Stellenbosch University fees

By | September 22, 2020

* estimated; subject to approval of budget by end of 2026.

These amounts are not applicable to international students, with the exception of international students with valid permanent residency in South Africa and international students with refugee status – click hereto be redirected to the website of Stellenbosch University International.  

Below follows a representative sample of the University’s instructional programmes along with the estimated study fees of each, per annum, as applicable in 2026. These figures are simply meant as an estimate indication of the cost of study. For a more accurate indication of the cost, please compile a quote – see the link above the table below.

Please note that study-related additional costs, known as Module costs and Program costs (materials and laboratory fees and travelling expenses), calculated according to the amounts of 2026 with the annual increase, are included in the amounts listed below; departments may alter these based on academic need.  Estimates for text books (enquire at the academic departments), membership dues for academic and registered societies (R20 – R5 671), PSO fees for private students (R358), House fees for students in residences (R615) and parking fees are excluded.

For more detailed information on study fees, consult the Calendar 2026, Part 3, Student Fees, which indicates the estimated cost of a selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

A copy of the Calendar 2026, Part  3, Student Fees​​ is available at the ​Enquiries Desk, Administration Building A, Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch, tel: +27 21 808-9111.

Request a more detailed Provisional Statement of Fees / Quotation (Undergraduate and Postgraduate, all years of registration)​

Course  Estimated amount in 2026 for 1st year of Undergraduate study (unless stated otherwise)
BAR43 160
​BA in Human Resource Management​R46 953
​BA in Development and EnvironmentR46 915​
BA (Law)R52 620
BA in Visual ArtsR43 722
​BA in Socio Informatics, Opt 2R50 827​
​BA  in Sport ScienceR46 468​
BA in Drama and Theatre StudiesR42 877
B of Music (BMus)R46 693
​B in Social Work44 050​
BEd (Intermediate Phase Education)
BEd (Foundation Phase Education)
R47 248
R44 122
BScR54 020
​BSc in Earth Sciences58 114​
​BSc  in Human Life Sciences56 117​
BSc AgricR47 179
​BScAgric in Grapevine and Wine SciencesR51 300​
​BAgric in Agricultural Business ManagementR45 836​
BSc in Food ScienceR51 147
BSc in Forestry and Wood ScienceR48 591
​BTh (Bachelor of Theology – Youth Work)R43 342
BDiv (Bachelor of Divinity)R47 633
LLB (Undergraduate)R52 296
LLB (Postgraduate, 2nd B degree), 1st of 2-yrR47 657
LLB (Postgraduate, 2nd B degree), 1st of 3-yrR55 318
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)  R44 273
BCom (Actuarial Science)R66 648
BCom (Law)R55 268
​BCom (Industrial Psychology)R49 245​
​BCom (Mathematical Sciences)R49 953​
BAccR49 304
BAccLLBR58 094
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)R61 897
BSc in Physiotherapy R51 633
BSc in DieteticsR51 878
Bachelor of Occupational TherapyR53 523
B achelor in Speech-Language and
Hearing Therapy 
R48 513
​​Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery​R46 745
MB ChB IR68 657
MB ChB IIR68 857
MB ChB IIIR68 657
MB ChB IVR59 711
MB ChB VR84 202
MB ChB VIR65 360

Click here for a PDF document with estimated study fees for 2026
 

 


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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
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📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
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  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
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    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.