Call for applications:
Honours (B Ed HONS) and Master’s (M Ed) students are invited to apply for an international mobility opportunity
The Faculty of Education is a partner in the Teacher Education Network (TEN). Institutions like KU Leuven, Utrecht University, University of Cologne, University of Helsinki and Saxion University of Applied Sciences are additional partners within this network. This network offers a structured course, Teacher Education in an International Perspective which includes international mobility. This course, an intensive programme, will be offered through blended learning where students will explore “Many voices, one classroom: Insights into Diversity Education Today” as a theme.This opportunity is reserved for Hons and Masters students. Successful nominees/applicants will be partially supported through SU International and the TEN.
Interested students are requested to submit applications to [email protected] by 28 January 2026.
Applications must include:
1. An essay/letter expressing interest to pursue participation in the programme. The letter/essay should include the following:
i. Title and description of research project focus.
ii. Project plan and timeline of research project.
iii. Statement illustrating how the participation in this programme will enable your development as post-graduate student and your progress with research project.
iv. Motivation for how participating in this programme will contribute to growing your academic project coupled with your post graduate research project (Hons/M Ed research project).
2. A letter of support from research project supervisor
3. CV
4. Proof of passport
5. Proof of registration.
Terms and conditions
1. Only Hons and Masters students of the Faculty of Education are eligible to apply.
2. Students should be registered for 2026.
3. The award will be made on a competitive basis. Applications will be reviewed by an internal panel based on quality and potential impact of participation in the programme.
4. The exchange opportunities cannot be used for the attendance of a conference/workshop/symposium or seminar only.
5. The applicant must ensure that the application is complete, with all the required documents included/attached. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
6. No travel arrangements should be made before confirmation from the faculty that participation can proceed. SU International/the faculty will not reimburse any costs incurred should the visit not proceed, and travel arrangements were already made.
7. At the time of the call, information was correct but may be subject to change.
8. Deadlines should be strictly adhered to. Late applications will not be considered.
9. Submit applications in one zip folder.
Successful applicants must submit a report on completion of the programme (within one month after completion).
For more information contact: Dr Zelda Barends ([email protected])
International STE*M: STEM for All conference: 2024 & 2026
The inaugural International STE*M Conference, hosted by the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University in collaboration with KU Leuven, Belgium as part of the TEN network, was a sounding success. Held from 11–13 September 2024, the event fostered numerous new networking opportunities and strengthened existing partnerships, sparking enthusiasm among delegates for future conferences of this kind.
The program featured insightful pre-conference workshops such as Empowering STEM Teachers with AI: A Hands-on AI Experience for STEM Teacher Support and Build a Solar-Powered Mobile Charger! The conference highlighted thought-provoking keynotes by leading experts including Dr. Ir. Hanne Deprez and Dr. Arch. Robin Schaeverbeke from KU Leuven, Prof. Eugene Cloete from Stellenbosch University, and Prof. Gerrit Stols from the University of Pretoria. The conference was attended by various colleagues from South African Universities and representatives of the WCED. With almost 60 delegates from countries such as Belgium, Germany, Botswana, Namibia, and the USA (Idaho), the conference proved to be a vibrant platform for advancing international STE*M education and collaboration. A follow-up conference is being planned for the near future.
The second International STE*M Conference is currently being organized by Dr Marie-Louise Botha in collaboration with Dr Tami Chirikure from the University of Botswana to be hosted by SU in September 2026.
Team Knowledge Finland mobility grant: Digital learning in STEAM pedagogy for the Equity of Education (DigiSTEAM): 2024 - 2025
Dr. Marie-Louise Botha, along with postgraduate students Ms. Delecia Davids, Mr. Simon van Eeden, and ADE student Mr. Christopher Belu from Stellenbosch University, successfully participated in the second phase of this mobility programme from 17–26 September 2024 at the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland. Craft and STEM Education activities were attended as the project aims to promote educational equity by integrating digital pedagogy into STEAM teacher training in Finland and South Africa, focusing on sharing and evaluating best practices across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Crafts, and Mathematics. Through short-term mobility between South Africa and Finland, STEAM teachers and students from SU, UH, and UEF developed interdisciplinary skills in digital pedagogy, design thinking, and critical reflection, fostering 21st-century skills and cross-cultural perspectives in STEAM education.
From 23–28 February 2025, Prof. Anna Kouhia and Dr Kirsi Wallinheimo from the University Helsinki, and Prof. Anne Posti from the University of Eastern Finland, accompanied by students in the DigiSTEAM project, visited Drs. Marie-Louise Botha and Pauline Hanekom and participating postgraduate students in the Education Faculty during the third phase of the mobility programme.
The group explored the Cape Town Science Centre, joining a school programme that show-cased the integration of science, technology, arts, and mathematics. At the Zeitz MOCAA museum, located in a repurposed grain silo-turned-hotel, participants experienced the blending of architecture, contemporary African art, technology, and engineering.
Prof. Kathryn Smit from SU’s Visual Art Department delivered a guest lecture, Beyond the Science: Forensic Imaging Restores ‘Personhood’, sharing her research that bridges forensic art and science.
A visit to the Kusasa school, a non-profit project in Franschhoek, highlighted STEAM education in action within an under-resourced, disadvantaged community. Dr. Paseka Chisale led an engaging arts lecture that welcomed active participation from the Finnish visitors.
The week fostered rich dialogue and hands-on collaboration, reinforcing how interdisciplinary STEAM education can promote equity and innovation across South African and Finnish contexts.
