How to apply
Undergraduate
Step 1: General University Application
Prospective first-year students must complete the online general application to Stellenbosch University. The electronic applications portal open on 1 April. Details on the general application process are available here: How to Apply
Step 2: Portfolio Submission
Admission to the BA in Visual Arts is subject to the successful evaluation of a portfolio. Portfolios must be submitted by 31 August and emailed to [email protected]
Please note that late submissions will not be accepted.
The portfolio requirements for admission in 2027 is available here: Portfolio Requirements
For more information
Karla Koopstad | Administrative Officer
[email protected] | +27 21 808 2508
Honours
BA Hons (Visual Studies)
Admission requirements
Prospective candidates must have a BA in Visual Arts or a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Visual Studies, Art History, Cultural Studies (or related subject). A pass mark of at least 68% in the major subject is required.
The closing date for South African applications is 30 September, but students may apply earlier. International applicants must apply by 31 August.
Masters
Admission requirements
A four-year BA degree in Visual Arts or the equivalent three-year degree and Honours in Visual Arts (or acceptable equivalent qualification that is deemed adequate for admission to the programme by the Senate) where evidence is provided of the ability to conduct advanced independent research. Selection for the programme relies on academic qualifications, professional experience and an acceptable study proposal for the practical and/or theoretical components of the programme. A mark of at least 65% in Visual Studies (or equivalent qualification) is required. The proposal must be supported by a portfolio of recent artworks (original artworks, photographs or digital images).
Prospective candidates must also submit an e-portfolio of artworks in PDF format to Ledelle Moe at [email protected].
The closing date for South African applications is 30 September, but students may apply earlier. International applicants must apply by 31 August.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold a four-year BA degree in Visual Arts (Fine Art, any Design degree, or Jewellery Design), or an equivalent three-year degree together with an Honours degree in Visual Arts. In exceptional cases, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education with Art Education as a major may also be considered. Alternatively, applicants may hold a three-year Bachelor’s degree with Practical Art and Visual Studies as majors, together with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education that includes Practical Art and Method of Teaching Art, with a theory mark above 65%.
The closing date for South African applications is 30 September, but students may apply earlier.
International applicants must apply by 31 August.
Admission requirements
Prospective candidates must have an Honours degree in Visual Studies or Art History (or an acceptable qualification that is deemed adequate for admission to the programme by the Senate) that provides evidence of the ability to conduct advanced independent research. Selection for the programme relies on academic qualifications, professional experience and an acceptable study proposal.
Prospective candidates must also submit a research proposal in PDF format to Prof Ernst van der Wal at [email protected].
The closing date for South African applications is 30 September, but students may apply earlier.
International applicants must apply by 31 August.
PhD Visual Arts
Admission requirements
An MA degree in Visual Arts (or an acceptable equivalent qualification regarded by the Senate as adequate for admission to the programme) that provides evidence of the ability to conduct advanced independent research. Details of the selection process may be obtained from the Department.
All applicants must submit the following material to the PhD Committee through Prof Stella Viljoen at [email protected]:
- A research proposal
- A digital portfolio of recent work (in the case of practice-led research)
- A curriculum vitae
- Institution and results of Master’s degree
- In the case of ARPL (Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning) applicants, the faculty requires two letters of recommendation
- Applicants may be required to submit theoretical material (such as a copy of a Master’s thesis). This will most certainly be the case for ARPL applicants.
These applications will be assessed three times throughout the year after which formal registration options will be discussed:
- 31 March,
- 31 July, and
- 30 November