1. Overview
Stellenbosch University (SU), located in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape of South Africa, is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious public research institutions. Officially established in 1918, with academic roots dating back to 1866, SU is renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and diverse campus life. The university has a vibrant student population of over 30,000, supported by a world-class faculty across ten faculties including Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, and Arts and Social Sciences. With multilingual instruction primarily in Afrikaans and English, SU fosters an inclusive learning environment, and many prospective students also compare SU with other major institutions such as the University of Cape Town when deciding where to study in South Africa.
2. General Information
| Name | Stellenbosch University (Afrikaans: Universiteit Stellenbosch) |
| Established | 1918 (roots trace back to 1866) |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Motto | “A sound education strengthens the spirit” |
| Chancellor | Edwin Cameron |
| Vice-Chancellor | Wim de Villiers |
3. Fee Structure
Because university fees can change year to year, applicants should confirm the latest figures on Stellenbosch University’s official fee pages before applying. Below are published estimated annual fees commonly used in budget planning for planning purposes:
| Program | Estimated Annual Fee (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | R43,343 |
| BA in Human Resource Management | R48,037 |
| BA (Law) | R54,501 |
| Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) | R44,940 |
| BCom in Actuarial Science | R69,076 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) | R64,974 |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) | R55,997 |
| BSc in Earth Sciences | R60,256 |
| Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery | R48,706 |
| MB ChB (Medicine), Year I–IV | R71,203 per year |
| MB ChB V | R87,283 |
| MB ChB VI | R68,296 |
4. Academic Program
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Military Science
- Science
- Theology
If you’re comparing degree options across the region, it can help to review how other leading South African universities structure their programmes, for example University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for business, science, and engineering pathways.
5. International Recognition
- QS World University Rankings 2025: Ranked #296 globally
- Times Higher Education Rankings 2024: Placed in the 301–350 bracket worldwide
- Recognized for excellence in disciplines such as Development Studies, Theology, Agriculture, and Forestry
While rankings are a useful snapshot, prospective students often look beyond them to match their interests to a strong faculty and course offering. For applicants focused on law, health, or research-heavy degrees, cross-checking SU with schools like University of Pretoria can also help you compare academic fit across institutions.
6. Notable Achievements
- Designed and launched Africa’s first microsatellite, SUNSAT, in 1999
- Pioneered the first successful penis transplantation in 2014
- Home to the internationally acclaimed Stellenbosch University Choir
7. Contact Information
- Phone: +27 21 808 9111
- Email: info@sun.ac.za
- Address: Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
- Website: www.sun.ac.za
More Universities in South Africa
- University of Cape Town
- Rhodes University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
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