It’s never a dull moment in this historic town. Surrounded by the lush mountain ranges of the Western Cape, it’s an area brimming with activities for the young, old and everyone in between. Savour gastronomic treats. Entertain yourself in the many theatres and music halls. And go on some of the best wine tours the country and continent can offer at the more than 200 vineyards located nearby. The University is about 50 km from Cape Town and 30 km from Cape Town International Airport.
Please click on the links below to find out more about our campuses, student life, community engagement, the town and getting around.
Stellenbosch (Main Campus)
Arts and Social Sciences, Science, Education, AgriSciences, Law, Theology, Economic and Management Sciences, Engineering
Tygerberg (Bellville)
Health Sciences
Bellville Park
Graduate School of Business, School of Public Leadership
Saldanha
Military Science
Worcester
Ukwanda Rural Clinical School
The community based programs of the Global Education Centre of Stellenbosch University encourage students to engage with different communities in the greater Stellenbosch area. This allows students to broaden their understanding of contemporary South African issues.
The focus is on educational initiatives that support the work of schools and other organisations with whom the office has strong relationships. Key programs include:
In addition the community engagement office facilitates connections to Maties Community Service and suggestions regarding other community engagement organisations in Stellenbosch.
More information: acj@sun.ac.za or vce@sun.ac.za
If you are interested in exploring South Africa, or just going on a short outing, there are plenty of options for hiring a car in Stellenbosch or Cape Town, for a weekend or even longer. If you intend to stay in Stellenbosch for several months, it may be the less expensive option to buy a car and to sell it when you leave.
Buying a car
Students should be extremely cautious when buying a car, as from experience we know that students often spend more money repairing a second-hand car than the initial amount which was paid for the vehicle.
Students must ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy, registered and insured. It is a good idea to take out insurance for your car.
Feel free to inquire at Stellenbosch University International about a recommendation in this regard.
Getting around Stellenbosch University
Uber also operate in Stellenbosch. Download the Uber app from iTunes or Google Play Store for an on-demand taxi service.
Taxis and airport shuttle service
Several taxi companies operate in and around Stellenbosch. For transport to and from Cape Town International Airport, you can make a reservation at the airport shuttle services.
Feel free to consult Stellenbosch University International for a recommendation.
Stellenbosch University’s students come from as far as China, Switzerland, Australia, Gabon, Russia and Colombia, making up an incredibly vibrant student body. Connect with people from all over the world through Stellenbosch University.
Sport and recreation
If you enjoy sport, Stellenbosch University is the ideal place to study. The university prides itself on its history of outstanding sporting achievements. Sport offered at the university are: athletics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, cricket, cross-country, cycling, diving, fencing, golf, gymnastics, hockey, horse-riding, judo, marksmanship, netball, parachuting, rowing, rugby, soccer, squash, surfing, swimming, synchronised swimming, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, underwater sports, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.
Visit Maties Sport
Societies
Students may choose to join a wide variety of societies, established and run by students who share a common interest. These include social awareness, religious, cultural, political and recreational societies.
Facilities
Stellenbosch University boasts world-class facilities. The Stellenbosch University Library is one of the biggest subterranean libraries in the world. It has state of the art research commons for postgraduate students with seminar rooms, lounge and computer work areas. Several computer centres on campus provide computers with internet access. Campus residences are on par with the best in the world, offering a home away from home experience for local and international students, subject to availability.
Neelsie Student Centre
The Neelsie Student Centre is the social heartbeat of the campus. This modern centre offers students a wide variety of commercial, financial and entertainment services. The food hall provides seating for 1 200 students and the various food and fast-food outlets cater for a wide variety of tastes ranging from full home-style meals to light meals and takeaways.
You will also find a number of coffee shops, adventure and travel shops, health and beauty shops, bookstores, a convenience store, clothing boutiques, plenty of gift shops and a number of academic and business services. There is also a photocopy room where you can use your student card to make photocopies.
Four banks have branches in the Neelsie: Standard Bank, Absa Bank, Nedbank and First National Bank.
Wine route
Stellenbosch has more than 200 wine farms that offer various types of wine tasting and wine farm tours, with some even offering a fine dining experience and wildlife safaris.
Food and wine
Over 200 fine dining restaurants are located on most wine farms and in the town centre, with a variety of dining options, from indoor dining to picnics. Due to Stellenbosch being a student town, most restaurants and bistros have a laid-back setting yet still offer five-star dining.
History, culture and art
The best way to experience Stellenbosch is to take a walk through the town. As Stellenbosch is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, its streets have a long history to narrate. They boast many outdoor art pieces from various artists such as Strijdom van der Merwe.
Markets
If live music and good food are what you are looking for, then the markets are a definite must-do, with freshly baked goods, organic vegetables and wood-fired pizzas. A perfect weekend date for the whole family!
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00
Open every Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00
Open every Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00
Outdoor adventure
If you are more of an outdoors kind of person, here are some ideas for you: