Student Success
Student Success Summit 2026
On 20 February 2026, Stellenbosch University hosted its inaugural Student Success Summit at STIAS, bringing together 160 staff and students to strengthen a shared vision for student success, where the Rector, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath reaffirmed this as a top priority. Dr André Vermeulen highlighted neuro-agility and the need for adaptive teaching and engagement, while Ms Gugu Khanye emphasised intentional, data-driven institutional design.
Contributions from across the university enriched discussions, but student stories stood out, offering powerful insight into lived realities and resilience. Prof Richard Stevens concluded that collective effort will ensure the continued growth of student success.
Your journey is yours — but you don't have to figure it out alone.
These are the stories of Stellenbosch students who navigated university life in all its complexity. Through their experiences, you'll discover the support services, communities, and choices that shaped their paths — and could shape yours too. Whether you're looking for direction, reassurance, or just a reminder that others have been where you are, this is a good place to start.
Elbun Lambrechts, BEd 4th year
My story isn’t neat, but it’s real. And if it makes even one person feel seen, makes one leader feel less alone, or inspires the next student from a small town to step up and own their place, then it was worth it.
A multilayered approach to academic advising
"...engagement increases the odds that any student – educational and social background notwithstanding – will attain his or her educational and personal objectives, acquire the skills and competencies demanded by the challenges of the twenty-first century, and enjoy the intellectual and monetary advantages associated with the completion of the baccalaureate degree."
George Kuh, 2009
Academic advising
Academic Advising at Stellenbosch University is a central pillar of the Integrated Student Success Initiative.
It connects academic, psychosocial, and career support through a coordinated, student-centred approach. Advisors work across faculties and divisions to empower students to navigate their journeys, make informed decisions, and access timely support.
Grounded in collaboration and striving towards data-driven practice, advising contributes to early identification of risk and proactive intervention. As part of a broader ecosystem, it strengthens institutional alignment and fosters a culture where every student is supported to succeed and thrive.
Each faculty has a dedicated academic counsellor to support students’ mental health, academic well-being and personal development by helping them to navigate both the challenges and the opportunities that come with university life. These counsellors resort under the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD). Placing them at faculties, we aim to create a dedicated safe and confidential space where students can pause, reflect and engage with aspects of their academic and personal journey. Depending on the nature of the concern and on availability, counsellors may also connect students with other qualified colleagues at the CSCD.
Our academic counsellors work side by side with the academic and support staff at the faculties.
Student support
- Developing study strategies, time management and academic skills
- Maintaining motivation and building study habits
- Managing academic anxiety and exam stress
- Adjusting to university life and workload
- Navigating personal or emotional challenges
- Reflecting on academic direction and goals
To book a session: [email protected]
Supporting our students together
Often, academic staff are the first to notice when a student may need support.
Tutors and mentors should remember that they are not alone and can tap into a broader support network, whether they need support themselves or whether they have noticed a student who might need support.
When to refer
- Struggling with workload or time management
- Declining performance or motivation
- Uncertainty about academic direction
- Ongoing stress or anxiety
- Personal or emotional challenges
- Withdrawal or disengagement
How to refer
Encourage the student to email [email protected]. Remember that counselling is confidential.
Encourage students to seek support early on.
Phenyou Lewanika, BA Law Graduant
At first, it was overwhelming: I felt the distance, the cultural differences, and the weight of starting over in a new place. What helped me overcome this challenge was the power of community and friendship. I made the choice to be intentional about putting myself out there by showing up, initiating conversations, lending a helping hand, and being present with people.