Stellenbosch University is amongst South Africa's leading tertiary institutions based on research output, student pass rates and rated scientists, and is recognised internationally as an academic institution of excellence. It boasts the highest weighted research output per full-time academic staff member of all South African universities and the second-highest number of scientists in South Africa who have been rated by the National Research Foundation (NRF). It also has the highest student success rate in the country. SU is cementing its reputation as a world-class institution. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, SU is one of the top 300 universities in the world, and among the top 20 in BRICS countries. It also features among the world's elite institutions in 10 of the 36 subjects featured in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2015. SU was also included in the 2014 CWTS Leiden Ranking, which measures the scientific performance of 750 major universities worldwide.​ With 18 research chairs under the NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi), the University is regarded as a leader in the fields of biomedical tuberculosis research and management, wine biotechnology, animal sciences and mathematical biosciences. Another SARChi chair, in the field of invasion biology, is shared between SU and the University of Venda. This constitutes but one of SU's many partnerships, both local and international. As preferred research partner, SU also participates in various international academic networks.

Who can apply?

The Stellenbosch University Summer Programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate taught students only. Postgraduate research students are excluded from this offer.

Courses offered

We are still waiting for updated information on the 2025 programme and this page will be updated shortly. In the meantime, please refer to the information below for an example of the 2024 programme offer. Stellenbosch University offer General Elective Courses in the following subject areas: Elective 1 Course 1: Introduction to South Africa’s Political History Elective 2 Course 2: Bio-Diversity: Plants for the People in the Western Cape Course 3: Visual Controversies in South Africa, Past and Present Course 4: Social Justice in a Global Classroom Course 5: Violent Histories and Repair Elective 3 Course 6: Transitional Justice Course 7: HIV / AIDS: A South African Perspective Course 8: China in Africa Course 9: Travel Photography Students are also able to take specialised courses in the following subject areas: Doing Business in Southern Africa Global Service Learning Public Health More information can be found in the links below.

Programme dates

The Stellenbosch University Summer programme will be taking place from Friday 20th June 2025 - Thursday 17th July 2025.

Application deadlines

If you wish to apply for a place on the Stellenbosch University Summer Programme, you will need to submit your Global Summer Exchange Application by Sunday 23rd February 2025 by 11:59pm. If your application is successful, you will be required to apply directly to Stellenbosch University by Tuesday 15th April 2025.

What are the costs?

Stellenbosch University Summer Programme fees vary, depending on how many courses students register for and are as follows: General elective programme (3 elective courses): 56,900 R General elective programme (2 elective courses): 44,100 R General elective programme (1 elective courses): 29,400 R Specialised programme: 59,300 R The following components are included with the Summer School fees depending which course you choose: Airport Transfers between Cape Town International Airport & Stellenbosch Orientation, Welcome dinner and Closing dinner Accommodation & Partial Board (Breakfast & Lunch) Text Books & Class Notes Registration Fees An Official Stellenbosch University Hoodie All transport Student ID Card Laundry service Access to the General University Library & Computer Laboratory Evening Activities and Cultural Activities Academic Transcript & Courier Costs 24hr. Emergency Service & On-site Contact Person Weekend activities and excursions Summer School Photo Students who are successful in their application will receive a tuition fee waiver, but will be responsible for all other costs, including, flights, accommodation, visas, health/medical insurance (if compulsory), living expenses and those listed on this webpage.

Accommodation

On-campus accommodation is available and forms part of the costs listed in the section above. Students stay in one of the Stellenbosch University dormitories.