Study Abroad in Stellenbosch: Living Abroad

University life is interwoven with the atmosphere of the town. The people of Stellenbosch show a friendly regard for students. Beyond what the town and area offer, this active campus has more than 40 cultural, sporting, religious and political clubs and societies. Students edit and publish newspapers and magazines and run a University radio station.

The student center, affectionately known as The Neelsie, is the hub of student life with a food court, sit-down restaurants, coffee shops, a pub, two cinemas, a dance area, a post office, banks, a fax and photocopy center, a bookshop and stores.

Study Permit —Very Important!

Students must apply to the South African consulate for a study permit. Consulates are located in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Volunteering

Many students undertake volunteer work with children in the township of Kayamandi, a predominantly black township with a population of 20,000. This project was started 10 years ago by the international students of Stellenbosch University under the supervision of the International Office. Volunteer opportunities include::

  1. English tutoring and teachers' assistants
    • Provide the students with an extracurricular opportunity to use and develop their abilities through additional English activities and relevant projects.
    • Help create an educational environment conducive to various teaching methods and styles for the benefit of the students.
    • Provide additional material support so as to improve the educational tools available for the students' development as well as give the opportunity for educational excursions and relevant field trips.
    • Work in cooperation with school staff in addressing the relevant issues facing the school and community.
    • Assist the pre-primary school by providing assistance to teachers, creating a lower student to teacher ratio to give the children personal attention and address their individual needs.
  2. Volunteers plan and implement arts and crafts activities with the help of a primary school teacher
    • Encourage the creative development of students through various artistic activities.
    • Provide basic material support so as to improve the educational tools available for the students' development.
    • Provide the students with an extracurricular opportunity to use and develop their artistic abilities through additional activities and experiences.
    • Work with the school in creating more opportunities for students to pursue artistic avenues.
  3. Volunteers arrange athletic activities and sports training sessions
    • Promote extra-curricular activities for the athletic development of the students.
    • Provide additional material support so as to improve upon the athletic tools available for the students' development.
    • Work in cooperation with school staff and coaches in developing structured athletic opportunities for primary school students

Funds for Services on Campus

In spring semester 2012, Stellenbosch University will provide all International students with funds up to R2250 per person to offset part of the cost of Services on campus.

    Students can choose to bill part of their services to this fund from the following list:
  • Student Card (compulsory)
  • Laboratory Fees (if applicable)
  • Material Fees (if applicable)
  • Network Registration Fee
  • Student Societies and Sport clubs
  • Stellenbosch University Gymnasium
  • Internet usage
  • Laundry usage
  • Printing
  • Photocopying

The amount is NON REFUNDABLE. Students who exceed this amount will have to pay money into their Stellenbosch University account at the end of the semester.