Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University (SU), established in 1918, is firmly committed to the pursuit of knowledge, research, and innovation, all in service of society. We provide a world-class centre for learning and development, which is globally relevant, yet rooted in the upliftment and transformation of our local communities. Our actions are guided by key values and attributes, and enabled by outstanding staff and students, sound operating systems and a deep sense of purpose. SU is home to an academic community of more than 32 500 students, including more than 3 700 international students from 104 countries. 

Academic excellence, research and innovation:   SU is ranked among South Africa’s top three research-intensive universities, both per capita and in terms of total research output. SU boasts a total of 21 of A-rated researchers since 2023 and host 44 research that make a very significant contribution to the research outputs, impact, and income of SU as a thriving research-intensive institution. The number of postdoctoral fellows has grown from 154 in 2012 to more than 340 registered postdoctoral research fellows registered at SU in 2023. 

Vibrant student communities:  SU is known as a residential campus with an active residential life, which makes residence placement sough-after among students. As the residence demand far exceeds supply, and in line with new learning needs, SU is in the process of converting its Stellenbosch campus into an integrated learning and living space. Residences and private wards are grouped into clusters, each with its own cluster hub, where residence and day students are able to study, meet and socialise. With the construction of new buildings and the repurposing of existing buildings, student-centred facilities are created to enable students to conduct group work, study and gain access to the University's electronic networks.

SU also has a range of summer and winter schools for free-mover students that would like to spend a recess period or even semester abroas at our institution, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

Engaged students: SU's graduates are sough-after in the workplace. However, the University also aims to deliver engaged citizens and responsible leaders, who are willing to use their expertise and skills to serve society. Therefore, students are encouraged to engage with the community through MAD² (Making A Decision 2 Make A Difference) and Matie Community Service as well as service learning and community interaction within their respective disciplines. Further opportunities for self-improvement are offered by MFM 92.6, the University's community radio station; a wide variety of student associations and sporting codes, the Student Representative Council, house committees and the Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development.

Faculties and campuses: Our ten faculties are AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Military Science, Science, and Theology. We also boast a School for Climate Studies, the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking and the Stellenbosch Business School, all are located across five campuses in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

The main campus in the picturesque university town of Stellenbosch in the heart of the Western Cape winelands is quite an attraction for students. Stellenbosch is situated about 50 km from Cape Town and just 30 km from Cape Town International Airport. Eight faculties are on the main campus, with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences situated on Tygerberg campus adjacent to the Tygerberg academic hospital with the Stellenbosch Business School located close by at the Bellville Park campus. The Faculty of Military Sciences (the only one of its kind in South Africa and one of two in Africa) is based at the South African Defence Force Military Academy in Saldanha. The Ukwanda Rural Clinical School is located in Worcester, further inland from Stellenbosch.