Stellenbosch University is one of South Africa’s leading public universities, and many learners are preparing to apply for the 2027 academic year.
Before submitting your application, it is important to know how much the Stellenbosch University application fee is, who must pay it, and which applicants may qualify for an exemption.
How Much Is the Stellenbosch University Application Fee for 2027?
For the 2027 intake, Stellenbosch University lists the application fee as R100 for undergraduate and postgraduate South African applicants, excluding Stellenbosch Business School applicants. International applicants applying to degree-seeking programmes must pay R400.
This means applicants should budget:
South African applicants: R100
International applicants: R400
Who Does Not Have to Pay the Application Fee?
Some applicants may be exempt from paying the application fee.
Stellenbosch University states that undergraduate applicants from quintile 1 to 4 schools are exempt from application fees.
This means some South African school learners may not have to pay, depending on the school category and the university’s application system.
Is the Stellenbosch University Application Fee Refundable?
The application fee is generally treated as an administration fee. Applicants should not assume that it will be refunded if they change their mind, apply for the wrong programme, or do not receive admission.
Before paying, make sure that:
- You are applying for the correct academic year
- Your programme choices are correct
- Your personal details are correct
- Your documents are ready
- You understand whether you qualify for an exemption
When Must You Pay the Application Fee?
Applicants should pay the application fee after submitting the online application, where the system requires payment.
Stellenbosch University provides a guide on how to pay the application fee for the 2027 intake, which confirms the fee categories and payment process.
Applicants should pay before the application deadline to avoid delays with their application.
Stellenbosch University 2027 Application Closing Date
Stellenbosch University undergraduate applications and residence applications usually close on 31 July 2026 for the 2027 intake.
Applicants should apply early because all required documents and payments must be completed before the closing date.
Documents Needed When Applying to Stellenbosch University
Besides paying the application fee, applicants must also upload the required supporting documents.
These may include:
- Copy of South African ID or passport
- Final Grade 11 results, if currently in Grade 12
- Grade 12 results, where available
- National Senior Certificate or matric certificate, if already completed Grade 12
- Academic transcript, if previously studied at another institution
- International qualification documents, where applicable
- Additional documents required by the selected programme
Missing documents can delay your application, even if you have paid the application fee.
Is the Application Fee the Same as Registration Fees?
No. The application fee and registration fees are different.
The application fee is paid when applying to Stellenbosch University. Registration fees, tuition fees, residence fees and other study-related costs may apply later if you are accepted and register as a student.
Do not confuse the R100 or R400 application fee with full university study fees.
How to Apply to Stellenbosch University for 2027
To apply to Stellenbosch University:
- Visit the official Stellenbosch University application website.
- Create an online applicant profile.
- Select your programme choices.
- Complete your personal and academic information.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee, if required.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Track your application status on the applicant portal.
Applicants should also check their email regularly because the university may send updates about missing documents, payment status or application outcomes.
Common Payment Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants delay their applications because of simple payment mistakes.
Avoid these errors:
- Paying the wrong amount
- Assuming you are exempt without checking
- Forgetting to complete the payment step
- Using incorrect personal details
- Applying through unofficial websites
- Waiting until the closing date to apply
- Assuming payment means automatic admission
Always apply and pay through official Stellenbosch University platforms.
Final Answer
The Stellenbosch University application fee for the 2027 intake is R100 for South African applicants and R400 for international applicants.
Some undergraduate applicants from quintile 1 to 4 schools may be exempt from paying the application fee. Applicants should apply online, upload all required documents, pay the correct fee where required, and submit everything before the closing date.
Paying the application fee does not guarantee admission. You must still meet the programme requirements and complete the full application process.