services where permitted.

Avoid late payments

Late payment can create additional financial pressure. Stellenbosch University’s student contract states that unpaid fees can have consequences, including interest and restrictions relating to registration, results or qualifications.

Keep a monthly student budget

Separate tuition, accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses instead of treating them as one amount.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stellenbosch University Fees 2028

How much is the Stellenbosch University application fee for 2028?

The final 2028 application fee has not yet been confirmed in the sources reviewed. The current official undergraduate application information lists R100 for applicable South African applicants and R400 for undergraduate international applicants, with exemptions available in certain cases.

How much is Stellenbosch University tuition for 2028?

The final 2028 tuition fees have not yet been published. Tuition varies by programme and module, so there is no single fee applicable to every student.

Is the Stellenbosch University application fee refundable?

Applicants should treat the application fee as non-refundable. The university’s 2027 application information describes it as a non-refundable fee.

Do international students pay more at Stellenbosch University?

International students may have additional fees, including an International Tuition Fee depending on their category and circumstances.

Does Stellenbosch University offer payment plans?

The university publishes payment schedules for applicable student categories. The current information provides for instalment payments for South African students, while international students have different payment requirements.

Does the tuition fee include accommodation?

No. Accommodation and tuition should be treated as separate costs when planning your university budget.

Does the tuition fee include textbooks?

Not necessarily. Stellenbosch University states that textbooks and certain other costs are excluded from its representative study-fee estimates.

When will Stellenbosch University publish the 2028 fees?

Applicants should monitor the official Stellenbosch University Student Fees and Yearbook pages for the publication of the 2028 fee schedule. Fees are adjusted annually, so the final figures should be confirmed directly with the university.

Final Thoughts on Stellenbosch University Fees for 2028

The Stellenbosch University fees for 2028 application should be considered as a combination of application, tuition, accommodation, meals and other study-related expenses rather than one fixed amount.

At present, the university’s final 2028 fee schedule is not yet available. The latest official information confirms that the application fee, tuition fees and other student costs depend on the applicant’s circumstances and programme. The university also adjusts fees annually, meaning current figures should be used as planning estimates rather than guaranteed 2028 prices.

For applicants preparing for 2028, the best strategy is to start budgeting early, identify your programme, check whether you are classified as a South African or international student, investigate accommodation costs and monitor the official Stellenbosch University fee publications.