Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Should you not find an answer to your query in this section, then please contact SU Client Services on 021 808 9111 or log a ticket on the SU Service desk portal (navigate to Student Finances and select the appropriate query type). Remember to include your application number on the description for efficient response to your query.
Prospective student
What are the 2026 application dates for Stellenbosch University?
| 1 April 2025 | Undergraduate applications OPEN |
| 1 October 2025 | Prospective student applications for SU Funding Opportunities (SUFO) OPEN |
| 31 July 2025 | Undergraduate and residence applications CLOSE |
| 30 November 2025 | Prospective applications for SU Funding Opportunities (SUFO) CLOSE |
*Late applications will not be accepted.
Where can I find more information about the admission process, accepting an academic offer, the student contract, national benchmark test results, and student accommodation?
Who may apply for funding?
South African citizens or permanent residents who have received a conditional or final offer to study an undergraduate programme at Stellenbosch University may apply.
Since the University’s financial resources are limited, funding is allocated based on financial need (household financial circumstances) and academic merit (the applicant’s potential to study successfully).
When can I apply for funding from SU?
SU funding applications for prospective undergraduate students are open from 1 October to 30 November 2025 only. Late applications will not be considered.
What funding does SU offer?
Stellenbosch University (SU) offers a range of mostly partial-cost bursaries. For details, consult the Bursary Yearbook* and the Types of funding tab on the Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries & Loans (CUBL) website.
* Bursaries listed with the SUFO link are available for online application during the SU Funding Opportunities (SUFO) application period.
What documents will I need to provide when applying for funding?
You will need to provide various documents to support your application for funding from Stellenbosch University. Please see the table below for a summary of the support documents you will need to submit, depending on your personal, family, and financial circumstances. All applicants must complete the Consent Form, signed by all parties.
All documents submitted as proof of income will be verified by a third party.
Clearly label each support document and upload as a pdf when requested in the online application form.
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STUDENT PERSONAL INFORMATION
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PARENT(S) OR LEGAL GUARDIAN(S) INFORMATION
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FAMILY INFORMATION
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SPOUSE INFORMATION
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| plus, the FORM SUFO CONSENT signed by all parties | |
How do I apply for funding?
As a prospective student, once you have accepted your conditional or final offer, you will receive an email from the Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries & Loans (CUBL) which will include details on how to apply for SU Funding Opportunities (SUFO). All applications are online, and you may use your South African ID number or passport number to access the portal. In the interim, more information is available on the SU Bursaries and Loans website, under the Application Process tab.
When will I be informed of the outcome of my SU funding application?
All applications are reviewed after the closing date.
Successful applicants will receive official communication confirming a bursary award for the year for which they applied.
Please note: If you have not received any communication regarding a bursary award by the end of the funding year, you may consider your application unsuccessful.
How do I apply to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)?
Applications for NSFAS funding are submitted online via the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za.
To apply, you must first create a myNSFAS account and follow the step-by-step instructions provided.
NSFAS provides funding for first-time entering (FTEN) students at public universities. This bursary is available to:
- South African citizens
- Students with permanent residence status
- All SASSA grant recipients
Funding covers the full duration of your study programme, provided you meet the academic progression requirements and remain financially eligible.
Students from households with a gross annual income of less than R350 000 (or R600 000 for students living with a disability) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application period: NSFAS applications usually open in late November and close on 31 January. Please check the NSFAS website regularly for updates and announcements.
Important to note: Stellenbosch University does not manage the NSFAS application or selection process. The University only facilitates the disbursement of funds to successful applicants, as instructed by NSFAS.
Why you should also apply for SU Funding Opportunities
All prospective students applying for NSFAS funding are also encouraged to apply for SU Funding Opportunities (SUFO).
This ensures your information is securely stored on our database, which allows you to be considered for top-up funding from the University. This includes support for:
- Accommodation shortfalls
- Emergency funding
- Graduate debt
Please note: SU has limited funds available. An application for funding does not guarantee that funding will be awarded.
Can I apply for both NSFAS and SU funding?
Yes, all prospective and current NSFAS-funded students are required to apply for SU Funding Opportunities (SUFO).
This ensures that your information is securely stored on our database, which allows you to be considered for top-up funding from the University.
Top-up funding is intended to help cover costs not fully covered by NSFAS allowances, such as:
- Accommodation shortfalls
- Emergency financial support
- Graduate debt
This additional support aims to bridge financial gaps and promote continued academic success.
What if my application for SU funding is unsuccessful?
All prospective students are encouraged to explore and apply for additional funding opportunities while submitting their SU funding application.
This ensures that you have alternative options in place should your SU funding application be unsuccessful.
Websites such as GoStudy and AllBursaries are helpful starting points, offering bursary listings by study programme and application deadline.
If your household’s gross annual income is below R600 000, you may also consider registering on Feenix a crowdfunding platform that helps students raise funds for their studies.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about funding opportunities?
You’re welcome to contact SU Client Services on 021 808 9111 or log a ticket on the SU Service desk portal (navigate to Student Finances and select the appropriate query type). Remember to include your application number on the description for efficient response to your query.
Contact Us
Any funding or bursary questions?
Please log a ticket on our service desk portal. To ensure a prompt and efficient response, include your SU student number, a clear description of the issue, and select the relevant category when creating your ticket.
Alternatively, please contact SU Client Services on 021 808 9111. When prompted, select 1 for assistance in English or 2 for assistance in Afrikaans. Please note that we receive a high volume of calls, particularly during peak periods, which may lead to longer waiting times. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to make use of the service desk portal.
To log a ticket on the service desk portal, please follow these steps:
- Access the service desk portal by typing “SU Service Desk” in your browser or clicking here
- Log In with your SU credentials. If you do not have an SU profile, create a new account with a valid email address and password.
- Navigate to Student Finances, then select “Student Fees” or “Undergraduate Bursaries.”
- Complete the query form by providing a clear description of your issue, including your SU student number and any supporting documents if applicable. Then, click "Create" to submit your ticket. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.
Stellenbosch campus
Physical Address
Admin A Building, Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch 7600
Please note:
Admin A is temporarily closed for major renovations, with completion expected in 2026. This forms part of SU’s ongoing commitment to enhancing our campus spaces to be more inclusive, accessible, and student-centred.
During this period, Admin A services have been relocated to:
Inorganic Chemistry Building
Bosman St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602
Office hours
Monday to Friday 8:00 – 16:30
+27 21 808 9111
Tygerberg campus
Physical Address
Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505
Office hours
Monday to Friday 8:00 – 16:30