Question 1

How does Stellenbosch calculate APS?

Accepted Answer

Stellenbosch does not use the standard 1 to 7 APS total. It usually works from the average percentage of your best 6 NSC or IEB subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Your main language of learning is always included. That is why Stellenbosch requirements are usually expressed as percentage aggregates instead of points.

Question 2

What aggregate do I need for the most popular courses at Stellenbosch?

Accepted Answer

Indicative aggregates are about 80%+ for Medicine, around 70%+ for Engineering, roughly 70%+ for BCom Accounting, around 65%+ for Law, about 60 to 65% for many BSc routes, and around 60% for Education. Those numbers are only entry floors, not guaranteed offer levels.

Question 3

Does Stellenbosch require the NBT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for certain faculties and applicant groups. If you take Mathematics, you normally need both AQL and MAT. If you take Mathematical Literacy, you may only need AQL unless the programme requires Pure Maths. Law and Health Sciences applicants should pay especially close attention to NBT deadlines.

Question 4

Can I study in English at Stellenbosch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stellenbosch offers English instruction across most undergraduate routes, even though Afrikaans still appears in parts of the academic environment. Some modules, tutorials, or practicals can differ by faculty, so you should still check the exact language plan for the programme you want.

Question 5

Does Life Orientation count at Stellenbosch?

Accepted Answer

No. Stellenbosch excludes Life Orientation from the aggregate it uses for selection. Your average is based on your best 6 academic subjects. That means LO will not rescue a weaker aggregate for a competitive programme.

Question 6

Does Stellenbosch accept Mathematical Literacy?

Accepted Answer

Stellenbosch accepts Mathematical Literacy for some programmes, including parts of Education, selected BA routes, and a few agriculture-linked options. It does not work for Engineering, Medicine, most BSc routes, BCom, or Law. Where Maths Lit is accepted, the required percentage can be higher than the Pure Maths minimum.

Question 7

What are extended programmes at Stellenbosch?

Accepted Answer

Stellenbosch offers extended programmes in several faculties for applicants who meet the general standard but fall slightly below the mainstream programme level. These degrees add an extra academic support year. You still graduate with the same final qualification as a mainstream student.

Question 8

When do Stellenbosch applications open and close?

Accepted Answer

Applications usually open around March or April and close around 30 June for most programmes. Health Sciences and some other selective routes can close earlier. The application fee is usually R100, and final confirmation only happens after your matric results are released.

Stellenbosch University

Calculate your APS score

Stellenbosch University APS questions, answered.

Need help with Stellenbosch University?

Important Disclaimer

Stellenbosch University

Calculate your APS score

Stellenbosch University APS questions, answered.

Need help with Stellenbosch University?

How does Stellenbosch calculate APS?-

What aggregate do I need for the most popular courses at Stellenbosch?+

Does Stellenbosch require the NBT?+

Can I study in English at Stellenbosch?+

Does Life Orientation count at Stellenbosch?+

Does Stellenbosch accept Mathematical Literacy?+

What are extended programmes at Stellenbosch?+

When do Stellenbosch applications open and close?+

Important Disclaimer