Academic year
Stellenbosch University’s academic year follows the calendar year.
Taught postgraduate programmes usually commence in February each year with a limited number of programmes commencing in July. Where a postgraduate programme consists of coursework it is important for candidates who have been admitted to arrive in time for the commencement of the programme. Classes usually commence in late January or early February (or late July). Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
New registrations for masters (by research) and doctoral programmes must be finalised by the end of March or in some cases by the end of August each year.
 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME

• Read up on all the postgraduate programmes we offer at Stellenbosch University by visiting What can I study?
• Choose your study programme(s) and make sure of the following:
  1) that you meet the minimum admission requirements (refer to the faculty website)
  2) that you are well informed about your faculty’s selection criteria
  3) you are only permitted to apply for one postgraduate programme. Only if you are not accepted may you request consideration to another programme, provided that there is still place in the programme.

 

STEP 2: TAKE NOTE OF THE CLOSING DATES

Please refer to www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies for programme specific closing dates.
 

STEP 3: ENSURE YOU KNOW HOW AN APPLICATION IS CONSIDERED AT THE UNIVERSITY

• Submitting your completed application form and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not necessarily mean that you will be accepted as a student for the programme you apply for. All programmes only allow a limited number of students.
• You can select one programme choice.
• Please also note that you can only be admitted to one programme at a time. If you are admitted to your second choice at first, and your first choice is then reconsidered, your second choice will lapse as soon as you are admitted to your first choice.
• If you want to change your programme choice, send an e-mail containing your request to info@sun.ac.za and use your Stellenbosch University student number as a reference. Please remember that you can only be considered if there are places available in the programme.

 

STEP 4: APPLY

• Apply online via www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies.  You will need an e-mail address and cellphone number. Please follow the steps as set out in the e-application.
• You must please ensure that the information you provide is correct. If the information is incorrect the University is entitled to reject your application, terminate your application or cancel your registration immediately.

 

STEP 5: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AND SEND THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Your application will be considered as soon as we receive all your admission documents. If we do not receive all your documents by the closing date, your application will unfortunately not be considered. Your signed contract, your application documents (finalised and complete) as well as proof of payment must be uploaded online before the closing date. Remember to put your student number on each application document to ensure that we can identify the documents.  It remains your responsibility to make sure that the University receives these documents in time. You can monitor your application status on www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies and ensure that your application is complete.
YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

• Your contract 
• Student support form (Students with special needs)  
• Full academic history

If you want to be considered for any of the specified programmes below, you need to complete the additional supporting departmental forms:

•  Arts and Social Sciences

o   MA (Clinical Psychology and Community Counselling)

• Education

o   BEdHons
o   MEd (Psych)

• Economic and Management Sciences

o   Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management

• Engineering

o   Civil Engineering

• Science

o   Research Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes

• Theology

o   Old and New Testament degree programmes
 
STEP 6: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE (ONLY APPLICABLE TO SOUTH AFRICAN CANDIDATES)

• Application fees can be paid as part of the online application process
• Cash payments may also be made in person at the cashiers at the Administration A building (Stellenbosch Campus)
• More on payment options

 

STEP 7: RECEIVE YOUR STUDENT NUMBER AND MONITOR YOUR APPLICATION STATUS

• The University will acknowledge receipt of your application via e-mail.
• You will receive a student number (username) and password.
• With this student number and password you can track your status of application – both for studies and residence (if applicable) by logging in www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies.

 

STEP 8: PROOF OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

If you are an international student, you will need to satisfy our English language entry requirements. If English is not your first language, you will be required to submit evidence of proficiency before commencing your programme. The table below shows the minimum English language entry requirements that must be presented for entry in the next available academic year.
If the results of your English test show you need to improve your English before commencing your studies, you can attend a preparation course at the Unit for English at Stellenbosch University.
 
 
 

The minimum English language proficiency requirements for acceptance to University courses are:

• 6.5 IELTS band (minimum 6 at all bands)
• 550 TOEFL paper based / 79 TOEFL iBT / 213 TOEFL CBT

*English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is recommended to students with an IELTS score of 6.5 – 7.5 to be taken concurrently with postgraduate studies.
**Intensive English Programme (IEP) is compulsory for students with an IELTS score lower than 6.5.
Further information on English preparation courses and associated entry requirements can be viewed via the Language Centre.
 

STEP 9: CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION

• If you are offered conditional admission for your programme of choice you need to meet with all the admission requirements before you can register as a student.
• Be sure to visit www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies regularly to remain informed about registration and the welcoming programme

 
FURTHER ENQUIRIES
For further enquiries, please contact the Postgraduate Office
Tel.: 021 808 9436
E-mail: postgraduate@sun.ac.za or pges@sun.ac.za