Applying to Stellenbosch University is an important step for learners who want to study at one of South Africa’s leading public universities.
Before submitting your online application, you must make sure your documents are ready, clear and uploaded correctly. Missing documents can stop you from submitting your application, while unclear or incorrect documents can delay the review process.
This guide explains the documents needed to apply at Stellenbosch University, also known as SU.
Stellenbosch University Applications Are Done Online
Stellenbosch University says undergraduate applicants must create an online profile and apply through the online application system. The university advises applicants to check the admission and selection criteria for each programme and make sure their documents are correctly prepared and ready to upload before applying.
For 2027 applications, Stellenbosch University confirms that applications to study at SU are open.
Documents Needed to Apply at Stellenbosch University
The documents needed may depend on whether you are currently in Grade 12, already completed matric, previously studied at another institution, or applying with international qualifications.
In general, applicants should prepare:
- Copy of South African ID or passport
- 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 tertiary institution
- Proof of previous tertiary studies, where applicable
- International school qualification documents, where applicable
- Matriculation exemption documents, where required
- Additional documents required by the selected programme
SU states that applications can only be considered if all required documents are submitted by the closing date. The university also says applicants will not be able to submit the application if all required documents are not provided.
Documents for Current Grade 12 Learners
If you are currently in Grade 12, you should prepare your school results before starting the online application.
Current Grade 12 learners may need:
- Copy of South African ID
- Final Grade 11 results
- Latest Grade 12 results, where available
- Programme-specific documents, where required
Stellenbosch University notes that applicants who apply with Grade 11 results may receive a conditional offer, but final consideration will depend on final NSC or equivalent results meeting the programme requirements.
Documents for Applicants Who Already Matriculated
If you have already completed Grade 12, you should apply using your final Grade 12 marks.
Applicants who already matriculated may need:
- Copy of South African ID
- National Senior Certificate
- Matric statement of results, if applicable
- Final matric certificate, where available
- Additional programme documents, where required
SU says applicants who apply with Grade 12 marks may be considered for a final offer, and successful applicants must later accept their offer and upload the signed Student Contract by the date stated in the offer letter.
Documents for Transfer Students
If you previously studied at any tertiary institution, you must declare this when applying.
Transfer applicants may need:
- Copy of ID or passport
- Matric certificate
- Full academic transcript
- Proof of previous registration
- Certificate of conduct, where required
- Additional faculty documents
Stellenbosch University warns that applicants must correctly indicate if they are currently or were previously registered at any tertiary institution, including SU. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the application, admission or registration.
Documents for International Applicants
International applicants may need additional documents because their school qualifications must be assessed.
International applicants may need:
- Copy of passport
- School-leaving results
- Academic transcripts, if previously studied
- International curriculum results
- Matriculation exemption documents, where required
- Final results once available
- Additional documents requested by SU
Stellenbosch University provides a separate 2027 international undergraduate application booklet and notes that some applicants with international curricula may need information about Matriculation Exemption requirements.
NBT Requirements for Some Applicants
Some applicants may also need to write the National Benchmark Test, known as the NBT.
SU says applicants from School of Tomorrow, online schools, IEB International Secondary Certificate, and American High School Diploma backgrounds must write the NBT before the end of September. Applicants applying to the Faculty of Law must write the NBT before the end of July, and applicants whose programmes require Mathematics must also write the Mathematics NBT paper.
Applicants should check whether the NBT applies to their chosen programme before the deadline.
Stellenbosch University Application Closing Date
Stellenbosch University says undergraduate applications and residence applications close on 31 July. Financial assistance applications at SU close on 30 September.
Applicants should apply early and avoid waiting until the last day because all required documents must be submitted before the closing date.
How to Upload Documents at Stellenbosch University
To apply and upload documents:
- Visit the official Stellenbosch University application website.
- Create an online profile.
- Select your programme choices.
- Complete your personal and academic information.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Check that every file is clear and correct.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Track your application and document status on the applicant portal.
SU says applicants should continuously check their emails and application portal for changes to document status. The university also sends communication when a document status or application status is updated.
Application Fee
Stellenbosch University states that an application fee is payable after submitting the application.
The application fee is R100 for South African citizens and certain South African status holders, while undergraduate international applicants pay R400. Some South African undergraduate applicants may be exempt depending on the quantile of their school.
Common Document Mistakes to Avoid
Many applications are delayed because of simple document mistakes.
Avoid these errors:
- Uploading blurry documents
- Uploading incomplete results
- Forgetting to declare previous tertiary studies
- Uploading documents after the closing date
- Using incorrect ID or passport details
- Forgetting to check your applicant portal
- Not writing the NBT where required
- Assuming minimum requirements guarantee admission
SU states that it receives thousands of applications every year and that space is limited, so meeting the requirements does not always mean you will be accommodated.
Final Reminder
The documents needed to apply at Stellenbosch University depend on your applicant type and chosen programme.
Most applicants should prepare a copy of ID or passport, Grade 11 results, Grade 12 results where available, matric certificate if already completed, academic transcript if previously studied elsewhere, and any additional documents required by SU.
Apply online through the official Stellenbosch University application portal, upload all required documents before the closing date, and check your email and applicant portal regularly.