Before you apply
How to Apply
I know university portals can feel like a maze, but Stellenbosch's process is pretty straightforward once you get going.
Apply through the Stellenbosch Applicant Portal at student.sun.ac.za/applicant-portal. The application fee is R100 for South African applicants and R400 for international applicants, though undergrad applicants from quintile 1 to 4 schools get the fee waived. Have your ID, NSC results or latest school report, and matric subject choices ready before you start. Applications for the 2027 intake open on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 July 2026, and Stellenbosch does not accept late undergraduate applications.
If you also want a residence, apply for it at the same time since res applications close alongside your undergrad application on 31 July 2026. Financial assistance applications open separately, so keep an eye on the SU financial aid pages once you've submitted your main application.
Application fee
General: R100
Closing date
Stellenbosch closes most undergraduate applications on 31 July 2026, so do not leave document uploads late.
How you apply
Online, through the university's portal
Know what you're applying for
Before you apply, work out what you're interested in studying and check whether you meet the entry requirements — it decides which programmes are worth putting on your application.
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your ID or passport
- Certified copy of your latest results (Grade 11 or matric, whichever you have)
- Academic transcript — only if you're a transfer student from another institution
- SAQA evaluation — only if you did your schooling outside South Africa
- Proof of residence — only if you're applying for a res spot
Don't forget NSFAS
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a separate application from your university application, with its own closing date. Applying to Stellenbosch University does not apply you for NSFAS — you need to do both.
Apply for NSFAS at nsfas.org.zaAdvertisement
Applying
- 1
Open the SUNStudent portal
Start at sun.ac.za and create your account.
- 2
Complete the required personal and academic fields
Double-check your programme choices before you move on.
- 3
Upload certified documents
Add your Grade 11 results, ID, and any faculty-specific extras like portfolios.
- 4
Pay the fee and submit before the deadline
Finish the full application before 31 July 2026.
After you apply
Once SUNStudent has your application, watch your portal and finish any extra faculty tasks quickly.
Some Stellenbosch faculties may still ask for NBTs, interviews, or extra checks after you submit. A conditional offer still needs you to hit the final requirements.
Accept your offer inside the window given in your letter. If you want residence, make sure that separate application is already done too.
Rewrite matric
Improve your marks and reapply.
Try other unis
See where your current APS still fits.
Gap year
Work, volunteer, and plan your next cycle.
