Stellenbosch University Courses and Requirements (2025)

Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape, Stellenbosch University (SU) is a world-class institution celebrated for its academic rigor, innovative research, and vibrant student life. Offering over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 10 faculties, SU prepares students for careers in fields like medicine, engineering, and arts. For those eyeing admission in 2025, understanding the courses available and their entry requirements is crucial for a successful application. This comprehensive guide details SU’s 2025 programs, admission criteria, and application process, providing clear, actionable information to help you embark on your academic journey with confidence.

Stellenbosch University Courses and Requirements

SU organizes its academic offerings across 10 faculties: AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Military Science, Science, and Theology. Programs range from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral qualifications, delivered on campuses in Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, and Saldanha. Admission is based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent, an Admission Point Score (APS), and faculty-specific requirements. Below, we explore key courses and their entry criteria for 2025, drawing from official SU sources to ensure accuracy.

Faculty of AgriSciences

This faculty focuses on sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental management, with programs integrating practical fieldwork.

BScAgric in Agricultural Economics: Requires an NSC with bachelor’s degree endorsement, APS of 34, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, and Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 50%. Prepares students for agribusiness roles.
BSc in Food Science: APS of 34, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences at 50%. Focuses on food production and safety.
BSc in Viticulture and Oenology: APS of 34, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences at 50%. Trains students in winemaking and vineyard management.
MScAgric in Soil Science: Requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with a 65% average and a research proposal.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

This faculty fosters critical thinking and creativity, offering flexible degree structures with multiple majors.

BA in Humanities: APS of 32, English or Afrikaans at 50%, and an additional language at 50%. Includes majors like Psychology, Sociology, or Philosophy.
BA in Visual Arts: APS of 32, English or Afrikaans at 50%, and a portfolio submission. Specializes in fine arts and design.
BA in Political Science: APS of 32, English or Afrikaans at 50%, and an additional language at 50%. Covers politics and cultural change in South Africa.
MA in Creative Writing: Requires a BA with a 65% average in a relevant major and a writing portfolio.

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

This faculty equips students for business and financial leadership, with programs accredited by bodies like SAICA.

BCom (Actuarial Science): APS of 40, English or Afrikaans at 60%, Mathematics at 80%, and an NSC average of 80%. Prepares students for actuarial exams.
BCom in Management Sciences: APS of 34, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 60%. Offers streams in marketing, logistics, or entrepreneurship.
BAcc (Bachelor of Accounting): APS of 36, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 60%. Qualifies students for professional accounting roles.
Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning: Requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with a 60% average.

Faculty of Education

SU’s Education programs train teachers to address South Africa’s diverse educational needs.

BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching: APS of 34, English or Afrikaans at 50%, and an additional language at 50%. Prepares teachers for grades R–3.
BEd in Intermediate Phase Teaching: APS of 34, English or Afrikaans at 50%, and an additional language at 50%. Covers grades 4–6.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 60% average and teaching subjects at NSC level 4. For grades 7–12 educators.
MEd in Curriculum Studies: Requires a BEd or equivalent with a 65% average and a research proposal.

Faculty of Engineering

Accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), this faculty offers rigorous programs in various engineering disciplines.

BEng in Civil Engineering: APS of 40, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 70%, Physical Sciences at 60%. Focuses on infrastructure design.
BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: APS of 40, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 70%, Physical Sciences at 60%. Covers power systems and electronics.
BEng in Mechatronic Engineering: APS of 40, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 70%, Physical Sciences at 60%. Integrates mechanical and electronic engineering.
MEng in Chemical Engineering: Requires a BEng with a 65% average and a research proposal.

Faculty of Law

This faculty produces legal professionals with programs recognized by the Legal Practice Council.

LLB (4-year): APS of 38, English or Afrikaans at 60%, and an additional language at 50%. Prepares students for legal practice.
LLB (3-year, graduate entry): Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 65% average. Ideal for students transitioning to law.
BAccLLB: APS of 38, English or Afrikaans at 60%, Mathematics at 60%. Combines accounting and law.
LLM in International Trade Law: Requires an LLB with a 65% average and a research proposal.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Based at Tygerberg campus, this faculty trains healthcare professionals with competitive programs requiring National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).

MBChB (Medicine): APS of 40, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, and NBTs. Includes a selection process with interviews.
BSc in Physiotherapy: APS of 38, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. Focuses on rehabilitation.
BSc in Dietetics: APS of 36, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBTs. Prepares dietitians for clinical roles.
MMed in Family Medicine: Requires an MBChB or equivalent with a 65% average.

Faculty of Military Science

Based at Saldanha, this faculty trains officers for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

BMil in Human and Organisational Development: APS of 32, English at 50%, Mathematics at 40% or Mathematical Literacy at 50%. Focuses on HR management in military contexts.
BMil in Technology: APS of 34, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences at 50%. Covers military technology systems.
MMil in Security and Africa Studies: Requires a BMil or equivalent with a 65% average.

Faculty of Science

This faculty drives innovation in fields like physics, biology, and data science, with access to advanced research facilities.

BSc in Mathematical Sciences: APS of 36, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 70%, Physical Sciences at 50%. Offers streams in data science or operations research.
BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: APS of 36, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%.
BSc in Earth Sciences: APS of 36, English or Afrikaans at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences at 50%. Includes fieldwork in geology.
MSc in Physics: Requires a BSc with a 65% average in Physics modules.

Faculty of Theology

This faculty prepares students for ministry and theological scholarship, emphasizing ethical leadership.

BTh (Bachelor of Theology): APS of 32, English or Afrikaans at 50%, and an additional language at 50%. Focuses on biblical studies and ministry.
BDiv (Bachelor of Divinity): APS of 32, English or Afrikaans at 50%, and an additional language at 50%. Prepares students for ordained ministry.
MTh in Practical Theology: Requires a BTh or equivalent with a 65% average.

General Admission Requirements

SU’s admission criteria are rigorous to ensure academic preparedness:

National Senior Certificate (NSC): Must have a bachelor’s degree endorsement for degrees. Independent Examination Board (IEB) certificates are also accepted.
Minimum APS: Ranges from 32 for Humanities and Theology to 40 for Medicine and Engineering. Calculated using six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
Language Requirements: English or Afrikaans at 50–60%, depending on the program, and an additional language at 50% for some faculties.
Mathematics: Compulsory for numerate degrees (e.g., Engineering, Science), typically at 60–80%. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for select programs (e.g., BMil).
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs): Not required for most programs, except for School of Tomorrow applicants and Medicine and Health Sciences programs.
Application Period: Opens March 1, 2024, closes July 31, 2024, for most programs; June 30, 2024, for Medicine and Health Sciences.
Selection Process: Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to limited spaces.

Admission Point Score (APS) Breakdown

SU uses a percentage-based APS system for NSC results:

NSC Level	Percentage	APS Points
7	90–100%	8
6	80–89%	7
5	70–79%	6
4	60–69%	5
3	50–59%	4
2	40–49%	3
1	30–39%	2

For example, a student with English (70%, 6 points), Mathematics (80%, 7 points), and four other subjects at 60% (5 points each) scores: 6 + 7 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 33 APS points. SU adjusts scores for Advanced Programme (AP) subjects, adding up to 2 points.

Alternative Admission Pathways

SU offers flexible entry options for non-standard applicants:

International Qualifications: A-levels, IB, or IGCSE must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and meet SU’s requirements.
National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4: Not accepted for degree programs; applicants must complete a matric rewrite for NSC equivalence.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Available for mature applicants (over 23) with relevant experience, subject to faculty approval.
Extended Degree Programmes: Available in Arts, Commerce, and Science for students with APS slightly below standard, adding one year to the degree.

Postgraduate Programs

SU offers Honours, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees, and Postgraduate Diplomas:

BCom (Honours) in Financial Analysis: Requires a BCom with a 65% average.
MBA (Master of Business Administration): Requires a 3-year bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) plus a postgraduate diploma (NQF level 8) or a 4-year degree (NQF level 8).
PhD in AgriSciences: Requires a master’s degree and a strong research background.
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching: Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 60% average.

Application Process for 2025

Applying to SU requires careful planning due to competitive programs:

Online Application: Submit via the SU application portal from March 1, 2024.
Required Documents: Certified copies of ID, NSC or equivalent results, NBT results (if applicable), and proof of application fee payment.
Application Fee: Approximately R100 for South African applicants, waived for NSFAS-eligible students.
Selection Process: Faculties like Medicine and Law use weighted scores combining APS, NBTs, and personal statements. Portfolios or auditions are required for Visual Arts.
Track Application: Monitor status through the SU Student Portal.

International Students

International applicants must meet additional criteria:

SAQA Evaluation: Non-South African qualifications require SAQA verification.
English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-English-speaking applicants.
Study Permit: Required before registration.

Financial Aid and Funding

SU supports students through various funding options:

NSFAS: For South African students with a household income below R350,000 per year. Applications open August 2024.
SU Bursaries: Merit-based awards for top performers, detailed in the 2025 prospectus.
External Scholarships: Available through private organizations and government programs.
Postgraduate Funding: Research grants and fellowships for Honours, Master’s, and PhD students.

Apply for funding early to align with registration deadlines (February 2025).

Why Choose SU?

SU stands out for its:

Global Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide, with strengths in AgriSciences and Medicine.
Multilingual Approach: Offers instruction in English and Afrikaans, fostering inclusivity.
Research Excellence: Hosts 36 research chairs and centers in AI, renewable energy, and health.
Vibrant Campus: Stellenbosch’s scenic town offers cultural festivals, sports, and a rich student life.

Campus Life and Orientation

SU’s Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, and Saldanha campuses provide dynamic student experiences. The 2025 orientation program, held in February, introduces first-years to academic resources, residences, and over 100 student societies. Students can engage in:

Sports Facilities: Rugby, cricket, and swimming programs.
Cultural Events: Music festivals, theater productions, and art exhibitions.
Volunteering: Community engagement through Maties Community Service.

Summary Table: Key SU Courses and Requirements (2025)

Faculty	Course	APS	Key Requirements
AgriSciences	BScAgric in Agricultural Economics	34	English/Afrikaans 50%, Maths 60%, Physical/Life Sciences 50%
Arts and Social Sciences	BA in Humanities	32	English/Afrikaans 50%, additional language 50%
Economic and Management Sciences	BCom (Actuarial Science)	40	English/Afrikaans 60%, Maths 80%, NSC average 80%
Education	BEd Foundation Phase Teaching	34	English/Afrikaans 50%, additional language 50%
Engineering	BEng in Civil Engineering	40	English/Afrikaans 50%, Maths 70%, Physical Sciences 60%
Law	LLB (4-year)	38	English/Afrikaans 60%, additional language 50%
Medicine and Health Sciences	MBChB	40	English/Afrikaans 50%, Maths 60%, Physical/Life Sciences 50%, NBTs
Military Science	BMil in Human and Organisational Development	32	English 50%, Maths 40% or Maths Lit 50%
Science	BSc in Mathematical Sciences	36	English/Afrikaans 50%, Maths 70%, Physical Sciences 50%
Theology	BTh	32	English/Afrikaans 50%, additional language 50%

FAQ: Common Questions About SU Courses and Requirements

What is the minimum APS for Stellenbosch University in 2025?
The minimum APS ranges from 32 for Humanities and Theology to 40 for Medicine, Engineering, and Actuarial Science. Specific programs require higher subject percentages, like 80% Mathematics for BCom Actuarial Science.

Do I need NBTs to apply to SU in 2025?
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are not required for most programs, except for School of Tomorrow applicants and Medicine and Health Sciences programs like MBChB and Physiotherapy.

When do SU applications close for 2025?
Applications close on July 31, 2024, for most programs and June 30, 2024, for Medicine and Health Sciences. Early application is recommended due to limited spaces.

Conclusion

Stellenbosch University offers a diverse array of programs for 2025, from bachelor’s degrees to postgraduate qualifications, designed to prepare students for global careers in agriculture, business, health, and more. By meeting the APS, subject, and faculty-specific requirements, you can secure a spot at one of SU’s prestigious campuses. Start your application early, gather necessary documents, and explore funding options like NSFAS to ensure a smooth process. With its global reputation, multilingual approach, and vibrant student life, SU is an exceptional choice for your higher education journey.