Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements for 2028

Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements for 2028 Application

If you are planning to apply to Stellenbosch University (SU) for the 2028 academic year, understanding the admission requirements early can help you choose the right subjects, prepare for selection requirements and submit a stronger application.

Stellenbosch University is one of South Africa’s leading research-intensive 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.

However, there is no single admission requirement that applies to every Stellenbosch University programme. Each programme has its own minimum academic requirements and, in some cases, additional selection criteria. The university also emphasises that satisfying the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission, because undergraduate places are limited.

What Are the Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements for 2028?

For applicants completing the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) qualification, Stellenbosch University generally requires applicants to meet both the general bachelor’s degree admission requirements and the specific requirements for their chosen programme.

The latest official SU material identifies the basic requirements as including:

A recognised NSC or IEB school-leaving certificate with admission to bachelor’s degree studies.
At least 50% in each of four designated university entrance subjects for the general bachelor’s admission requirement.
An overall final average of at least 55%, excluding Life Orientation, in the general admission framework.
Meeting the specific subject requirements of the programme.
Completing National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) where required.
Meeting additional selection criteria where applicable.

These should be viewed as general requirements rather than a universal admission score for every course.

For example, a student applying for a BSc programme may need substantially higher marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences than a student applying for a humanities programme.

Does Stellenbosch University Use APS?

One of the common questions from prospective students is: “What APS score is required for Stellenbosch University?”

Unlike universities that prominently advertise a single APS or Admission Point Score for all programmes, Stellenbosch University’s admission information is largely presented through programme-specific subject requirements, average marks and selection criteria.

Therefore, applicants should be careful when searching for a single “Stellenbosch University APS score for 2028.”

The more important questions are:

Do you have the required bachelor’s degree admission status?
Do you meet the programme’s required average?
Do you have the required subjects?
Do you achieve the required subject levels?
Do you meet any NBT requirements?
Do you satisfy the programme’s selection criteria?
Is there space available in the programme?

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

General Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements

The general minimum requirements provide the starting point for applicants.

According to current official Stellenbosch University information, applicants with the South African NSC or IEB qualification generally need:

1. A recognised school-leaving qualification

Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements by Programme

List of Stellenbosch University Courses

One of the most important things applicants should understand is that the requirements vary considerably between programmes.

Below are examples of how the requirements can differ.

Stellenbosch University BSc Admission Requirements

Science programmes generally have stronger Mathematics and science requirements.

For example, the Faculty of Science indicates that its BSc programmes require applicants to have Mathematics as a school-leaving subject. Mathematical Literacy cannot be substituted for Mathematics for the BSc programmes referred to by the faculty.

The Faculty of Science provides programme-specific requirements. Its published information includes requirements such as:

An average final mark of 65%, excluding Life Orientation, for the specified BSc programmes.
Afrikaans or English at the required level.
Mathematics at the required level.
Physical Sciences and/or other science subjects depending on the BSc field.

For some Science programmes, Mathematics at Level 5 or Level 6 may be required depending on the academic foundation needed.

This means students interested in Science should not rely solely on the general 55% university requirement.

Stellenbosch University Engineering Admission Requirements

Engineering is another highly competitive area where programme-specific requirements are important.

Stellenbosch University’s Engineering admission documentation explains that undergraduate enrolment is managed according to available capacity and programme targets. Consequently, an applicant can meet the minimum academic requirements and still not receive admission.

Engineering applicants should therefore pay particular attention to:

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Language requirements
Overall academic performance
Grade 11 results
Grade 12 results
Programme selection criteria

For applicants who are still in Grade 12 when applications are assessed, Grade 11 results can be used when considering conditional offers. Final offers are dependent on the final Grade 12 results meeting the applicable requirements.

This makes it important for prospective 2028 Engineering students to work towards strong Grade 11 results rather than waiting until their final matric examinations.

Stellenbosch University Law Admission Requirements

The Faculty of Law has additional selection requirements.

Applicants for Stellenbosch University law programmes, including programmes such as LLB, BA Law, BCom Law and BAccLLB, are required to write the National Benchmark Test according to the university’s current undergraduate application guidance.

For the current application cycle, Law applicants are required to write the NBT before the relevant deadline, and the requirement applies to the different undergraduate law programmes.

The Faculty of Law also states that applicants are ranked for selection using academic results and NBT results. Meeting the minimum admission requirements therefore does not guarantee a place.

Students interested in Law should therefore prepare for both their school examinations and the NBT.

Stellenbosch University Medicine and Health Sciences Requirements

Medicine and health-related programmes at Stellenbosch University have particularly competitive selection processes.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences does not simply use one universal “cut-off mark” for its undergraduate programmes. Its selection guidelines differ according to programme and applicant category.

For current Grade 12 learners and school-leavers, the university describes a selection factor incorporating academic performance and, where applicable, a Situational Judgement Test (SJT). The faculty states that academic performance accounts for 80% of the selection factor and the SJT accounts for 20% for the relevant category.

This is particularly important for applicants interested in programmes such as:

MBChB
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Nursing
Dietetics
Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy

Applicants should consult the faculty’s selection guidelines rather than relying on general university admission requirements.

International applicants should also pay particular attention to the citizenship and residency considerations that can apply to specific health programmes. For example, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences indicates restrictions regarding international applicants to MBChB because of internship and community-service requirements.

Stellenbosch University Agriculture Admission Requirements

Applicants interested in AgriSciences should also check programme-specific requirements.

Current Stellenbosch University AgriSciences information gives the general undergraduate requirements as a recognised NSC or IEB certificate with bachelor’s admission, at least 50% in four designated university entrance subjects, a minimum overall average of 55% excluding Life Orientation, and the applicable NBT requirements.

For BScAgric programmes, additional requirements can include:

Afrikaans or English at the required level;
Mathematics;
Physical Sciences;
Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences.

The precise requirements depend on the field of study.

Does Stellenbosch University Accept Mathematical Literacy?

This depends on the programme.

Mathematical Literacy is not accepted as a substitute for Mathematics for every Stellenbosch University course.

For example, the Faculty of Science specifically states that Mathematics is required for its BSc programmes and that Mathematical Literacy cannot be considered for those programmes.

On the other hand, some programmes may accept Mathematical Literacy.

For instance, current Psychology Department information for the BA Humanities programme allows Mathematics or, in a specific context, Mathematical Literacy at the required level when Organisational Informatics is taken.

Therefore, students should choose their Grade 10–12 subjects with their intended university programme in mind.

National Benchmark Test Requirements at Stellenbosch University

The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are an important part of the admission process for certain applicants.

The NBT assesses skills relevant to university study, including language, numerical and mathematical abilities.

The requirement is not identical for every applicant or programme.

According to the latest SU application guidance:

Law applicants must write the NBT.
Applicants from certain schooling systems, including School of Tomorrow and online-school applicants, have NBT requirements.
IEB International Secondary Certificate applicants have NBT requirements.
American High School Diploma applicants have NBT requirements.
Applicants must also write the Mathematics NBT where Mathematics is an admission requirement for their chosen programme.

Some faculties may have additional NBT requirements, so applicants should always check the requirements attached to their specific programme.

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

Yes.

The current Stellenbosch University undergraduate application information allows applicants to select up to three programmes, including programmes from different faculties.

This is useful because admission to a particular programme is not guaranteed.

A sensible application strategy is to choose programmes that:

Match your career goals.
Match your school subjects.
Match your academic performance.
Give you realistic alternatives if your first-choice programme is highly competitive.

However, applicants should avoid selecting programmes simply because they appear easier to enter. Your choices should still reflect your academic interests and career plans.

Does Meeting the Stellenbosch University Requirements Guarantee Admission?

No.

This is one of the most important points for applicants to understand.

Stellenbosch University receives thousands of undergraduate applications, while the number of available places is limited. The university explicitly warns that applicants who meet all minimum admission requirements may still not be accommodated.

Some programmes are particularly competitive.

Therefore, think of the published requirements as a minimum eligibility threshold, not a guaranteed admission score.

A student who achieves the minimum requirement may qualify to be considered, but selection can depend on:

Academic performance
Programme capacity
Selection criteria
Grade 11 results
Grade 12 results
NBT performance
Additional tests
Applicant category
Programme-specific requirements

Stellenbosch University Application Dates for 2028

Applicants planning to start university in 2028 should watch for the official 2028 application announcement.

Stellenbosch University’s recent undergraduate application cycle opened on 1 April and closed on 31 July for undergraduate programmes.

The university’s Engineering application information similarly states that applications close on 31 July of the year before the intended study year.

Therefore, applicants targeting the 2028 academic year should plan around the possibility of an April 2027 application opening and a July 2027 closing period, but should not treat these dates as the final 2028 dates until Stellenbosch University officially publishes them.

This distinction is important for evergreen content because application dates can change.

How to Apply to Stellenbosch University for 2028

The application process is completed online.

The university’s undergraduate application information directs applicants to its online application system and indicates that applicants can select up to three programmes.

A prospective 2028 student should follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose your programme

Research the course you want to study and check its faculty and programme-specific admission requirements.

Step 2: Check your subjects

Make sure you have the required Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, languages or other subjects.

Step 3: Check your marks

Calculate your average and compare your results with the published minimum requirements.

Step 4: Check NBT requirements

Determine whether your chosen programme requires the NBT and whether you need to write the Mathematics component.

Step 5: Prepare your documents

Prepare your identification document, school results and any additional documentation required for your applicant category.

Step 6: Apply online

Complete the Stellenbosch University application and select your programme choices.

Step 7: Monitor your application

Continue checking your application status and email for communication from the university.

The university’s current application information says applicants can expect feedback on application status no later than 30 September under the stated application cycle.

Documents You May Need for a Stellenbosch University Application

The exact documentation depends on your applicant category and qualification.

South African applicants should generally be prepared to provide information relating to:

South African ID;
Grade 11 results;
Grade 12 results when available;
NSC or IEB results;
Other academic records where applicable;
NBT results where required.

Applicants following international curricula may need additional documents.

Stellenbosch University has a separate process for applicants using international curricula such as Cambridge, Pearson, International Baccalaureate, American High School Diploma and other international qualifications.

International applicants should therefore not automatically apply using the same requirements as NSC applicants.

Stellenbosch University Extended Degree Programmes

Applicants who do not meet all mainstream programme requirements may have opportunities through an Extended Degree Programme (EDP) where such a pathway is offered.

EDPs are designed to provide additional academic preparation and support before or during the mainstream degree.

For example, AgriSciences describes an EDP designed for students with potential who need additional academic support. Depending on the field, the additional year may be completed before entering the mainstream degree or may involve spreading first-year studies over a longer period.

Not every programme has an EDP, so students should check whether their intended course provides this pathway.

Tips for Applicants Applying to Stellenbosch University in 2028

If you want to improve your chances of admission, start preparing well before applications open.

Focus on your Grade 11 results

Grade 11 performance can be important when universities consider conditional offers and selection.

Choose the right Grade 12 subjects

Your subject combination can determine whether you qualify for particular degrees.

Aim above the minimum

Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission, particularly for highly competitive programmes.

Prepare for the NBT early

Do not wait until the application deadline to determine whether you need an NBT.

Research programme-specific requirements

Do not rely on a general “Stellenbosch APS” figure found on an unofficial website.

Apply before the deadline

Late applications may not be considered, depending on the programme and university rules.

Keep checking official information

The 2028 requirements should always be verified against the official Stellenbosch University documentation when released.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements 2028

What is the minimum APS score for Stellenbosch University in 2028?

Stellenbosch University does not have one universal APS score that applies to all undergraduate programmes. Admission requirements are programme-specific and include subject requirements, averages and selection criteria.

What average do I need to get into Stellenbosch University?

The general minimum undergraduate admission framework includes an average of at least 55%, excluding Life Orientation, but individual programmes can require significantly higher averages.

Does Stellenbosch University require Mathematics?

It depends on the programme. Science and other quantitative programmes can require Mathematics, while some programmes may accept Mathematical Literacy. Always check the specific programme requirements.

Is the NBT compulsory at Stellenbosch University?

NBT requirements depend on the applicant and programme. Law applicants and applicants from certain schooling systems have NBT requirements, while some faculties impose additional requirements.

How many programmes can I apply for at Stellenbosch University?

The current undergraduate application information allows applicants to select a maximum of three programmes from any faculty.

Does meeting the minimum requirements guarantee admission?

No. Stellenbosch University states that space is limited and meeting all admission requirements does not necessarily mean that an applicant can be accommodated.

When should I apply to Stellenbosch University for 2028?

The official 2028 dates should be confirmed by Stellenbosch University. The recent undergraduate cycle opened on 1 April and closed on 31 July, so prospective 2028 applicants should begin preparing well before the expected application period.

Final Thoughts on Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements for 2028

The Stellenbosch University admission requirements for 2028 will depend largely on the programme you intend to study. While the university has general bachelor’s degree admission requirements, individual programmes can impose additional requirements for subjects, marks, NBTs and selection.

The current official information indicates that the general undergraduate framework includes a recognised NSC or IEB qualification with bachelor’s admission, at least 50% in four designated university entrance subjects and an overall average of at least 55%, excluding Life Orientation. However, these requirements should not be interpreted as a guaranteed route into every programme.

For competitive programmes such as Medicine, Law, Engineering and Science, applicants should pay particular attention to programme-specific selection criteria and required subjects. Meeting the minimum requirement is only the beginning of the selection process.

For 2028 applicants, the best strategy is to start preparing early, achieve strong Grade 11 and Grade 12 results, select appropriate school subjects, complete required NBTs and apply before the official deadline.

For the latest information, applicants should use Stellenbosch University’s official undergraduate admissions resources and application portal. The university currently provides its undergraduate prospectus, admission and selection information and online application facilities through its prospective-student resources.