2026 Visitors
A Visit from the New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 28 May 2026
On 28 May 2026, Stellenbosch University International hosted a visiting delegation from New York University Abu Dhabi, led by Professor Erich Dietrich (Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education) and Professor Teboho Moja (Higher Education), alongside seven of their students. The purpose of their visit to the Stellenbosch campus was to conduct an in-depth field study exploring the theme, “What is fair in University Admissions,” To provide real-world context to complex policy discussions, the group engaged with academic and administrative leadership across various SU departments — including an insightful session on the SU's Language Policy with Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, Prof Richard Stevens and contributions from Celeste Nel (Deputy Registrar, Applications, Student Accommodation and Clients), Christelle Feyt (Senior Director, Student Recruitment), and Marquard Timmey (Head: Career’s Office).
We extend our sincere thanks to the NYU Abu Dhabi faculty and students for their visit.
A Visit from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China: 12 May 2026
A Visit from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China: 12 May 2026
Stellenbosch University (SU) was delighted to welcome Consul General Mr Ren Faqiang and Mr Zhao Hongtao, Consul for Science and Technology Affairs, from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China on 12 May 2026.
The visit provided an opportunity to broaden academic connections and explore potential partnerships in joint research and mobility programmes. A key highlight of the visit was a meeting and lunch with Professor Francesco Petruccione, Director of the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), to discuss collaboration in science and innovation. The delegation also enjoyed a courtesy visit with Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and Mr Robert Kotzé, Senior Director for SU International.
We sincerely thank the Consulate General for their visit and for the valuable engagement on our campus.
A Visit from the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia: 7 May 2026
Stellenbosch University (SU) recently hosted a delegation from the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia on 7 May 2026. The visiting party, led by Dr Francis Chishala, First Secretary for Education, included Ms Gugu Nthuli and Ms Lulu Nthuli from Empiras Global. A highlight of the visit was the delegation engaging with Professor Richard Stevens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, to discuss Zambian student welfare and the university's teaching policies. The delegation also met with various SU units to discuss quality assurance and digital transformation, and held a dedicated session with Zambian students currently studying at SU regarding scholarship opportunities. SU extends its sincere thanks to the High Commission for their visit to our campus.
Visit from Mzuzu University, Malawi: 24 - 27 March 2026
Stellenbosch University (SU) recently hosted a delegation from Mzuzu University, Malawi from 24 to 27 March 2026 for a series of engagements focused on institutional learning and knowledge exchange. The visit, led by Prof Wales Singini (Vice Chancellor of Mzuzu University), included meetings with senior leadership, academic staff, and professional support units, where discussions centred on institutional strategy, governance systems, funding models, and research development. Particular attention was given to sustainable agriculture, food systems, and the role of underutilised crops in addressing challenges such as food insecurity and malnutrition.
A Visit from Koç University, Türkiye: 24 April 2026
Stellenbosch University recently had the privilege of hosting a high-level delegation from Koç University in Türkiye.
The programme included a seminar and engagements hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, along with meetings with key stakeholders including Prof. H. Funda Yağcı Acar (Vice President for Academic Affairs Koç University), Prof. Rueben Pfukwa and postgraduate students, Ms Malene Fouché (Director: Research Grants Office), Mr Robert Kotzé (Senior Director: SU International), and Prof. Richard Stevens (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching at Stellenbosch University).
These discussions created space to explore shared research interests, strengthen academic connections, and engage at a strategic level on future collaboration opportunities.
A Visit from the National University of Lesotho: 23 - 27 March 2026
Stellenbosch University (SU) was delighted to welcome a delegation from the National University of Lesotho (NUL) from 23 to 27 March 2026. The visiting team included Professor Ts’epo Mokuku, Directorate of Postgraduate Studies Research & Innovation, and Ms. ’Mamakhetha Moranye, the Senior Assistant Registrar and Coordinator leading the launch of the NUL International Office. Throughout the week, the delegates engaged in productive consultative sessions with various units within SU International, including the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) and SU International Services Centre, as well as the Postgraduate Office, to share insights on administrative frameworks and mobility.
A Visit from the London School of Economics, United Kingdom: 25 March 2026
On 25 March 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) welcomed a high-level delegation from the London School of Economics (LSE), United Kingdom, for a meeting hosted by SU’s Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor. The delegation, being led by Prof. Larry Kramer, President and Vice Chancellor of LSE, engaged with SU leadership and research heads to identify overlaps in strategic priorities such as data science, climate studies, social justice, and health and human security. The visit also served to introduce the delegation to SU’s Policy Innovation Lab and the Centre for Research on Democracy.
A Visit from the Embassy of Finland in South Africa: 27 February 2026
On 27 February 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) welcomed H.E. Pekka Metso, Ambassador of Embassy of Finland in South Africa, and Ms Veera Virmasalo, Counsellor for Education and Science, for a courtesy visit hosted by Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in research and higher education, particularly in science and technology, digitalisation, quantum technology, agricultural innovation, and peace mediation. Ambassador Metso highlighted Finland’s commitment to building partnerships in science and technology, as well as supporting South Africa’s role in peace work on the continent.
A Visit from LMU, Germany: 21 - 25 February 2026
Stellenbosch University (SU) recently welcomed a senior delegation from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Germany, led by LMU President, Matthias Tschöp, from 21 – 25 February 2026.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two institutions. The delegation engaged with leadership, faculty, and research centres across a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, data science, quantum computing, historical trauma studies, and epidemic response.
Highlights of the programme included meetings with SU’s executive leadership, including Prof Deresh Ramjugernath (Rector and Vice-Chancellor) and Prof Sibusiso Moyo (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation), visits to the SU Library’s Immersive Technology Lab, the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), and the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). The delegation also connected with academics actively involved in the SU–LMU collaboration, exploring opportunities to deepen research cooperation, academic exchange, and joint initiatives.
A Visit from the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania: 19 February 2026
On 19 February 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) gathered for a timely and thought-provoking special guest lecture titled “Information Security, Disinformation: A Threat to Global Peace?”
Hosted by the UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence in liaison with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania and the Department of Political Science (SU), the lecture was delivered by Prof Margarita Šešelgytė, Director of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University in Lithuania.
Drawing on her expertise in EU foreign and security policy, Prof Šešelgytė unpacked the growing global threat of disinformation and its implications for democratic institutions, international stability, and global peace. The session offered valuable insight into the intersection of information security, geopolitics, and contemporary security challenges.
A Visit from Kent State University, USA: 17 February 2026
On 17 February 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) welcomed a senior delegation from Kent State University, United States of America, to campus.
The delegation, led by Provost Dr Melody Tankersley, Vice President for Global Education Dr Marcello Fantoni, and Art & Margaret Herrick Endowed Professor of Plant Biology, Dr David Ward, met with representatives from SU International and Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies. Discussions focused on advancing student mobility, expanding research synergies, and deepening institutional partnerships between SU and Kent State University.
A Visit from Taiwan Technical University: 3 February 2026
On 3 February 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) welcomed a delegation of young professionals from Taiwan Technical University in Taiwan. The visit aimed to deepen the delegation’s understanding of South African culture, society, and history, while also exploring SU’s approach to supporting student entrepreneurship.
Engagements during the visit included discussions with representatives from SU International, LaunchLab, and the Department of History. Notably, Ellen Chuang, Second Secretary at the Taipei Liaison Office in Cape Town, expressed interest in facilitating a potential collaboration between the SU Library and Taiwan Tech Library around digitisation initiatives.
The visit contributed to meaningful dialogue on internationalisation, fostering reciprocal institutional learning and laying the groundwork for potential future collaboration.
A Visit from Tsinghua University, China: 28 January 2026
Stellenbosch University (SU) was pleased to welcome a delegation on 28 January 2026 from Tsinghua University in China. The 14-member delegation, comprising faculty advisors as well as doctoral and undergraduate students from a range of disciplines, visited campus to engage around shared research interests and opportunities for collaboration.
During the visit, discussions focused on mineral processing, traditional energy, and clean energy, with opportunities to connect the delegation to relevant research groups and academic expertise at SU’s Faculty of Engineering. The visit also highlighted strong interest in student-led engagement and interdisciplinary exchange.
In addition, the delegation explored possibilities for cultural collaboration, including a prospective joint cultural exchange event in partnership with the Confucius Institute at SU. This visit reflects a growing commitment to strengthening academic, research, and cultural ties between SU and Tsinghua University.
A Visit from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium: 26 - 27 January 2026
From 26–27 January 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU) hosted a senior delegation from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium, for a two-day engagement focused on deepening dialogue around shared academic priorities and innovation-focused engagement.
Led by Prof Jan Danckaert, Rector of VUB, and Prof Karin Vanderkerken, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation, the delegation engaged with Stellenbosch University’s senior leadership — including Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies — as well as representatives from SU International, LaunchLab, and a variety of academic departments and research entities.
Discussions spanned key strategic priority areas such as research and innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialisation, student mobility, climate and water studies, digital inclusion, governance, and global engagement. These engagements provided an opportunity to reflect on existing cooperation between SU and VUB and to identify aligned focus areas within the broader Europe–Africa research and innovation landscape.