2026 Visitors
A Visit from the Embassy of Finland in South Africa: 27 February 2026
On 27 February 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) welcomed H.E. Pekka Metso, Ambassador of Embassy of Finland in South Africa, and Ms Veera Virmasalo, Counsellor for Education and Science, for a courtesy visit hosted by Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in research and higher education, particularly in science and technology, digitalisation, quantum technology, agricultural innovation, and peace mediation. Ambassador Metso highlighted Finland’s commitment to building partnerships in science and technology, as well as supporting South Africa’s role in peace work on the continent.
A Visit from LMU, Germany: 21 - 25 February 2026
Stellenbosch University (SU) recently welcomed a senior delegation from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Germany, led by LMU President, Matthias Tschöp, from 21 – 25 February 2026.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two institutions. The delegation engaged with leadership, faculty, and research centres across a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, data science, quantum computing, historical trauma studies, and epidemic response.
Highlights of the programme included meetings with SU’s executive leadership, including Prof Deresh Ramjugernath (Rector and Vice-Chancellor) and Prof Sibusiso Moyo (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation), visits to the SU Library’s Immersive Technology Lab, the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), and the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). The delegation also connected with academics actively involved in the SU–LMU collaboration, exploring opportunities to deepen research cooperation, academic exchange, and joint initiatives.
A Visit from the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania: 19 February 2026
On 19 February 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) gathered for a timely and thought-provoking special guest lecture titled “Information Security, Disinformation: A Threat to Global Peace?”
Hosted by the UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence in liaison with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania and the Department of Political Science (SU), the lecture was delivered by Prof Margarita Šešelgytė, Director of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University in Lithuania.
Drawing on her expertise in EU foreign and security policy, Prof Šešelgytė unpacked the growing global threat of disinformation and its implications for democratic institutions, international stability, and global peace. The session offered valuable insight into the intersection of information security, geopolitics, and contemporary security challenges.
A Visit from Kent State University, USA: 17 February 2026
On 17 February 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) welcomed a senior delegation from Kent State University, United States of America, to campus.
The delegation, led by Provost Dr Melody Tankersley, Vice President for Global Education Dr Marcello Fantoni, and Art & Margaret Herrick Endowed Professor of Plant Biology, Dr David Ward, met with representatives from SU International and Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies. Discussions focused on advancing student mobility, expanding research synergies, and deepening institutional partnerships between SU and Kent State University.
A Visit from Taiwan Technical University: 3 February 2026
On 3 February 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) welcomed a delegation of young professionals from Taiwan Technical University in Taiwan. The visit aimed to deepen the delegation’s understanding of South African culture, society, and history, while also exploring SU’s approach to supporting student entrepreneurship.
Engagements during the visit included discussions with representatives from SU International, LaunchLab, and the Department of History. Notably, Ellen Chuang, Second Secretary at the Taipei Liaison Office in Cape Town, expressed interest in facilitating a potential collaboration between the SU Library and Taiwan Tech Library around digitisation initiatives.
The visit contributed to meaningful dialogue on internationalisation, fostering reciprocal institutional learning and laying the groundwork for potential future collaboration.
A Visit from Tsinghua University, China: 28 January 2026
Stellenbosch University (SU) was pleased to welcome a delegation on 28 January 2026 from Tsinghua University in China. The 14-member delegation, comprising faculty advisors as well as doctoral and undergraduate students from a range of disciplines, visited campus to engage around shared research interests and opportunities for collaboration.
During the visit, discussions focused on mineral processing, traditional energy, and clean energy, with opportunities to connect the delegation to relevant research groups and academic expertise at SU’s Faculty of Engineering. The visit also highlighted strong interest in student-led engagement and interdisciplinary exchange.
In addition, the delegation explored possibilities for cultural collaboration, including a prospective joint cultural exchange event in partnership with the Confucius Institute at SU. This visit reflects a growing commitment to strengthening academic, research, and cultural ties between SU and Tsinghua University.
A Visit from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium: 26 - 27 January 2026
From 26–27 January 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) hosted a senior delegation from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium, for a two-day engagement focused on deepening dialogue around shared academic priorities and innovation-focused engagement.
Led by Prof Jan Danckaert, Rector of VUB, and Prof Karin Vanderkerken, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation, the delegation engaged with Stellenbosch University’s senior leadership — including Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies — as well as representatives from SU International, LaunchLab, and a variety of academic departments and research entities.
Discussions spanned key strategic priority areas such as research and innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialisation, student mobility, climate and water studies, digital inclusion, governance, and global engagement. These engagements provided an opportunity to reflect on existing cooperation between SU and VUB and to identify aligned focus areas within the broader Europe–Africa research and innovation landscape.