Stellenbosch University expresses its admission requirements as an average percentage across your National Senior Certificate subjects together with minimum percentages in specific subjects, rather than as a points score in the way most South African universities do.
That difference matters practically. A points score calculated for another university does not transfer to Stellenbosch, and applicants who work out an APS elsewhere and assume it applies here are calculating against the wrong measure.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- The subjects counted in the calculation, which differ by institution
- Whether Life Orientation is included or excluded
- Whether specific subjects are weighted or doubled
- The scale used, which is not the same at every institution
- The minimum published for your specific programme
- Any subject-specific minimum applied on top of the total
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Requirements are published per programme in the Stellenbosch calendar or faculty yearbook, setting out both the required average and the minimum marks in named subjects.
Requirements are revised between intake years. Confirm them against the current calendar for the year you are applying for rather than relying on figures published elsewhere.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Because the requirement is expressed as percentages, calculate directly against the published figures for each programme rather than converting from a points total.
Subject requirements are the element that most often excludes applicants. Programmes requiring Mathematics generally do not accept Mathematical Literacy, and science programmes add Physical Sciences.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Selection for competitive programmes such as medicine, actuarial science and engineering is based on more than the published minimum, with the effective standard set by the applicant pool each year.
Stellenbosch has a language policy affecting the language of instruction. Establish what it means for the programme and campus you are applying to before accepting a place. See Stellenbosch University requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stellenbosch use an APS?
No. It publishes requirements as an average percentage and minimum marks in specific subjects rather than a points score.
Does an APS from another university transfer?
No. Calculate directly against Stellenbosch published percentages for each programme.
Which subjects matter most?
Those named in the programme requirement. Programmes requiring Mathematics generally do not accept Mathematical Literacy.
What about the language policy?
Stellenbosch has a language policy affecting the language of instruction. Establish what it means for your programme and campus.
Confirm requirements against the current Stellenbosch calendar or faculty yearbook for your intake year. See matric pass requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.