The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) is committed to providing the Stellenbosch University (SU) community with psychological, developmental and support services in our quest to be partners for success. Our vision is to be a centre that is approachable, inclusive and client centred, with our values based on a shared humanity. Staff members include clinical, counselling and educational psychologists, registered counsellors, social workers, psychology interns, student assistants, project/portfolio coordinators, a psychometrist, support officers and administrative staff. The CSCD consists of four units that endeavour through their core functions to promote citizenship by facilitating wellness and personal agency.
Contact details
For all services, including food support, but excluding the Disability Unit and Graduand Career Services contact [email protected]
The CSCD have offices on the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Campuses.​
Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 808 4707 / 021 808 4994 (office hours)
Location: 37 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch
Tygerberg
Tel: 021 927 7020 (office hours)
Location: Office 0073 is on the right before you get to the glass doors for disabled persons.
Our Work
The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) has the following focus areas:
Disability Unit (DU)
The Disability Unit is here to support students with disabilities. If you need advice on academic support, solutions, or accessible study materials that fit your unique needs, they have your back. The DU’s activities are guided by the Disability Access Policy of SU.
Our team of highly trained and experienced psychologists, social workers and counsellors provide professional services to promote well-being, personal growth, and academic success. Whether you seek guidance on study techniques, emotional support, or career advice, we are here to assist you. With offices on the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses, and hybrid service options, we make it easy for you to access care that suits your needs. We also offer food assistance to students facing food insecurity and hunger.
Your success matters to us, so please do not hesitate to reach out for support.
Prep for the workplace from day 1!
The University encourages all students, including newcomers, to register on its online recruitment portal, Gradlinc. Here you can easily search for jobs, apply for vacancies, internships and even part-time jobs!
With several employers registered on Gradlinc, you can start paving your career path from your first day at Stellenbosch University (SU) by uploading your CV and searching for information on employers and available work opportunities.
Need to reach out to student support services immediately?
If you need to make use of student support services immediately, then it’s time to visit Stellenbosch University’s (SU's) Selfhelp.sun.ac.za web app! The web application is designed to improve access to essential student support services, and is part of Stellenbosch University’s Integrated Student Success programme, which focuses on the overall well-being of our students.
This centralised platform is your first line of assistance, offering support on various critical topics such as adjusting to university life, career guidance, mental health, food security, and disability assistance. You will receive secure and confidential advice and support while using the app.
You can also check your wellness score through the MaRooN Health Passport, a health and well-being monitoring tool introduced by the Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine (ISEM) and Campus Health Services at the University to ensure you practise self-care too.
The role of social workers at UPSS
Social workers at the UPSS provide comprehensive and professional psychosocial services to students who are tackling social issues that affect their ability to succeed academically.
They also offer support, guidance and counselling, as well as oversee the University’s Food Security programme, which ensures that the basic food security needs of students are met. Students who require food assistance will undergo a formal needs assessment to determine the appropriate intervention needed.
To book an appointment, you can send an e-mail to [email protected]. You can also meet face-to-face or connect online with our social workers.