Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch University (SU) stands as one of South Africa’s leading research-intensive institutions, renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant student life, and innovative spirit. As you plan for the 2026 academic year, navigating the wide array of courses and understanding the specific entry criteria is essential.
This definitive guide provides a detailed overview of all SU faculties, their world-class programs, and the precise requirements needed to secure your place in this dynamic community.
Related post: University of Cape Town Courses and Requirements 2026
List of Courses Offered at Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is structured into ten distinct faculties, each offering specialized, future-focused programs designed to meet global and local challenges.
Faculty of AgriSciences
The Faculty of AgriSciences at SU provides diverse programs for those interested in agriculture, environmental studies, and data science, focusing on sustainability and food security.
- BAgric in Agribusiness Management (3 years)
- BScAgric in Agricultural Economics (4 years)
- BAgric in Agricultural Production and Management: Elsenburg (3 years)
- BSc in Forestry (Forestry and Wood Sciences) (4 years)
- BScAgric in Plant and Soil Science (4 years)
- BScAgric in Viticulture and Oenology (4 years)
- BScAgric in Animal Production Systems (4 years)
- BSc in Conservation Ecology (4 years)
- Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci) (4 years)
- BSc in Food Science (4 years)
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers numerous programs for those interested in humanities, social work, and the creative arts, fostering critical thinking and cultural engagement.
- BA in Humanities (3 years)
- BA in Language and Culture (3 years)
- BA in Development and the Environment (3 years)
- BA in Music (3 years)
- Diploma in Practical Music (3 years)
- Advanced Diploma in Practical Music (1 year)
- Higher Certificate in Music (1 year)
- BA in Drama and Theatre Studies (3 years)
- BA in Human Resource Management (3 years)
- BA in International Studies (3 years)
- BA in Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies (PPE) (3 years)
- Bachelor of Music (BMus) (4 years)
- Bachelor of Social Work (4 years)
- BA in Visual Arts (4 years)
- Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci) (4 years)
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences provides a broad range of programs for students interested in business, economics, and law, with strong industry links.
- Diploma in Sustainable Development (3 years)
- BCom (Law) (3 years)
- BAccLLB (5 years)
- BCom (Economic Sciences) (3 years)
- BCom (Management Sciences) Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) (4 years)
- BCom (Mathematical Sciences) (3 years)
- BCom (Management Sciences) (3 years)
- BCom (International Business) (4 years)
- Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci) (4 years)
- BCom (Actuarial Science) (3 years)
- BCom (Industrial Psychology) (3 years)
- BAcc (3 years)
- BCom (Management Accounting) (3 years)
- BCom (Financial Accounting) (3 years)
Faculty of Education
For those passionate about shaping the future of education, SU offers undergraduate programs in education, catering to various teaching phases.
- BEd (Foundation Phase Education) (4 years)
- BEd (Intermediate Phase Education) (4 years)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (1 year)
Faculty of Engineering
Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering offers programs in cutting-edge fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and more, with a focus on innovation.
- BEng (Electrical and Electronic) (4 years)
- BEng (Electrical and Electronic) (Data Engineering) (4 years)
- BEng (Industrial) (4 years)
- BEng (Mechanical) (4 years)
- BEng (Mechatronic) (4 years)
- BEng (Chemical) (4 years)
- BEng (Civil) (4 years)
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch offers various law programs to help you build a career in the legal profession, combining rigorous theory with practical application.
- BCom (Law) (3 years)
- BAccLLB (5 years)
- LLB (Four-year) (120 places)
- LLB (Three-year) (50 places)
- BA (Law) (3 years)
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences provides world-class training for students pursuing careers in healthcare and medical fields, based at the Tygerberg campus.
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (4 years)
- BSc in Physiotherapy (4 years)
- Bachelor of Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy (4 years)
- MBChB (6 years)
- Bachelor of Nursing (4 years)
- BSc in Dietetics (4 years)
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science offers programs in both biological and physical sciences, as well as mathematical sciences, driving discovery and technological advancement.
- Biological Sciences: BSc in Biology, BSc in Biology with Psychology, BSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, BSc Sport Science, BSc Biodiversity and Ecology, BSc Human Life Sciences.
- Physical Sciences: BSc Chemistry, BSc Earth Science, BSc GeoInformatics, BSc Physics.
- Mathematical Sciences: BSc Mathematical Sciences, BSc Computer Science.
Faculty of Theology
Stellenbosch University also offers programs in theology, ideal for those interested in religious studies and community service.
- BTh (Bachelor of Theology) (3 years)
- BDiv (Bachelor of Divinity) (4 years)
- Extended Curriculum Programme (for BTh and BDiv) (+1 year)
Read also: University of Fort Hare Courses and Requirements 2026
Entry Requirements
Admission to Stellenbosch University is competitive and is based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification. SU uses a weighted total system, where points for specific, relevant subjects count more heavily.
General Minimum Admission Requirements (NSC)
- Bachelor’s Degree Endorsement: Pass the NSC with endorsement for degree studies.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum of 50% (Level 4) in the language of instruction (English or Afrikaans) for your chosen program. Some programs require a higher percentage.
- Subject-Specific Requirements: Each program has compulsory NSC subjects and minimum performance levels (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Sciences). These are non-negotiable.
- Admission Rating (AR): Your AR is calculated from your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Points are allocated per achievement level (e.g., Level 7 = 8 points). You must meet the minimum AR for your chosen faculty.
Faculty-Specific Undergraduate Requirements (2026 Guide)
- Faculty of AgriSciences & Science:
- BSc, BScAgric, BDatSci: Minimum AR typically 38-45+. Mathematics and Physical Sciences are compulsory for most programs, often requiring 60-70%+. Life Sciences is required for biological streams.
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
- BA, BMus, Social Work: Minimum AR typically 35-40+. Subject requirements vary. A good pass in the language of instruction is critical. Visual Arts or Music practical assessments are required for creative programs.
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences:
- BCom, BAcc, BAccLLB: Highly competitive. Minimum AR typically 40-48+. Mathematics is compulsory (60%+ for Actuarial Science, Chartered Accounting [BAcc], and Mathematical Sciences). NBT scores may be considered for selection.
- Faculty of Engineering:
- BEng: Extremely competitive. Minimum AR typically 45-50+. Compulsory NSC: Mathematics (70-80%+) and Physical Sciences (70-80%+). The National Benchmark Test (NBT) for Mathematics is required and forms a key part of selection.
- Faculty of Law:
- LLB, BCom(Law): Very competitive. Minimum AR typically 42-46+. A high level of proficiency in the language of instruction is essential due to the text-intensive nature of studies.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences:
- MBChB & Allied Health Sciences: Extremely competitive with a stringent selection process. Minimum AR often 45-50+. Compulsory NSC: Mathematics (60-70%+), Physical Sciences & Life Sciences (60-70%+). The NBT is mandatory, and selection includes a weighted composite index of academic results, NBT scores, and sometimes other criteria.
Begin your journey to Stellenbosch University by thoroughly researching your chosen program on the official SU website. Download the 2026 prospectus, note all subject and percentage requirements, and register early for the NBT if needed. A well-prepared application is your first step toward joining this prestigious institution.
