SOUTH AFRICA · STELLENBOSCH
Stellenbosch University
public · Founded 1866 · Languages: en, af
In short
Stellenbosch University is a top-ranked public research university in South Africa, offering a wide range of programmes in English and Afrikaans. Located in the scenic Cape Winelands, it provides a vibrant campus life and world-class research opportunities.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1866
- Students
- 37,000
- International students
- 4,200
- Acceptance rate
- 45%
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–10k/yr
- Languages
- EN, AF
- Location
- Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch University (SU) is a leading public research university in Stellenbosch, South Africa, founded in 1866 and rated among Africa's top institutions. With ten faculties and more than 37,000 students, SU offers programmes in Afrikaans and English spanning the arts, sciences, engineering, agriculture, law, and medicine. It holds a QS World University Ranking of 302 and is the continent's first university dedicated to solar thermal energy research. SU's scenic campus in the Cape Winelands and its strong international partnerships make it a compelling destination for students worldwide.
Why study here
- Ranked in the top 5 universities in Africa and top 302 globally (QS 2024), offering world-class academic credentials.
- Pioneer in solar thermal and renewable energy research — Africa's first dedicated solar thermal research group.
- Dual-language instruction (English and Afrikaans) with a welcoming international office and dedicated support services.
- Vibrant campus life in the picturesque Cape Winelands with outstanding sports, arts, and cultural organisations.
- Strong global partnerships with hundreds of universities enabling exchange programmes and research collaborations.
Student life
Students at Stellenbosch — known as 'Maties' — enjoy a lively campus embedded in the historic town of Stellenbosch, surrounded by mountains and vineyards. The university offers a wide range of residence options, student clubs, cultural societies, and world-class sports facilities including an Olympic-standard swimming pool. The town's restaurants, galleries, and outdoor trails provide a rich quality of life, while Cape Town is accessible within an hour.
Fees
InternationalInternational students typically pay between EUR 5,500 and EUR 10,000 per year depending on faculty and programme level.
HomeDomestic (South African) fees range from approximately ZAR 50,000 to ZAR 90,000 per year by faculty.
LivingMonthly living costs in Stellenbosch are estimated at ZAR 8,000–12,000 (roughly EUR 400–600), covering accommodation, food, and transport.
Exact fee schedules are published annually on the SU website under 'Registration and Fees'. Fees are payable in South African Rand.
Admissions
Matric / Secondary QualificationSouth African NSC or recognised equivalent with required subject passes for the chosen faculty.
Academic RecordsCertified copies of all academic transcripts from previous institutions.
Passport / IDValid passport for international applicants; SA ID for domestic students.
Study VisaInternational students must obtain a South African student visa before commencing studies.
TOEFL iBTMinimum 83
IELTS AcademicMinimum 6.5 overall
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024302
Times Higher Education 2024601–800
Africa Top Universities4
University scholarships
SU Postgraduate Merit BursaryPartial tuition coverage based on academic merit
Stellenbosch University International Student ScholarshipVaries; awarded to high-achieving international postgraduates
Accreditation
Stellenbosch University is accredited by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).
Programs
a selectionStellenbosch University · South Africa
BCom Mathematical Sciences: Financial Risk Management
This Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program in Mathematical Sciences offers a specialization in Financial Risk Management. It equips students with the skills needed for careers in quantitative analysis, financial risk management, investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial instrument structuring within traditional finance and FinTech sectors. The program provides a strong foundation in mathematical statistics, financial mathematics, and risk management principles, preparing graduates for financially rewarding careers.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Stellenbosch University · South Africa
Data Science (BDatSci & BCom Mathematical Sciences)
Stellenbosch University offers two undergraduate programs focused on Data Science: the Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci) with a specialization in Statistical Learning, and the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Mathematical Sciences with a Data Science focal area. Both programs address the growing global demand for professionals who can extract meaningful insights from vast amounts of data. Data science involves collecting, storing, transforming, visualizing, and analyzing data to make predictions and inferences, skills crucial across various industries. The BDatSci program offers a deep dive into statistical modeling for pattern identification and prediction, preparing graduates for real-world problem-solving. The BCom in Mathematical Sciences provides a broader foundation with the flexibility to specialize in Data Science, equipping students with analytical acumen and skills in areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for South Africafull fundingAccenture Education Trust Fund
Accenture Education Trust Scholarship
Open to South African citizens from low-income households (parents/guardian earnings under R1 million) with a strong academic record who are enrolled full-time at a selected tertiary institution in South Africa.
full
Funding
€9k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Pretoria
University of Pretoria Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) who hold a master's degree completed at least two years before applying and are under 38 years of age at the time of application. Applicants must not be current or former master's or doctoral students at the University of Pretoria. The award funds full doctoral study at UP with tuition coverage, a living allowance, and research support.
full
Funding
€0k
Max
Sep 20, 2026
Deadline
full fundingThe Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
African nationals aged ~19–30 with a strong academic record (~70%+ average) pursuing an honours or master’s degree at a South African university, showing leadership and a commitment to Africa’s development.
full
Funding
—
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Stellenbosch University?
+
International students can expect to pay between EUR 5,500 and EUR 10,000 per year, depending on the faculty and programme level. Exact fee schedules are available on the SU website.
What are the living costs for students in Stellenbosch?
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Monthly living expenses in Stellenbosch are estimated to be between ZAR 8,000 and ZAR 12,000, covering accommodation, food, and transport.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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International applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of at least 83 or an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall. Specific faculty requirements may vary.
What is Stellenbosch University known for academically?
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Stellenbosch University is recognized as a leading public research university, ranked among the top institutions in Africa and globally. It is also noted as Africa's first university dedicated to solar thermal energy research.
Does Stellenbosch University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Stellenbosch University offers scholarships for international students, including the SU Postgraduate Merit Bursary and the Stellenbosch University International Student Scholarship for high-achieving postgraduates.
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