Stellenbosch University (SU) is a leading research institution in South Africa. This guide provides the official Stellenbosch University (SU) 2027 Application Dates and a summary of Stellenbosch University (SU) 2027 Courses Requirements to ensure your application is successful and grabs attention right from the start.
Quick Guide: Stellenbosch University (SU) 2027 Online Application Steps
- Choose Your Programme: You may select up to three programme choices in your application.
- Check Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet the National Senior Certificate (NSC) requirements for a Bachelor's degree and the specific subject criteria for your chosen courses.
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the official portal at www.maties.com.
- Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of R100 is required for all applicants.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Upload your Grade 11 results (for current Grade 12 learners) and your ID document during the online process.
- Write the NBTs: Most programmes require you to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). These results are used alongside your academic marks.
Stellenbosch University (SU) 2027 Application Dates
Stellenbosch University has strict deadlines, especially for high-demand selection programmes.
| Milestone | Date |
| Applications Open | 1 April 2026 |
| Closing Date: All Undergraduate Programmes | 31 July 2026 |
| Closing Date: Residence Applications | 31 July 2026 |
| Closing Date: Financial Aid & Scholarships | 31 October 2026 |
Stellenbosch University (SU) 2027 Courses Requirements
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as most programmes are selection-based due to limited capacity.
General Admission Criteria
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): You must achieve an NSC aggregate of at least 50% (excluding Life Orientation) for degree studies, though most programmes require much higher.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet specific language requirements, usually involving a minimum of 50% for English or Afrikaans, depending on the faculty.
Faculty-Specific Requirement Highlights
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences: These are high-selection programmes. For MBChB, selection is based on academic performance (Grade 11 results) and NBT scores.
- Faculty of Engineering: Requires high marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. For most BEng programmes, a minimum of 70% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Sciences is required.
- Faculty of Law: Admission to the LLB (4-year) is based on academic merit. A high average and strong performance in languages are essential.
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: Most BCom programmes require Mathematics. For example, BCom (Actuarial Science) requires at least 80% in Mathematics.
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
The NBTs consist of Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and Mathematics (MAT). You must write these tests as part of the admission process for most faculties. It is recommended to write them as early as possible after applications open.
For application support, contact the SU Client Service Centre at 021 808 9111 or email info@sun.ac.za.
Stellenbosch University (SU) 2027 Application Strategic Insights
Applying to Stellenbosch University is a highly competitive process. Because the university has earlier deadlines than most, you must act quickly once the Stellenbosch University (SU) online application steps and dates window opens.
- Three Programme Choices: You are allowed to select up to three programmes on your application.
- The 31 July Hard Deadline: Unlike many other institutions that stay open until September, SU closes applications for all undergraduate programmes on 31 July 2026.
- NBTs are Mandatory: You must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). The university uses these results for both admission decisions and placement in curriculum streams.
- Academic Performance Score (APS): SU calculates your score based on your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation. You generally need an NSC aggregate of at least 50% to be considered for degree studies, but selection is based on much higher averages.
- High-Demand Selection: For competitive degrees like BCom (Actuarial Science), you need a minimum of 80% (Level 7) in Mathematics.
Important Stellenbosch University (SU) 2027 Application Dates
- 1 April 2026: Applications open.
- 31 July 2026: Closing date for all academic applications and residence applications.
- 31 October 2026: Closing date for financial aid and SU bursaries.
2027 Admission Comparison: SU vs Other Universities
If you are comparing Stellenbosch to the UCT online application or WITS online application steps and dates, use this table to see the differences in requirements.
| Feature | Stellenbosch University (SU) | University of Cape Town (UCT) | WITS University |
| Application Fee | R100 | R100 (SADC) | R100 (SA) |
| NBTs Required | Yes (Mandatory) | Yes (Mandatory) | Only Health Sciences |
| Closing Date | 31 July 2026 | 31 July 2026 | 30 Sept 2026* |
| LO Points | Excluded | Excluded | Included (Max 3) |
| Max Choices | 3 Programmes | 2 Programmes | 3 Programmes |
*Note: WITS Health Sciences and select other degrees close earlier on 30 June 2026.
By comparing these, you can see that Stellenbosch gives you more programme choices than UCT, but has the same strict early deadline. If you need more time to improve your marks, you might look at the UJ online application steps and dates which close much later. Always verify the 2027 Courses Requirements for your specific faculty before applying.