Stellenbosch University (SU) remains one of South Africa’s most respected and academically competitive institutions. Known for academic excellence, world-class research, innovation, and a strong student community, SU continues to attract thousands of applicants every year from across South Africa and around the world.
If you are planning to apply for the 2027 academic year, now is the time to start preparing. Applying to Stellenbosch University requires careful planning, understanding admission criteria, and meeting strict deadlines.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about SU 2027 applications — from important dates and requirements to faculties, funding, and tracking your application.
Why Choose Stellenbosch University?
Situated in the scenic town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, just about 50 km from Cape Town, the university offers students an inspiring environment to learn and grow. The campus is known for its historic architecture, vibrant student life, diverse academic community, and strong graduate employability rates.
Stellenbosch University offers qualifications at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across multiple faculties. The institution consistently ranks among the top universities in Africa and is internationally recognised for research output and innovation.
Students choose SU for:
- High academic standards
- Modern facilities and research centres
- Strong industry partnerships
- A diverse and inclusive campus culture
- Competitive residence and student support systems
Stellenbosch University 2027 Online Applications
Stellenbosch University 2027 Key Application Dates:
March 2026: Prospective students and parents can attend Open Day events at the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses. This is an opportunity to explore faculties, attend presentations, speak to lecturers, and learn about residences.
1 April 2026: Applications for undergraduate programmes and university residences officially open for 2027
31 July 2026: This is the main closing date for most undergraduate programmes and residence applications.
1 October 2026: Students can begin applying for bursaries, scholarships, and other funding options.
31 October 2026: Financial Aid Applications Close
It is strongly advised to apply as early as possible rather than waiting until July. Early applications reduce stress and give you time to fix any missing documents.
Stellenbosch University 2027 Admission Requirements:
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and faculty.
To qualify for admission, applicants must have:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission to Bachelor’s degree studies
- The required APS score for the specific programme
- The correct subject combinations
- English language proficiency (Home Language or First Additional Language requirements apply)
Faculty-Specific Requirements
- Engineering: Requires strong Mathematics and Physical Sciences results.
- Medicine (MBChB): Highly competitive, includes additional selection processes.
- Law: Requires strong language performance.
- Commerce and Actuarial Science: Strong Mathematics is essential.
- Education: May include additional screening or interviews.
Always consult the official prospectus for programme-specific criteria.
How to Calculate Your APS for Stellenbosch University:
APS (Admission Point Score) is used to determine whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
APS is calculated using your best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation in most cases).
Example APS scoring system (varies slightly per institution):
Level 7 (80–100%) = 7 points
Level 6 (70–79%) = 6 points
Level 5 (60–69%) = 5 points
Level 4 (50–59%) = 4 points
Level 3 (40–49%) = 3 points
For example:
English – Level 6 = 6
Mathematics – Level 6 = 6
Physical Sciences – Level 5 = 5
Life Sciences – Level 6 = 6
Geography – Level 5 = 5
Accounting – Level 6 = 6
Total APS = 34
Different programmes require different minimum APS scores. Competitive programmes often require higher-than-minimum scores.
Required Documents for SU 2027 Applications:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Final Grade 11 results (for current Grade 12 learners)
- Latest Grade 12 results (if available)
- Final NSC certificate (if already completed)
- Proof of application fee payment
- International applicants: Passport and SAQA evaluation (if required)
Documents must be certified and not older than three months.
Stellenbosch University 2027 Online Application Process:
Step 1: Visit the Official SU Application Portal and navigate to the undergraduate application section.
Step 2: Create an Applicant Profile. You will need to register with your email address and create a password. Make sure your email address is active, as all communication will be sent there.
Step 3: Provide personal details along with your other contact information
Step 4: Select Your Programme Choices. You may apply for multiple programme options (usually up to three choices).
Step 5: Upload Required Documents. Ensure the documents are clear, certified, scanned and not more than 3 months.
Step 6: Pay a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for South African applicants). Some applicants may qualify for fee exemptions — check official guidelines.
Step 7: Review all information before final submission. You will receive a student number after submitting your application.
Understanding the SU Selection Process:
Key points to understand:
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
- Faculties assess applications individually.
- Space is limited in high-demand programmes.
- Some programmes use additional selection criteria.
- Conditional offers may be made based on final Grade 12 results.
- Applicants placed on waiting lists may still receive offers if spaces become available.
Tracking Your Stellenbosch University 2027 Application Status:
After applying, you can monitor your application online. Do the following to track your SU application Status:
- Log into the SU Applicant Portal.
- Enter your application number and password.
- Click on “Application Status.”
Common Status Meaning:
Application Submitted – SU has received your application.
Documents Outstanding – Additional documents are required.
Under Review – Faculty is assessing your application.
Offer Made – You have been offered a place.
Conditional Offer – Admission depends on final Grade 12 results.
Stellenbosch University Available Study Programmes for 2027
Faculty of AgriSciences study programmes:
- BAgric
- BScAgric
- Food Science
- Viticulture and Oenology
- Forestry
- Conservation Ecology
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences study programmes:
- BA (Humanities)
- BA (International Studies)
- BA (Drama and Theatre Studies)
- BA (Music)
- BA (Visual Arts)
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Psychology
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Study Programmes:
- BCom (Management Sciences)
- BCom (Accounting)
- BCom (Economics)
- BCom (International Business)
- Actuarial Science
Faculty of Education Study Programmes:
- BEd (Foundation Phase)
- BEd (Intermediate Phase)
- PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
Faculty of Engineering study programmes:
- BEng Chemical Engineering
- BEng Civil Engineering
- BEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- BEng Mechanical Engineering
- BEng Mechatronic Engineering
- BEng Industrial Engineering
Faculty of Law:
- LLB (4 years)
- BA Law
- BCom Law
- BAccLLB
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Study Programmes:
- MBChB (Medicine)
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy
- Dietetics
Faculty of Science study programmes:
- BSc (Biological Sciences)
- BSc (Physical Sciences)
- BSc (Mathematical Sciences)
- BSc (Computer Science)
- BSc (Sport Science)
Faculty of Theology study programmes:
- Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
- Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv)
Stellenbosch University Residence Applications for 2027
If you plan to stay on campus, apply for residence at the same time as your academic application.
Residence spaces are limited and highly competitive.
Factors considered:
- Academic performance
- Diversity goals
- Availability
SU offers strong student support systems, including:
- Academic development and tutoring programmes
- Writing centre
- Career services and internships support
- Counselling and psychological services
- Disability support services
- International student office
These services help students succeed academically and personally.
Final Thoughts on Stellenbosch University 2027 Applications
Applying to Stellenbosch University for 2027 is a major step toward your academic and professional future. Because SU is one of South Africa’s most competitive universities, preparation is key.
Tips for applying at SU for 2027:
- Start early.
- Read the prospectus carefully.
- Meet all subject requirements.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Apply for funding on time.
With proper planning, dedication, and strong academic results, you can secure your place at one of South Africa’s leading universities.
If you are serious about studying at Stellenbosch University in 2027, begin preparing today.