Celebrating 70 Years
70 years of transforming health, communities, and lives
Seven decades of purpose
Since 1956, Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences has pushed the boundaries of research, clinical training, and community health. What began as a bold vision has become a living legacy — one measured not in years, but in lives transformed.
70 YEARS
For seven decades, we've been a catalyst for health innovation, learning and transformation in South Africa and beyond.
NEARLY 5 000 STUDENTS
We have a diverse student body of nearly 5 000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, training across the full range of health disciplines.
MORE THAN 1 600 STAFF
Our teaching, research and clinical efforts are supported by 1 600 dedicated staff members working across academic, professional and support services.
6 UNDERGRAD, 80+ POSTGRAD
We offer six undergraduate programmes and more than 80 postgraduate programmes, spanning health sciences, clinical specialities and biomedical research.
160 SPECIALISTS TRAINED EVERY YEAR
On average, 160 medical specialists complete their training with us annually, going on to serve South Africa's health system.
PURPOSE-BUILT HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
Tygerberg Campus, with state-of-the-art facilities and clinical training partners across the Western Cape.
THE UKWANDA RURAL CLINICAL SCHOOL
Taking health professional training into rural and district settings, where the need is greatest.
AFRICA'S MOST PROLIFIC RESEARCHERS
Most prolific on the continent for research output — QS Sub-Saharan Africa, 2026.
Legacy through impact
Originally the faculty was founded with a singular purpose: to train the health professionals South Africa needed and to advance the medical knowledge that would shape its future. Today, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University stands as one of Africa's foremost institutions for health education, research and innovation, with a legacy measured not in years alone, but in lives changed and communities served.
This year, we mark its 70th anniversary under the theme Legacy through Impact. What you will find here is a reflection on that journey: the breakthroughs and the milestones, the people and the purpose, and the enduring commitment to excellence, equity and discovery that has defined us from our earliest days.
Step inside and explore our story as we look back on decades of impact while turning our gaze firmly toward the future.
Group of students
Clinical training
Training in real communities — developing clinical expertise where it's needed most.
Social impact
Advancing health equity through meaningful community partnerships.
Research
Pioneering discoveries that reshape healthcare on the continent and beyond.
Student community
A vibrant, diverse student body shaping the future of health sciences.
Facilities
A campus that grows with its people — from teaching halls to a world-class academic health hub.
Alumni
A global network of graduates driving innovation, improving health systems and shaping the future of healthcare.
Teaching and learning
Where the classroom and the clinic have always been the same place, and every patient encounter is part of the curriculum.
Visual redress
Transforming the physical and symbolic landscape of our campus to reflect who we are and who we serve.
70 Years in the news
Events
70 years of healing, science and humanity celebrated at FMHS gala
Every day, somewhere in South Africa, someone’s life is changed by the work of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS)...
Awards and milestones
70 years of remarkable milestones: FMHS celebrates its legacy of impact
Throughout 2026, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) at Stellenbosch University will be celebrating a remarkable milestone: 70 years of advancing...
Awards and milestones
70 years of impact – celebrating our legacy
Seventy years ago, Stellenbosch University brought about a vision to create a place where the advancement of human health became the foundation on which...
Awards and milestones
Prof Chegou elected as fellow of African Academy of Sciences
Prof Novel Chegou of Stellenbosch University’s recently created Division of Immunology, which he currently leads as acting head, has been elected as a Fellow of...
Impact
Fellowship, fun and philanthropy at B4B Party
Joy, generosity and community spirit were the hallmarks of the inaugural Birthday4Bursaries (B4B) Party, hosted by Prof Karin Baatjes, FMHS Vice Dean: Learning...
The next chapter is ours to write
