Postgraduate Studies​​

Select a programme

Under What can I study? on the Prospective Postgraduate Student website, you can browse programme options and select the programme you wish to apply for. Alternatively, consult the University’s Faculty Yearbooks.

Applications for admission to postgraduate degree programmes (for both South African and international candidates) are subject to faculty-specific closing dates. These are listed per programme and can be found on the What can I study? pages for each faculty and programme.

How many programmes can I apply for?

• Postgraduate diploma, honours, and Master’s candidates: you may apply for a maximum of two programmes.
• Doctoral candidates: you may apply for one programme only.

Please ensure that you meet the minimum admission requirements for all your chosen programmes.

Your application will only be processed once you have:

• Submitted a completed application form, and
• Uploaded all supporting documents by the programme’s closing date.
• The Central Application Office will then review your application and verify your documentation.
• Once your application is complete, the respective department will review and consider your application.
• You will be considered for all programme choices you applied for.
• If you qualify, you may receive more than one offer.
• You must accept at least one offer by the closing date stated in your offer, otherwise it will expire.

What if my application and supporting documents don’t reach you before the closing date?

We cannot consider applications if we don’t receive them by the closing date.

Admission criteria

Each postgraduate programme has its own admission criteria. Before you apply, make sure you meet at least the minimum requirements for your chosen programme(s). These criteria are published in the relevant faculty’s section of the University Yearbook.

Please note:

• Places are limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
• Some programmes may involve additional selection processes.

Additional documents for the selection process

When completing your application via the University’s online application portal, you may be required to upload additional supporting documents. These supporting documents depend on the programme.

• A full list is available on the Additional Documents page.
• If your programme requires an additional supporting document(s) these are compulsory, and your application cannot be submitted without them.
• Applicants to the Faculty of Military Science and Stellenbosch Business School must consult these environments directly for the additional documents that may be required as part of the application process. 

Your application will only be considered once all required supporting documents and proof of payment of application fees (where applicable) have been uploaded before the closing date.

Research-based programmes and contacting a supervisor

If you are applying for a research-based degree (e.g. a master’s by research or a doctoral programme), it is strongly recommended that you identify and contact a potential academic supervisor before submitting your application.

• Most programmes have a designated coordinator who can connect you with the most suitable academic. This information is listed on the programmes departmental page. Which is linked per faculty on the How to apply page.
• You can also use the Research Discovery platform to identify potential supervisors and explore their areas of expertise.
• Early contact allows you to discuss your proposed research, available projects, funding opportunities, and other important considerations.

This helps ensure your research interests align with faculty expertise and that your application is well prepared.

Application fees

An application fee is required when submitting your application. This fee is non-refundable and is payable once per application.

South African applicants (excluding Stellenbosch Business School)

Fee: R100
Applies to:

• South African citizens
• Holders of permanent residence
• Holders of refugee status
• Holders of asylum seeker status
• Holders of diplomatic status

The fee must be paid at the time of submission.

International applicants (excluding Stellenbosch Business School)

Fee: R400
Applies to all international applicants applying for degree-seeking programmes for the 2026 intake.

Stellenbosch Business School applicants

Application fees (payable by all applicants):

• MBA programmes: R1 050
• All other programmes: R850

Applying as a current SU student

The following current Stellenbosch University (SU) students must use the new application process for the 2026 intake:

• Current undergraduates applying for a postgraduate programme.
• Current postgraduates applying for a higher-level postgraduate programme.
• Current doctoral candidates applying for a postdoctoral programme.

Applications open on 1 April 2025. Late applications cannot be considered.

Current SU students registered in 2025 do not need to upload transcripts, degree certificates, or other documents via the portal. However, departments may request additional documentation directly.

Step-by-step guide for current SU students

1. Log into the applications page via the Applicant icon and select Create a Profile.
2. Select Current/Previous Student or Staff.
3. Enter your student number and date of birth in the format <Student number><yyyymmdd> (e.g. 1234567820020612), then click Fetch Details.
4. Update the Create Profile page.
   1. Fields shown in grey cannot be changed on the portal. To update, email [email protected].
   2. You may use the existing email address or replace it with a new one.
   3. Create a new password for your 2026 application.
5. Once your profile has been created, a confirmation message will appear. Continue directly with your application or return later by logging in.
6. Go to Programme Selection, click Add, select the Faculty, Programme Type, and Year of study, then click Save.
7. Go to Personal Information, complete any missing details, then click Save.
8. Go to Payment and Agreement. Accept the terms and conditions, then click Submit Application.
9. Current SU students (and those registered in 2024 but discontinued) do not need to pay an application fee. Select Will pay later so that the fee can be waived.

Only submitted applications will be considered.

Enquiries: Client Services at [email protected].

Will I lose my data if there is a power outage while I’m applying?

No. You can restart from the last section you completed. However, always keep an eye on closing dates.

Applying as a new student to SU

If you have never studied at Stellenbosch University, you will be required to create a profile on the application protal as a new applicant to the University. 

Applications opened on 1 April 2025. Late applications cannot be considered.

Step-by-step guide for new applicants

1. Log into the application portal and select New Application (all Stellenbosch Business School applicants must also create a profile at this stage).
2. Complete the Create Your Profile page and click Create.
   1. A confirmation message will appear.
   2. You may continue with your application immediately or log in later with your email and password.
3. Go to Programme Selection, click Add, select the Faculty, Programme Type, and Year of study, then click Save.
4. Go to Personal Information, complete all required details, then click Save.
5. Go to Payment and Agreement. Accept the terms and conditions, then click Submit Application.

Only submitted applications will be considered.

Enquiries: Client Services at [email protected]

Will I lose my data if there is a power outage while I’m applying?

No. You can restart from the last section you completed. However, always keep an eye on closing dates.

Uploading your application documents

• Applications can only be considered if all required documents are uploaded by the closing date.
• Only first-time applicants to Stellenbosch University must upload certificates and transcripts.
• Current SU students do not need to upload qualification documents, but may be prompted to submit additional documentation depending on the programme.

For a full list of required documents, please consult the Additional Documents page. Ensure:

• Each document is scanned and uploaded as a separate file.
• Documents meet the quality and certification standards set out below.

Presentation of your academic transcripts and degree certificates

When uploading academic transcripts and degree certificates:

• Include the official final awarded qualification document for each tertiary qualification.
• Original transcripts and certificates must be officially stamped and signed by the awarding institution.
• Academic transcripts must include the grading system. If it appears on the back, scan and upload both front and back pages.
• Online documents from self-service portals are not accepted.
• Stellenbosch University reserves the right to request original and/or additional documentation at any stage.
• International qualifications may require SAQA evaluation if comparability, authenticity, or accreditation cannot be verified.

Current SU students registered in 2025 do not need to submit transcripts or certificates via the portal, though departments may request additional documents directly.

Upload colour scans of your original degree certificates and academic transcripts. If the document is not in colour, you must submit a correctly certified copy in the format specified under the section requirements for certificates and transcripts that are not scans of the original documents.

Key guidelines for scanning your original application documents:

• documents must be in PDF format and must not be password-protected
• always scan original documents in colour, especially if they contain coloured stamps, seals, or watermarks
• ensure documents are placed flat on the scanner bed to prevent wrinkles or shadows; documents with text cut off will not be accepted
• scan the entire document, including any pages with essential information on the back
• each qualification obtained must be uploaded separately; bulk uploads of multiple qualifications in one file are not permitted
• use a minimum resolution of 300 dpi to ensure sharp text and clear images
• check the readability of all scanned document text before submitting

A high-quality document scan must:

• capture the institution’s watermarks visibly
• show the institution’s stamp or seal clearly
• contain the grading system of an academic transcript

Requirements for certificates and transcripts that are not scans of the original documents

If you are submitting a scanned copy of your academic transcript and degree certificate that is not in colour, or a copy of documents instead of the originals, the following certification requirements must be met:

• if your transcript consists of multiple pages, each page must be certified separately. Alternatively, the certifier may write the certification on the first page and state the total number of pages included in the certified copy
• the certification date stamp must not be older than three months from the date of application to Stellenbosch University
• the full name, surname, designation, and practice number (if applicable) of the Commissioner of Oaths, Notary Public, Lawyer, or other authorised certifier must appear on the document
• if you make use of the South African Postal or Police Services to certify your documents, ensure the stamp includes the date, name, signature, and rank of the officer; general police or postal services stamps will not be accepted
• the certifier must write or stamp a statement confirming that the document is a true copy of the original and that there is no evidence of unauthorised alterations or tampering
• the certifier must provide their signature, contact details, and the date of certification
• if your qualification documents are not in English and require translation, they must be professionally translated. Certified copies of both the original documents and their translations must be provided, following the same certification requirements outlined above

Note: Certification confirms a document is a true copy, not its authenticity. Stellenbosch University may reject documents not meeting these standards.

Sworn translations and certification for academic transcripts and degree certificates not in English:

Qualification documents in foreign languages (other than English or Afrikaans) must be accompanied by a sworn English translation certified by an official translator. Both the original-language documents and their English translations must be submitted together.

Proof of English language proficiency

International applicants who have obtained their qualifications from tertiary institutions where English is not the primary language of instruction are required to provide proof of English Language proficiency.

• Must be no older than 24 months from the date of application.
• Tests must demonstrate reading, writing, listening, and speaking at an academic level.
• Applications will not be processed until English language requirements are met.
• Conditional admission is not offered if requirements are unmet. 

Your application will only be processed when the English language requirements have been met. Stellenbosch University does not offer possible conditional admission if the English language requirement is not met. ​

Only internationally recognised English proficiency test results are accepted. The minimum English language requirements and recognised language tests for admission to Stellenbosch University's postgraduate degree programmes are as follows: ​

How to track your application

• You will receive an email notification each time your application status changes.
• Applications can also be tracked online via the Applicant Portal using your email/Application ID and password.
• Only once all information and documents are received and reviewed will your application be considered.
• Doctoral applications require approval from the Faculty Board and Senate, which may take longer due to selection processes.

How to accept your offer

Receiving multiple offers

• You may receive more than one offer if you applied to multiple programmes.
• Only one offer can be active at a time. Accepting a second offer will replace the first.
• Offers can be declined at any time.

Conditional offers

• Based on provisional results; final acceptance requires completion of your qualification and meeting programme requirements.

Final offers

• If all requirements are met and space is available, a final offer will be issued.
• Accept by the communicated closing date.

Changing your mind

• You may decline an offer and accept another.
• If an offer has expired and you wish to be reconsidered, contact Client Services. The faculty may consider your request depending on space.

Upload your signed contract

• Upon accepting an offer, submit a signed Student Contract. Registration cannot proceed without it.
• Current SU students do not need to resubmit a signed student contract. Your previous version will still be valid.

If you are an international student, the Postgraduate Office will provide you with a letter of undertaking so that you can apply for your study visa. You will undergo a pre-registration process, during which we will verify that you have a valid passport, study visa, South African medical cover and that you have paid the required fees. For further information you can see the International Office website. 

Postgraduate funding

The Postgraduate Funding Office administers various funding options:

• Institutional Postgraduate Scholarship Programme
• Private bursaries
• NRF, CSIR, SARAO, amongst others

Funding applications typically close in the current year for the following year’s intake. Applicants should apply for programmes and funding simultaneously.

• Some funding opportunities do not require admission, but check specific guidelines.
• Final-year undergraduates should apply for funding for their Honours or Postgraduate Diploma year alongside their application.

[Visit the Postgraduate Funding website for details]

Get help with your application

• If you need any help with your application or need more information, please contact our Client Services at 021 808 9111, or e-mail [email protected]. Remember to provide your Application ID when you contact us.
• The Postgraduate Office offers application advice to help prospective students and students currently enrolled at the University identify postgraduate opportunities across faculties for which they are qualified to apply. Contact the Enrolment Support section within the Postgraduate Office by e-mail [email protected], for advice on the programme offering and research specialisation areas.