More than 3 600 graduands will cross the stage next week as Stellenbosch University (SU) confers degrees, diplomas and certificates during its March graduation week.

The March 2026 graduation ceremonies follow December’s bumper graduation series, where more than 6 000 students received their qualifications, bringing the total number of graduates for the 2025 academic year to a record number of 10 160 qualifications.

These included 5 282 postgraduate qualifications of which 349 were PhDs and 1 650 were master’s degrees.

From 2027 onwards, Stellenbosch University will host one extended graduation series annually in March/April instead of the previous two graduation weeks in December and March respectively. The University’s last December graduation was held at the end of 2025.

Ahead of the 11 ceremonies taking place from Monday, 23 March to Thursday, 26 March, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath says: “Each ceremony reflects the dedication of our students and the collective efforts of the families, lecturers and staff who have supported them along the way.”

Addressing the graduands, he adds: “A Stellenbosch University qualification represents far more than a degree or certificate. It reflects the knowledge, skills and values you have developed during your time here. It also prepares you to engage thoughtfully with the complex challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.”

Ramjugernath also extended a warm welcome to those joining SU’s expansive alumni network. “Progress is never achieved alone. It is built through collaboration, partnership and the collective efforts of people who share a vision for a better future. As members of the global Matie community, you now join a network that continues to learn together, lead together and shape tomorrow together.”

Honorary doctorates

In addition to celebrating its graduates, the University will also confer three honorary doctorates on extraordinary individuals who have distinguished themselves in their fields and made significant contributions to society.

Prof Abdulrazak Gurnah is an internationally acclaimed writer and literary scholar who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2021. He will be awarded the degree Doctor of Literature (DLitt), honoris causa.

Pioneering social scientist and epidemiologist Dr Olive Shisana will receive the degree Doctor of Science (DSc) (Medicine and Health Sciences), honoris causa. She served as Director-General in the Department of Health during President Nelson Mandela’s administration, where she played a central role in the post-apartheid reconstruction of public health.

Dr Tjaart Johannes van der Walt will be awarded the degree Doctor of Engineering (DEng), honoris causa, for his trailblazing work in digital banking on the African continent. South Africa’s first fully digital retail bank, TymeBank, launched in 2019 under his co-leadership, using an innovative distribution model that brought banking services to millions of previously unbanked South Africans.

• The March graduation takes place at the Coetzenburg Centre.
• The ceremonies will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@SU-Live-Events
• Click here to find out more about the March graduations