Stellenbosch University (SU) is one of South Africa’s major public universities, with campuses in and around Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate study across fields including Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, AgriSciences and Theology.
For students planning to study at Stellenbosch University in the 2027 academic year, applying early is important because the university has firm application deadlines and does not generally accept late undergraduate applications.
This guide explains the 2027 application dates, online application process, supporting documents, application fees and what to do if you miss the deadline.
Key Application Dates
Estimated 2027 Opening and Closing Deadlines
For undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake, Stellenbosch University has published the following key dates:
- Applications open: 1 April 2026
- Undergraduate applications close: 31 July 2026
- Undergraduate programme-change requests: 31 August 2026
- International undergraduate applications: International applicants should pay particular attention to the additional international processing deadlines.
- Student housing applications: Applications close on 31 July 2026.
The university’s 2027 application terms confirm that the undergraduate closing date is 31 July 2026 and that the university does not accept late undergraduate applications.
Important: If you are applying for an undergraduate programme, do not wait until the final day. Stellenbosch University recommends submitting all required information and supporting documents before the deadline.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
How to Submit Your Application Online
Stellenbosch University uses an online e-application system for prospective students.
Official Stellenbosch University application website:
Stellenbosch University Online Application
The university also provides application information through its prospective-student website:
Stellenbosch University 2027 Application Information
Follow these steps to complete your application.
Step 1: Visit the official Stellenbosch University application website
Go to the official SU website and select the Apply or Online Application option.
For undergraduate applicants, the university’s online application system is also associated with the Maties prospective-student platform.
Always make sure you are using an official Stellenbosch University website before entering personal information.
Step 2: Create your online application
Start the online application and follow the instructions on the screen.
You will need a working:
- Email address
- Mobile/cellphone number
- South African ID number or passport details, depending on your status
- Academic information
- Programme information
Use an email address that you check regularly because Stellenbosch University may send important application communications electronically.
Step 3: Enter your personal information
Complete your personal details carefully.
Make sure the information corresponds with your official identification document or passport.
You may need to provide:
- Full name
- Surname
- Date of birth
- South African ID number or passport number
- Citizenship
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Residential details
Check everything carefully before continuing.
Step 4: Provide your school information
Current Grade 12 learners should enter their school information as requested.
If you are a gap-year applicant who has already completed matric, provide the relevant information about your previous schooling.
Make sure the information matches your academic documents.
Step 5: Enter your academic results
Current matriculants should provide their latest available results as requested by the application system.
This may include your Grade 11 final results and/or your latest Grade 12 results.
If you have already completed matric, use your final NSC/IEB or other recognised school-leaving results.
Step 6: Select your programmes
Stellenbosch University allows applicants to select up to three programmes from any faculty for undergraduate applications.
Choose your programmes carefully and check the exact programme names before submitting.
Do not select a programme simply because its name sounds similar to another qualification. Check the programme information on the official university website.
Step 7: Apply for student accommodation if required
If you want university accommodation, pay attention to the accommodation application section.
For the 2027 intake, the student-housing application deadline is also 31 July 2026.
Students interested in residence accommodation should therefore complete the relevant section during the application period rather than assuming accommodation can be arranged later.
Step 8: Upload the required documents
Upload all documents requested by the application system.
Make sure:
- Scans are clear
- Names and identification numbers are readable
- Documents are complete
- Required certifications are included
- The correct document is uploaded in the correct section
Do not upload photographs that are too blurry or cropped.
Step 9: Pay the application fee if applicable
The application fee depends on your citizenship/residency category and, for South African undergraduate applicants, potentially your school’s quantile.
The applicable fee should be displayed during the online application process.
Step 10: Review the application
Before submitting, carefully check:
- Personal information
- Contact details
- Citizenship information
- School information
- Academic results
- Programme choices
- Accommodation application
- Supporting documents
- Application fee
Correct any errors before completing the final submission.
Step 11: Submit the application
Complete the final submission process through the online application system.
Do not assume that saving the application means that it has been submitted.
Look for confirmation that the application has been successfully submitted.
Step 12: Keep your application confirmation
Save your application information and any confirmation received from Stellenbosch University.
Keep copies of:
- Application confirmation
- Uploaded documents
- Payment confirmation
- Student/application number
- Emails from Stellenbosch University
You should also regularly check your email after submitting your application.
Required Supporting Documents
The exact documents required can vary depending on your applicant category, qualification and educational background.
Applicants should generally prepare:
- South African ID document
- Valid passport for international applicants
- Grade 11 final results for current Grade 12 applicants
- Latest Grade 12 results where available
- Final NSC/IEB or equivalent school-leaving certificate for applicants who have completed matric
- Previous academic records where applicable
- Certified copies of documents where requested
- Additional documents required for specific programmes
Grade 11 Results
If you are currently in Grade 12, make sure you have your Grade 11 final examination results available.
Your Grade 11 results may be used during the application and selection process while your final matric results are still pending.
Make sure the document is clear and that all subjects and marks are visible.
Grade 12 Results
Applicants who have already completed Grade 12 should have their final school-leaving results or certificate available.
Gap-year students should use their final results when completing their application.
If your final results are already available, make sure the information you enter on the application corresponds with your official academic record.
Proof of Address Rules
Applicants should not assume that a proof-of-address document is automatically required for every undergraduate application.
The documents requested by Stellenbosch University can vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
If the application portal specifically requests proof of address, provide an appropriate document showing your:
- Full name
- Residential address
- Recent address information
Do not use proof of address as a substitute for your ID, passport or academic documents.
International Applicants
International applicants should prepare their documents well in advance because additional processing may be required.
You should have:
- Valid passport
- International school-leaving certificate
- Academic transcripts/results
- Certified copies where required
- Relevant immigration documentation when applicable
- Other documents requested by Stellenbosch University
Applicants with international school qualifications should pay particular attention to Stellenbosch University’s international undergraduate application information and South African matriculation-exemption requirements.
International applicants should also allow enough time for visa and immigration procedures after receiving an offer.
Application Fee & Payment Details
For the 2027 undergraduate intake, Stellenbosch University has specified different application-fee arrangements.
South African citizens and certain South African resident categories:
- Standard application fee: R100
- Possible fee exemption: R0
Depending on the quantile of the applicant’s school, some South African undergraduate applicants may be exempt from paying the application fee.
If you qualify for an exemption, the application system should display:
“Application Fee – R0.00”
International applicants:
- Application fee: R400
The application fee is non-refundable.
The university’s application system provides the relevant payment instructions and options. Applicants should follow the payment instructions displayed during their application rather than using banking details obtained from unofficial websites.
Important: Do not pay someone who claims they can guarantee admission to Stellenbosch University.
What If You Miss the Stellenbosch University 2027 Application Deadline?
The undergraduate application deadline is 31 July 2026, and Stellenbosch University states that it does not accept late undergraduate applications.
If you missed the deadline, take the following steps:
1. Check the official application website
Visit the university’s official application page to see whether there has been an official announcement or change affecting your programme.
2. Contact Stellenbosch University directly
For application-related enquiries, contact the university’s Contact and Client Services Centre.
The published contact details include:
- Telephone: 021 808 9111
- Email: info@sun.ac.za
Ask whether there is any officially authorised option for your specific situation.
3. Do not pay unofficial agents
Be particularly cautious if someone promises to submit a late application on your behalf or guarantees admission in exchange for money.
Only follow instructions provided through official Stellenbosch University channels.
4. Check whether a programme-change period applies to you
The university’s 2027 application information gives 31 August 2026 as the closing date for undergraduate programme-change requests.
However, this is not a second opportunity to submit a completely new undergraduate application. It applies to applicants who have already submitted an application and need to request a programme change.
5. Consider alternative universities
If Stellenbosch University cannot accept your late application, look at other South African universities whose 2027 application periods remain open.
6. Prepare for the next application cycle
If you cannot apply for 2027, use the additional time to prepare your academic documents, research programmes and plan your next application carefully.
Final Stellenbosch University 2027 Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- Checked the 31 July 2026 undergraduate deadline
- Selected up to three programme choices carefully
- Created your online application
- Provided accurate personal information
- Entered your school information
- Prepared your Grade 11 or Grade 12 results
- Prepared your ID or passport
- Prepared previous academic records where applicable
- Checked whether you qualify for an application-fee exemption
- Paid the applicable R100 or R400 fee where required
- Uploaded all required supporting documents
- Applied for student accommodation if required
- Reviewed the application for errors
- Submitted the application
- Saved your application confirmation
- Monitored your email for further communication
For the Stellenbosch University 2027 undergraduate intake, applications opened on 1 April 2026 and the main application deadline is 31 July 2026. Applicants should complete their applications as early as possible and use the university’s official application system for the latest instructions.
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