What makes Stellenbosch University unique

What makes Stellenbosch University unique

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Whether your children have matriculated or you're looking for a place to upskill, it's always a blessing to have a reputable varsity close by. Stellenbosch residents are fortunate to have Stellenbosch University just a stone's throw away. The university stands out with a prestigious background, stellar rankings, a great academic programme and good accommodation facilities.

Background on the university

Situated in Stellenbosch Central, a suburb based in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University is South Africa's oldest university and the oldest extant university in Sub-Saharan Africa. The institution that was once called Stellenbosch Gymnasium became Stellenbosch College in 1881. In 1887, the college was renamed Victoria College before it was renamed once again on 2 April 1918 to Stellenbosch University when it received full university status.

Stellenbosch University designed and manufactured Africa's first microsatellite, SUNSAT, which launched in 1999 and was also the first African university to sign the Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities.

It boasts the highest weighted research output per full-time academic staff member of all South African universities and the second-highest number of scientists in South Africa who have been rated by the National Research Foundation.

How does the university rank

Stellenbosch University consistently ranks in the top 200 worldwide in law, politics and geography. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings ranked Stellenbosch University in the 251-300 category internationally and third in Africa. Another reputable ranking system, QS World University Rankings, recently ranked the university at 390 in the world and also third in Africa. Centre for World University Rankings also ranked Stellenbosch 441 out of 2,000 universities for their list of 2022-2023. 

What's on offer at Stellenbosch University 

With Stellenbosch University having the highest student success rate in the country, you can be sure that it's a great college to send your school-leaving matriculants. 

There is a conservatory which is the home of the oldest South African choir, the internationally acclaimed Stellenbosch University Choir, which has received numerous international awards.

The university also has a 430-seat theatre, known as the HB Thom Theatre, and an open-air amphitheatre where the Drama Department regularly puts on plays, dramas, productions, cabarets and musicals.

Pupils can find the Student Representative Council, a food court, a cinema, a post office, a shopping centre, an advice office and all the student societies' offices at the Langenhoven Students' Centre. The food court is also where student bands and activity promotions will take place during the lunch hour.

The university has ten faculties that consist of AgriSciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Military Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Science, Education, Law and Theology. The different general programmes available to students include BA in the Humanities, BA in Language and Culture and BA in Social Dynamics. For specialised programmes, Stellenbosch University offers: 

• BA in Development and the Environment 
• BA in Drama and Theatre Studies
• BA in Human Resource Management
• BA in International Studies
• BA in Law
• B of Music (BMus)
• BA in Music (Routes: General and Music Technology)
• Diploma in Practical Music
• Higher Certificate in Music
• BA in Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies (PPE)
• Programmes with Psychology
• B of Social Work
• BA in Socio-Informatics
• BA in Sport Science
• BA in Value and Policy Studies
• BA in Visual Arts

Stellenbosch University also offers its students various sports facilities for more than 30 competitive and recreational sports. These include the Danie Craven Stadium, two large swimming pools, playing fields that include two artificial hockey fields, a gymnasium, a new football complex and the Coetzenburg Centre which is a multi-purpose centre for ceremonies and indoor sports.

Living in and around Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University has 34 residence halls that are configured into women only, men only and mixed gender. Each residence for undergrads includes a laundry room, a common living room and a dining hall. Meals are provided in the dining hall which students book beforehand on their student account. However, the rooms in the university's residences are limited, which means some students will need to find private boarding. 

The area that surrounds Stellenbosch University is culturally vibrant, clean and safe for students to live, commute and explore. There are many properties for students to choose from in the area that will allow them to experience campus life while boarding privately. 

Whether you are a student looking for a place to rent, or an investor/parent looking to purchase a property, Seeff has a multitude of homes available for viewing. If you would like to know more or simply wish to browse, check out properties for sale or our rentals today.

Image credit: Stellenbosch University by Matthias Bethke | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 4.0 | bit.ly/3R9qZHa

Author: Seeff