From 23–26 February 2026, Henk Stander (Aquaculture Unit, Department of Animal Science at Stellenbosch University) participated in a workshop at Université Assane Seck de Ziguinchor in Senegal, representing the Stellenbosch University Water Institute at the ERASMUS+ co-funded MASSTER project. The MASSTER project strengthens support for agricultural students and farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa through innovative education and training initiatives led by Higher Education Institutions, linking agriculture, rural development and migration. Regional impact: Through collaboration between six partner universities in South Africa and Senegal, the project aims to build institutional capacity, support rural economic opportunities, and contribute to key Sustainable Development Goals such as Zero Hunger, Quality Education and Decent Work.

On 16 February, the 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival was celebrated with a Chinese New Year Gala jointly organised by the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University and the Department of Modern Foreign Languages. The event featured interactive cultural activities, a formal gala programme and a shared culinary experience, offering participants hands-on engagement with Chinese traditions. Beyond the festivities, the celebration served as a platform for intercultural dialogue and strengthened educational collaboration between China and South Africa, highlighting the role of language education and cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding.

From 26–30 January 2026, Stellenbosch University (SU), together with the University of Chile and the University of Groningen, hosted the fifth EQUiiP Summer School under the theme Inclusive Teaching Through Peer Learning and Sharing Teaching Practices. The programme brought together lecturers, faculty members and academic developers for an intensive week of reflection and practical engagement focused on equity, multilingualism and inclusive internationalisation in the classroom. Through workshops, case studies and peer exchange, participants explored practical strategies to embed equity into everyday teaching practice. Reflections underscored a shift from viewing diversity as a challenge to recognising it as a resource for learning.

Charné Meyer, a final-year BCom Industrial Psychology student at Stellenbosch University, attended the Environmental Humanities Summer School at University of Bristol to deepen her understanding of how environmental narratives shape identity, policy, and human behaviour. The city of Bristol became an immersive classroom, where geology, folklore, industrial history, and environmental theory intersected. Beyond academics, the programme strengthened her interdisciplinary perspective, renewed her academic purpose, and left her with lasting personal and professional inspiration.

Eleven Stellenbosch University students participated in the “Chinese Bridge” University Student Winter Camp in China (4–13 December 2025), aimed at strengthening Chinese language skills, cultural understanding, and people-to-people ties between South Africa and China. Hosted by Xiamen University, the programme combined lectures, hands-on cultural courses, physical activities, and visits to key sites in Xiamen and Beijing, allowing students to learn Chinese language and culture through experiential travel. Students described the camp as well organised, enriching, and transformative, with many expressing a stronger motivation to continue learning Chinese and pursue further study in China, reinforcing the Confucius Institute’s role in fostering long-term exchange.

Mikaela Keen, a teacher at the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU), placed second in the Africa semi-final of the 2nd Chinese Teaching Heroes competition, advancing to the global showcase in Beijing. The regional competition featured 67 teachers from 11 African countries, with first place awarded to Andriamanorotsiory Chrisante from Madagascar. Keen’s achievement highlights the growing strength of Mandarin education in South Africa and aligns with SU’s commitment to global learning and international academic collaboration.

Chloë Appollis participated in the University of Bologna’s 2025 Staff Training Week, gaining valuable insights into internationalisation, mobility management, and cross-departmental collaboration. Her interactions with global colleagues and exposure to best practices highlighted the strategic role that transport and logistics play in supporting international students, staff, and partnerships at SU International. Chloë returned inspired to strengthen coordination, explore digital communication tools, and enhance personalised arrival experiences to improve SU International’s overall support for incoming visitors.

Stellenbosch University’s presidency of the International Network of Universities has been extended to 2028, reflecting global confidence in its leadership. International collaboration remains essential for advancing research excellence, mobility, and meaningful global engagement. SU’s partnerships are guided by three priorities: staff and student mobility, joint research, and capacity building for emerging academics.

Stellenbosch University International’s Short Programmes reached a milestone in 2025, welcoming 333 students across 25 programmes from 24 countries. The year featured immersive, community-engaged learning experiences and the launch of two standout programmes with Ohio University and the University of Groningen. More than academic study, the programmes fostered global friendships, fresh perspectives and a growing international reputation for Stellenbosch University

The Center for Collaboration in Africa (CCA), through SANWATCE, is strengthening science diplomacy by linking research to policy and water security efforts across Southern Africa. SANWATCE helped review and shape the new SADC Water Research Agenda and gained continental recognition for its policy-aligned research impact. The CCA’s initiatives created new opportunities for emerging scholars, including Stellenbosch students winning the G20-linked Youth Innovation Hackathon.