Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
SU a top destination for international students
Author: Amanda Tongha
Published: 17/01/2017

Stellenbosch University's (SU) reputation as a world-class institution, the opportunity to meet new people and experiencing a different culture are some of the reasons why international students choose to study at SU. About 400 new international students from countries such Germany, Egypt, France, Zimbabwe, Australia and the United States of America enrolled for study at SU this semester, registering for short-term and full degree studies.

The new cohort started the 2017 academic year by attending a Welcome and Orientation programme hosted by Stellenbosch University International (SU International) from 17 to 19 January. They were welcomed to the university by Prof Hester Klopper, Vice-Rector: Strategic Initiatives and Internationalisation, who gave them information about the university, town and country.

Highlighting SU's academic and research achievements, Prof Klopper told students, the university is placed among the top academic institutions in the world. "We are delivering world-class teaching and research at Stellenbosch University and are recognised throughout the continent and the world." She encouraged students to immerse themselves into life at SU, connecting with fellow Matie students and people of the town. "Embrace what the town and city at large has to offer. Mingle and integrate," she added, telling them the university looks forward to host them during their stay in South Africa.  

US student Mackenzie Hennessee, a first-time visitor to the country is one of the hundreds students attending the orientation programme.  The University of Tennessee student says she is thrilled to spend six months in Stellenbosch and looks forward to interact with people from different walks of life. Maximillian Seidel, a master's student from Bauhaus-Universität Weimar in Germany says Stellenbosch University needs no introduction in his country and is a preferred destination for studies in South Africa. His plans for the semester include travelling to Kruger National Park and Lesotho. Junling Hou, a postgraduate student from Renmin University in China says she hopes to gain valuable research experience for her degree in history.

Itumeleng Moerane, a master's student from Lesotho, says she is pleasantly surprised to see how scenic and spacious Stellenbosch is. "The one thing that stands out is how nice the people are." She says she looks forward to living on campus, engaging herself in student life and expanding her social networks. 

  • Stellenbosch University has more than 4000 international students, representing 122 nationalities. Of these 57.8% are from the continent and 42.2% from outside Africa
Photo: Hennie Rudman