Stellenbosch University

Description

Stellenbosch University (SU) lies in the picturesque Jonkershoek Valley in the heart of the Western Cape Winelands, and is recognised as one of the top four research universities in South Africa. It has one of the country’s highest proportion of postgraduate students - of which almost 10% are international students. It is a predominantly Afrikaans medium university, but students are able to write exams in both English and Afrikaans.

This learning centre can be traced back to the Stellenbosch Gymnasium which was opened in March 1866. It then became Stellenbosch College in 1881, Victoria College in 1887, and then renamed finally to Stellenbosch University in 1918 when it acquired university status. Make sure you visit the Endler Concert Hall, a 556-seater hall that features a variety of excellent shows and has been acclaimed one of the finest concert halls in the world. It’s well known for the Endler Concert Series that takes place every year.

Students of Stellenbosch University are nicknamed Maties. Some believe this came about from their maroon rugby colours being called “tamaties”, but it more likely comes from the Afrikaans slang word “maat” which means mate or buddy.

Facilities include the J.S Gericke Library (the size of 2.5 rugby fields), Conservatory, 2 concert halls, 430-seat H.B Thom Theatre, and open air amphitheatre. The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. Stellenbosch University also has its own radio station (Matie FM) and Die Matie newspaper.

Faculties

• AgriScience
• Arts and Social Sciences
• Economic and Management Science
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine and Health Science
• Military Science
• Theology