Quick Summary
Situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa, Stellenbosch University is a public established in 1918. Ranked #322 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 32535 students including 14.8% from outside South Africa. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Theology, Clinical Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier research institution in Africa, located in a scenic historic town, Triple Crown accredited business school, and high employability.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryTheologyClinical MedicineDevelopmental StudiesLawBiological Sciences
Founded1918
TypePublic
Total Students32535
Intl Students14.8%
Faculty Ratio19.5
CampusMulti-campus (Main, Tygerberg, Bellville Park, Saldanha)
Campus Size3000 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsTygerberg Hospital, Stikland Hospital, Valkenberg Hospital
AccreditationDepartment of Higher Education and Training (DHET), EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#322
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#301-350
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, Diplomas, Short Courses
Programs
Available across 10 faculties including AgriSciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Science
PhD Programs
Stellenbosch University Hybrid Learning, various postgraduate diplomas online
Online Programs
DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Water Institute, Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA60% NSC average (faculty dependent)
GRENot Available
GMAT550 (required for MBA/Business School)
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 31 (International), June 30 (Undergraduate)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · September 30 (Limited programs)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are written early; focus on mathematics and science scores for Engineering and Health sciences.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South African Rand
UG Tuition
R82,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Living Cost
R120,000/yr
per year · ZAR
PG Tuition
R76,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Application Fee
$10
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R202,100/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ZAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidNSFAS, University merit bursaries, and donor-funded bursaries
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, Diplomas, Short Courses programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MBChB (Medicine) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Accounting | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Wine Biotechnology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| MBA | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$22,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong clinical and engineering internship network within the Western Cape
Industry Connections
RemgroSanlamNaspersWoolworthsCapitec
Notable Alumni
Christo Wiese, Johann Rupert, Edwin Cameron, Jan Smuts
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Maties Sport (Coetzenburg Stadium, Danie Craven Stadium, Susman-Marié Courts)
Student Clubs
Over 100 societies including academic, religious, and social responsibility clubs
Library Resources
JS Gericke Library (underground), branch libraries for Medicine, Music, and Theology
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 100+ global universities through SU International
Summer Programs
SU International Summer School (January and June cycles)