English language proficiency requirement​

A good verbal and written command o​f the English language is required for students to successfully complete their education. 

Undergraduate students

Students planning to do undergraduate studies at Stellenbosch University (SU), must have an excellent command of writing, reading comprehension, listening and speaking. Completion of the Pre-academic level IEP course does NOT guarantee acceptance into any faculty or department at SU.

Contact: ​​suiundergrads@sun.ac.za​ for more information. 

Postgraduate studies

International students are strongly advised to contact the respective faculties and/or departments at SU to enquire about additional application criteria such as the submission of either TOEFL or IELTS score or the required pass percentage of the IEP Pre-academic level.

Table: The English language requirements for admission to Stellenbosch University postgraduate degree programmes.

English Language Requirements

 

CEF Level

Cambridge ESOL

IELTS Band

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL CBT

BULATS

PTE General

PTE Academic

Maximum

Possible score

     

9

120

300

100

 

No language tuition required

C2 Proficient

CPE

8 – 9

96 - 110

243 - 270

90 - 100

Level 5

85+

Support Language tuition may be required

*(EAP)

C1

CAE

6.5 - 7.5

79 – 95

213- 240

75 - 89

Level 4

76 - 84

Language Tuition is required
**(IEP)

C1

FCE / CAE

Lower than 6.5

Lower than 79

Lower than 213

Lower than 75

Lower than level 4

Lower than 76


The minimum English language proficiency requirements for acceptance to University courses are:

  • 6.5 IELTS band (minimum 6 at all bands)
  • 550 TOEFL paper based / 79 TOEFL iBT / 213 TOEFL CBT

Language Assistance

The Stellenbosch University Language Centre is a vibrant hub for students, staff and clients who require language and communication assistance. The Centre brings together experts in the field of language acquisition, translation, editing, interpreting, corporate communication, research and document design.

Visit www.sun.ac.za/languagecentre to find out how they can help you.

Language proficiency test

If you are unsure of your level, a language proficiency test can be taken at the Language Centre. The proficiency test is recommended to the following students

  •  those who have an IELTS score of LESS than 6.5.
  • those who are unable to submit IELTS or TOEFL result dated within two years prior to application.
  • those referred by the Stellenbosch University International (SUI) and Postgraduate Office and/or Academic Departments. The SUI, Postgraduate Office and/or Academic Departments reserve the right to refer a student for language testing at the Language Centre if there is any doubt about their English language proficiency.

*English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is recommended to students with an IELTS score of 6.5 – 7.5 to be taken concurrently with postgraduate studies.

**Intensive English Programme (IEP) is available for students with an IELTS score lower than 6.5. ​