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Language Requirements

The official Language Policy and Plan of Stellenbosch University was approved by the Council of the University in 2002 (www.sun.ac.za/taal). The Language Policy and Plan has evolved over time and the University anticipates some adjustments in 2010.

International students should take note of the following:

1.	It is anticipated that following the example of the Faculty of Engineering which has offered the first year of study by way of parallel medium instruction (separate streams for Afrikaans and English) for a number of years, the three faculties of Economic and Management Sciences, Science and Agrisciences will implement parallel medium instruction (separate streams for Afrikaans and English) in the first year as of 2010.
2.	Afrikaans is the default language of learning and teaching at undergraduate level.
3.	There are specific but limited circumstances where English is used as language of undergraduate learning and instruction. Students from other countries who do not have a good working knowledge of Afrikaans will find it difficult to follow the lectures.
4.	Three general guidelines apply with regard to the language of learning and teaching in class:
	(a)	Modules in which a language is taught are conducted mainly in the language in question (e.g. isiXhosa is taught mainly in isiXhosa, Mandarin in Mandarin) and tasks, tests and examinations are set and answered accordingly.
	(b)	Questions papers in all other modules are set in Afrikaans and English and students may answer in Afrikaans or English.
	(c)	Except in cases where the aim of the module is language acquisition or the study of the language, students may ask questions and expect answers in Afrikaans or English.
5.	Academic departments may choose various language options in learning and teaching situations:
	(a)	A&E specification: Separate ‘streams’ in Afrikaans and English.
	(b)	A specification: Lectures mainly in Afrikaans.
	(c)	E specification: Lectures primarily in English.
	(d)	T specification (bilingual classes): At least 50% of lectures are presented in Afrikaans.
6.	It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that he/she has adequate language skills in Afrikaans or English to follow any particular academic course.

Preliminary Screening test:

The Intensive English Programme (IEP) courses are compulsory for students whose level of English is between Beginner and Advanced level. If your level of English is above Advanced level, you may be exempt from the IEP courses and be eligible to register for an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course. If this is the case, you will be permitted to commence with postgraduate studies should you meet the necessary prerequisites.

Please note that, your level of English may be tested again when you arrive at Stellenbosch University.

Click here to access the preliminary screening test

Find more information about language at Stellenbosch University, as well as other language services offered by the University's Language Centre.

English for international students downloads


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