Botany & Zoology
Welkom by Universiteit Stellenbosch

Honours guide for prospective students

​​​​Application and Selection
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Deadline: 31 October​

All applications must be submitted through the Faculty of Science / Stellenbosch University online application system ( http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/science / www.maties.com ) and a copy of the electronic application must be sent to the Honours Coordinator, Prof. Bruce Anderson (bca @sun.ac.za). Direct any queries to Prof. Bruce Anderson at the email address above.

Selection criteria for B.Sc. Honours in Botany and Zoology: The Department of Botany and Zoology will use the criteria below in making recommendations to the University regarding entrance to the Honours course. All students meeting the criteria listed below will be considered, but given the limited positions in the Honours course (~18-20 per year), places will be offered on a competitive basis.

6.1  US Faculty of Science students:

Faculty of Science: Students, who have obtained a B.Sc. degree in the Faculty of Science after 2001, should have completed a minimum of eight botany or zoology-related undergraduate modules. These modules are by definition all undergraduate modules currently offered by academic staff of the department of Botany and Zoology and also include some life science modules offered by other departments such as Genetics, Entomology, Conservation Ecology, Biochemistry and Microbiology. A mean of 65% in the third year modules is required. The Post-graduate Committee of the department will review all applications.

Faculty of Science (before 2001): Students who have obtained a B.Sc. degree in the Faculty of Science prior to 2001 must have Botany or Zoology as majors, and should have obtained a mean of 65% for 3rd year Botany or Zoology modules.

Students not meeting any of the above criteria can still apply for Honours but may be called for an interview by the Academic Committee of the department, which will then make a recommendation to the Departmental Head. Student may be requested to do additional course-work during the Honours year and/or spread the programme over a two-year period.

6.2  US graduates: Non Science Faculty

Students who obtained a first degree in faculties other than the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University can apply to do Honours in Botany or Zoology, but acceptance will be subject to the University requirements. These applications will be reviewed by the Post-graduate Committee of the department which will then make a recommendation to the Head of the department and the Science Faculty. The committee will be flexible in its approach but generally a mean of 65% in the third year subjects are required. In instances where the mark is less than 65% or the committee feels that the student does not have the necessary theoretical background, the committee may request that the student fo additional course work during the Honours year and/or to take the course over a two-year period.

6.3  Students from other South African Universities ​

Students who obtained a first degree at other South African Universities can apply to do Honours in Botany or Zoology, but acceptance will be subject to the University requirements.  These application forms will be reviewed by the Post-graduate Committee of the department which will make a recommendation to Academic Committee. The committee will be flexible in its approach but generally a mean of 65% in the third year is required. In instances where the mark is less than 65% or the committee feels that the student does not have the necessary theoretical background, the committee may request that the student fo additional course work during the Honours year and/or to take the course over a two-year period.

6.4 International Graduates (including rest of Africa):

All Foreign students are advised to contact the Postgraduate office of the University for information on application, visa requirements, accommodation etc.

Apart from the academic requirements for admission to degree programmes, international students have to provide official documentary evidence of their competence in English.

To Apply:>>> Prospective Postgraduate Student website or Prof. Bruce Anderson (bca@sun.ac.za)